Riverstone Retirement Communities is proud to announce the launch of its Memory Care Enhancement Program, a transformative initiative designed to enrich the quality of life and care for residents living with dementia. Inspired by a recent visit to Denmark, this program reflects our commitment to innovative, compassionate, and evidence-based care.
A key milestone in this project is the completion of Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) training by our regional team and key support staff across all ten active communities. This comprehensive training ensures that all team members are equipped to understand and manage dementia-related behaviors with empathy, compassion, and professionalism. It also aims to ensure a seamless integration of sensory tools and technology to further enhance care delivery. Riverstone is taking it one step further by providing gentle persuasive approach workshops for our family members.
The Memory Care Enhancement Program highlights the benefits of sensory-focused interventions, including the creation of sensory rooms or designated spaces, along with the use of aromatherapy and sound therapy. Sensory rooms provide a calming, controlled environment, designed specifically to reduce agitation, ease anxiety, and promote relaxation. They serve as a vital space for de-escalation and emotional regulation while helping residents reconnect with a sense of safety and comfort.
Sensory-based spaces also integrate items such as weighted blankets and various calming devices to address residents' physical and emotional needs through Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs – fostering moments of peace, connection, and joy.
Aromatherapy, through the use of specific essential oils, has been shown to improve mood, enhance sleep quality, and even stimulate memory recall in those with dementia. Sound therapy, incorporating soothing music or the sounds of nature, can reduce agitation, improve focus, and foster emotional well-being by creating a familiar and comforting atmosphere.
Complementing these elements are interactive programs delivered through projectors and touch-screen applications that stimulate executive functioning, relationship building and activity engagement. We are already witnessing the positive impact of the Happiness Programme (by Social-Ability) on our residents. We encourage you to learn more by visiting the link below:
https://social-ability.co.uk/happiness-programme
We are pleased to see the ongoing progress and difference this program is making in the lives of our residents as it supports more meaningful engagements. Riverstone is fully committed to providing a dementia inclusive environment, focusing on the specific needs of our residents, while encouraging them to thrive and live their best lives.
