CALA News & Views | Issue 53 | CALA at 30

What opportunities and challenges do you see for Assisted Living providers regarding implementation of the recent dementia care and miscellaneous regulations, whether they provide Memory Care exclusively or do not accept or retain residents with a dementia diagnosis or major Neurocognitive Disorder (major NCD)? Todd: As licensed care providers we need to be able to successfully and consistently care for those with dementia from early diagnosis through end of life. We are the only option for compassionate and appropriate care outside of the family home. We have the right environments, well trained staff and access to medical support to care for those with memory loss and aging related care needs. Nancy: The opportunity to support a resident in the least restrictive environment and not based on a diagnosis is a new milestone to celebrate but with ongoing support and increased monitoring. This is important to ensure the best possible outcome for a high quality of daily living while providing safety and accountability for the best fit possible for each individual resident. The challenge will remain to support each resident with NCD with enrichment and engagement that meets the specified regulations to support each resident in a person centered approach to lifestyle and well-being. What do you envision caring for residents with dementia or major NCD in Assisted Living will look like 30 years from now? Todd: I’m hoping that humans are still at the forefront of providing direct, hands-on, personalized care to seniors who need a compassionate, caring, human touch. Nancy: My hope is an inclusive approach for residents within an environment designed to support any diagnoses in one community through modifications in supportive technology and care to improve overall access and provide a home and community that is individualized and purposeful for everyone who resides there. g Todd Shetter is a CALA board member and chief operating officer for ActivCare Living , which specializes in residential memory care for residents living with dementia, with six locations in California. Nancy Schier Anzelmo is a gerontologist and principal with Alzheimer's Care Associates LLC and also a CALA board member.

Nancy: I was hired to create a Memory Care outreach plan for Health Care Group, which had three out of the six secured communities in the pilot project conducted by the state that showed the need for a Memory Care delayed egress environment. In 1995, when SB 732 was put into statute in California, it was an entirely new model of care then that only existed in one other state in the U.S. How has caring for residents living with dementia in Assisted Living evolved over the years? Todd: We have all progressed and learned so much more about approach, communication and successful ways to care for those with dementia. There also has been so much advancement on the diagnostic side of the disease. We are seeing so many other forms of dementia, other than just Alzheimer’s. Nancy: The opportunity for person-centered programs to support the residents in a memory support environment has become the standard for daily programs that will engage residents, provide meaningful events and interesting activities to support them in a purposeful environment. And, additionally, providing support to family members.

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