Page 21 - Christiana Care Focus January 2018

VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION
“Our families tell us they wouldn’t know what do without us,” Groff said. “We become part of their family. We are their respite.”
Each member of the Evergreen Center staff is oriented with
40 hours of dementia-specific training and has a professional passion for serving those with Alzheimer’s. The team also includes a certified therapeutic recreation therapist and three certified dementia practitioners, including Groff, who stay current with trends, ethics, regulations, medications and new developments that pertain to memory disorders. They are able to direct families toward community-based resources and facilitate conversations with neurologists to adjust medications and treatment plans.
The Evergreen Center is also helping to train the next generation of dementia specialists, serving as a clinical site for University of Delaware nursing students and for resident physicians enrolled in the geriatric medicine rotation.
Ina Li, M.D., director of clinical geriatrics for Christiana Care, who provides medical oversight for the Evergreen Center as medical director of the VNA, said the full agenda of activities — art projects, current and historical event discussions, dancing, talking and laughing with friends during lunch — is key to keeping those with Alzheimer’s engaged, stimulated and active.
“Our goal is to help families facing Alzheimer’s disease see that there is still much life to be enjoyed,” said Dr. Li. “By offering ac- cess to the care they need at the right place and in the right time, Evergreen Center truly serves as a wonderful haven for families.”
Fran and Jeff Heinig of Yorklyn have found a “hidden gem” in Christiana Care’s Evergreen Center adult day care program.
Footprints on our hearts
Enrolling her husband in the Evergreen Center gives Mrs. Heinig a few hours for herself each day, and she finds it easier to care for him at home in the evening, she said, thanks to a day of pleasant, stimulating activities.
“Every single staff member is totally involved with the patients,” she said. “I can’t say enough about what the Evergreen staff is able to do.”
As part of its family-centered approach, Evergreen team members take the time each day at drop-off and pick-up to update family caregivers about the day’s events and how their loved one responded. The staff also provides weekly reports, monthly nursing assessments and regularly scheduled care plan meetings to help families monitor progress, identify needs and make necessary adjustments. At monthly support group meetings, caregivers have the chance to share with and learn from others facing similar challenges.
“We are here for our families in any way they need us,” said Program Assistant Kim Bolden-Johnson, CNA, CDP. “We love each person who walks through that door. They leave smiles on our faces and footprints on our hearts.”
Fran Heinig understands why family members may hold out on finding help for Alzheimer’s, trying to do it all on their own. Her advice, though, is for families to explore available resources even before they think they need the help.
“Now is the time to call and see what is available for when you are ready for help,” she said. “As family members going through this for the first time, we are finding our way. There are people at the Evergreen Center to help make this journey a lot easier. I call them angels.” ●
Evergreen Center Activities Director Argenette Harper and Jeff Heinig dance to the sounds of Delaware jazz, blues and folk duo Bruce & Sam. Said musician Sam Nobles, who performs regularly at Evergreen Center and witnesses the participants’ response to the memories evoked by live music: “This place is magical!”
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“We become part of their family. We are their respite.”
Brooke Groff, BSN, RN, CDP