Proud to feature the I’m Still Here® approach in our memory care program
When you or your loved one is in need of care for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you want the finest care possible. WCBR is proud to be the region’s only certified Hearthstone Institute I’m Still Here® Center of Excellence and one of only 40 nationwide. I’m Still Here® Center of Excellence.
To achieve this certification each organization must make a commitment to participate in a rigorous training and implementation program developed by the Hearthstone Institute. I’m Still Here® is a philosophy of dementia care based on the belief that every person living with dementia can experience a high quality, dignified life regardless of the severity of their memory loss.
With this exclusive program, we gain a deep understanding of each resident’s personal story, strengths and preferences to create purposeful and uplifting experiences every day.
An uncommonly caring community
WCBR embraces each resident’s individual needs and abilities while delivering holistic care that helps them lead lives of purpose, safety, dignity and renewed happiness. Essential services and amenities include:
- 24-hour staffing
- Private rooms
- Sensor activated wayfinding lighting
- Cozy dining space
- Secure garden
- Day and evening recreational programming
- Art and music therapy
- Live music
- Sitting room with Blue Ridge Mountain views
- Robotic and companion pets
For additional details about our memory care services, use the contact form or call us today at 434-972-2620.
FAQs
Through engagement, the I’m Still Here® approach has been shown to reduce common symptoms associated with dementia such as anxiety, agitation, aggression and apathy – the 4 A’s ™ — while significantly improving quality of life. The skills-based approach utilizes evidence-based methodology to adapt activities to an individual’s cognitive abilities and strengths, thereby increasing self-esteem and independence in participants.
The I’m Still Here® approach represents a profound paradigm shift in dementia care by creating an unprecedented level of true engagement for persons living with memory challenges. Through environmental adaptations, specialized communication techniques, staff training, and life enrichment programs, the approach provides people living with dementia the opportunity to remain creative, actively engaged, and to truly thrive despite the severity of their cognitive challenges.
To achieve this certification each organization must make a commitment to participate in a rigorous training and implementation program developed by the Hearthstone Institute. As part of the program, all associates working in Memory Care and many others across the community took part in a six-month on-site program, which included extensive training in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, communication and life enrichment techniques.
Associates learned how to forge new and deeper relationships with residents, enhancing positive role associations between the two. Associates recognize that engaging residents in meaningful, life-enriching experiences throughout the day results in a thriving community where residents can live to their fullest potential.
Hearthstone will conduct regular site assessments to ensure that the practices and principles imparted in the I’m Still Here® program are maintained at their highest levels.
Dementia refers to the loss of cognitive functions (thinking, reasoning, the ability to remember) that are severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily functioning. This group of symptoms is not a disease but may accompany certain diseases or conditions.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, characterized by loss of function and death of nerve cells in several brain areas, leading to the loss memories.