1. What
is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia (a brain disorder that
seriously affects a person’s ability to carry out daily details),
in which an increasingly severe decline in memory, thinking
and reasoning occurs due to deterioration of brain cells. Early symptoms
include problems remembering new information, asking the same questions
repeatedly, becoming lost in familiar places and becoming disoriented
about time, people, and places. Over time these symptoms progress to
greater disruption in memory, reasoning and judgment until affected
individuals gradually lose the ability to perform customary daily activities
and self-care.
2. Is there a cure?
There currently is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. While
doctors have not yet found a treatment to prevent Alzheimer’s,
researchers worldwide are working on developing drugs that will
slow down the progression
of the disease. There are currently several drugs available that
can slow the progression of the disease, in some cases for periods
as long
as 6 to 18 months. The U.S. Food and Drug and Administration (FDA)
has approved three in a class called cholinesterase inhibitors.
3.
What age group is most at risk of Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s occurs primarily in people who are at least 65
years old and affects nearly half of those aged 85 and older. Increasing
age is the greatest risk factor for late-onset disease. While younger
people also may get Alzheimer’s Disease, it is much less
common.
4. How many beds
are there in the Alzheimer’s/Dementia unit?
Our secure care unit has 39 private beds in a homelike setting
with access to an outdoor courtyard. There are wandering pathways
around
the unit for our residents to follow as well.
5. Are single rooms
available?
Yes, all rooms are private. Residents of The Washington Home enjoy
a quiet, residential neighborhood in Northwest Washington, beautiful
outdoor gardens
and visiting
areas.
Private, brightly lit, spacious rooms are essential to our residents'
quality of life and independence. Each unit has cable TV access
and a phone.
6. Does The Washington Home allow people to bring
furniture from
home?
Each room is equipped with a bed and bedding, a dresser with mirror
and one chair. There is enough space in the room for one additional
chair and bookstand. Residents are encouraged to bring smaller
belongings to personalize their room and make them feel more at
home.
7. Is there a doctor on site?
A full medical team is available at The Washington Home. Our staff
is certified in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care. We also
have:
• Registered clinical dietician on site
• Physical therapy
• Dedicated nurse manager
• Social worker and activity therapist
• Certified gerontological nurse
• Restorative Certified Nursing Assistant (RCNA)
• Compassionate care by dedicated nurses
• Volunteers that include students and current and former family
members
8. Are there special activities planned?
Planned activities enhance a person's sense of dignity by maintaining
their existing physical and mental capabilities, as well
as giving purpose and meaning to their day. It becomes more difficult
to
keep the person's mind and body active as the disease develops.
Their
likes and dislikes may change, requiring the caregiver to
be
observant and
flexible in planning activities.
Each unit at The Washington
Home has a calendar of activities and events that is posted on
the wall each day to ensure
that there
are a
variety of activities provided to suit our resident’s
different interests. Activities include music, games, and
visual arts. Reminiscence,
community service, and therapeutic touch also play important
roles in resident care and support
9. How is
the food?
We take pride in our provided meals at The Washington Home.
Our kitchen is equipped to cater to special diets. We
also have a
registered dietician and nutritionist on staff to help
accommodate our residents
with dietary
needs or restrictions.
Sample Menu:
Breakfast
Apple Juice
Peaches and Cream Oatmeal
Turkey Sausage
Western Scrambled Eggs
Toast
Whole Milk
Lunch
Baked Chicken
BBQ Pork Sandwich
Bread Dressing
Mashed Potatoes
French Cut Green Beans
Italian Blend Vegetables
Pear Halves
Dinner
Baked Lasagna
Tossed Green Salad
Green Beans
Garlic Bread Tuna Salad Sandwich
Vanilla Ice Cream
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