At Sycamore Village, we believe that caring for those with advancing memory loss requires a thorough understanding of the individual – what their interests are, what they enjoy and what sort of life they have lived. That’s why special efforts are made to work with families even before a loved one joins our community to develop his or her “life story.”

This collection of insights, interests, experiences and personal memoirs then becomes our staff’s guide to ensuring that we provide a stimulating, sensitive environment that reflects each resident’s unique background, lifestyle and personality. Because we know and understand the unique persons they are, even as their memory fades, we are better able to help residents maintain their individuality, dignity and sense of self-worth.

Knowing our residents and making them feel safe is critical in decreasing behaviors, enhancing communication and providing a feeling of home. Part of our culture has been to adopt the Best Friends approach to care based on David Troxel’s philosophy and endorsed by the Alzheimer’s Association. Prior to any move-in, the family and resident are asked to complete an 80 question life story survey. This Life Story is used on several levels. The most obvious throughout the building are our life story plaques that have highlighted 8 -10 important answers. Example, preferred nicknames, past work experience, hobbies, favorite foods, names of children, etc. These plaques are also decorated with items that are relevant and personal and are used as way finding tools. The information is used by staff for conversation starters as well as things to know and use if a person should suffer from sundowning and need calming. Life story information is incorporated into daily programming as well. Knowing that a resident’s favorite pastime was travel and their favorite destination was to the Bahamas has turned into an entire day of dancing to island music, enjoying a special meal and viewing a photo tour of the beach and ocean of the Bahaman islands.