Rice Estate offers a specialized assisted living program for 14 persons with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Reunion Memory Support residents enjoy the same programs and services offered to assisted living residents with the addition of a professional and compassionate staff. Our staff is made up of educated, well-trained caregivers who work to create a comfortable and nurturing environment for residents. The staff participates in a variety of ongoing education programs regarding memory loss illnesses and the latest research findings – these programs help to develop innovative care practices.
Specialized Care
Persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, their family and caregivers, face an array of challenges. Strong evidence indicates that early intervention and specialized care help persons with memory concerns to live more enjoyably and comfortably.
Since 1999, the Rice Estate has provided a specialized assisted living memory support program for persons with dementia. Our care philosophy cherishes each resident’s unique past and life story while embracing present strengths and abilities. Rice Estate’s care approaches focus on enhancing individual capabilities to encourage independence, self-confidence and joy in living.
Come visit us. Meet our residents and staff to learn more about Rice Estate’s Reunion Memory Support program. Call 803-691-5720.
The Comfort of Home
From our experience we know that physical environments can help reduce feelings of anxiety and confusion for persons with dementia. Our program neighborhood is intentionally designed as an intimate family living setting shared by 14 residents.
Residents are encouraged to add their own special touches with familiar personal decor in their private suites. Common area design incorporates functional wall art, soothing colors, minimum noise and guided wandering. Comfortable sitting areas and a family room offer plenty of places to relax and visit. Exit doors are monitored for safety and security. Basic utilities, meals, linen, personal laundry and housekeeping services are provided to maintain the comforts and convenience of home.
The Comfort of Certified Care Providers
Lutheran Homes of South Carolina’s and Rice Estate’s commitment to caring for people with Alzheimer’s includes providing education and training to allow staff to be prepared, demonstrate knowledge, and feel confident in their care of people with Alzheimer’s and related memory concerns.
Rice Estate’s reputation as a dementia care leader starts with our care specialists. Our Reunion Memory Support Coordinator, licensed nurses, caregivers and all other staff working in our special programs participate in ongoing education programs about Alzheimer’s and other dementias, the latest research findings and innovative care practices. Our commitment to residents, families, and staff is strengthened by our standard for staff to participate in HealthCare Interactive® CARES® online dementia care training programs and the Alzheimer’s Association® essentiALZ™ Certification program.
The comprehensive dementia training consists of a 10-hour, 10-module education program that provides caregivers with a person-centered, easy-to-remember approach to care for any person in any situation and at any level of dementia thinking decline.
The comprehensive training and certification program includes:
1. Alzheimer’s and Dementia
2. Understanding Behavior
3. Communication
4. Person-centered Care
5. Making a Connection
6. Eating Well
7. Recognizing Pain
8. Minimizing Falls
9. Rethinking Wandering
10. Minimizing Restraints
The CARES® approach is an easy-to-remember person-centered method to care for any person in any living situation and at any level of dementia thinking decline. The letters in CARES® stand for: Connect with the Person, Assess Behavior, Respond Appropriately, Evaluate What Works, and Share with Others.
Learn more about the CARES® training and essentiALZ™ certification: http://www.riceestate.org/cares-and-essentialz-lutheran-homes-of-south-carolinas-commitment-to-caring/
The Comfort of Care
Determined by individual strengths, personal care may include assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating and medication management. Dementia-friendly care techniques include verbal cueing, behavioral intervention and redirection.
Families are encouraged to attend support groups and education classes and take advantage of our Short-Term Stay Programs. As care needs change Rice residents have priority access to transition to other care programs on campus.
Comfort Food
In between life enrichment activities, meals anchor the day to nourish the body and feed the soul. Nutritious and tasty home-cooked meals are served in a common dining area to stimulate friendly, family-style conversations. Cooking and baking activities, finger style foods, refreshments, and enticing aromas stimulate appetites to prevent weight loss. We invite families to share their comfort food recipes for all to enjoy.
Comfortable at Home
We realize that a home is much more than just a place to live. It is the people who live within and the relationships shared together that truly create the sense of being at home. We achieve this sense of home when each person in our care feels comfortable, at ease in our presence and valued as a person.
Daily Activities Provide Structure and Comfort
We’ve learned that routine and personal preferences build comfort. Our BeWellSM Life Enrichment program offers opportunities to re-engage with favorite pastimes and encourages trying new activities. Activities are scheduled seven days a week and may include:
- Physical fitness through exercise, dancing, walking and active games
- Music, sing-a-longs, rhythm bands and relaxation sounds
- Life skills related to prior household roles and work tasks
- Courtyard gardening and nature watching
- Arts and crafts to rekindle creativity and handiwork
- Cognitive games and reminiscing for life review
- Holiday and special occasion celebrations
- Outings, pet visits and intergenerational activities
- Spiritual renewal through hymns, clergy visits and traditional services
- Family gatherings, parties, entertainment and holiday festivities
