Personalized, Resident-Centered Care
No two residents with memory impairment experience the same challenges, needs or symptoms. “NEW DIRECTIONS”® is a personalized, individualized, and resident-centered program. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is dynamic and able to change as our residents' need change. Each person receives the ideal level of support he or she needs to live as independently as possible.
It all begins with the resident’s life story
Every relationship we have with a resident at North Woods Village of Kalamazoo begins with his or her life story. Quite simply, we get to know our residents. We talk with families, ask questions and learn about each individual's life. Most importantly, we listen. We learn about the family, the resident's profession, passions, interests. What they loved to do, what inspired them, fulfilled them and made them happy. We carry that information in our heads and in our hearts, and that knowledge shapes everything we do for that resident.
Knowing such personal information, we are able to tailor our engaging programming to each person’s individual tastes, interests and abilities. As a result, our residents now participate in favorite hobbies, pastimes and other pursuits that are not only pleasurable, but also provide them with fulfillment, self-confidence and pride.
As an example, if one of our residents loved to cook, we will develop and implement cooking activities. If another individual enjoyed bird watching, we will offer a bird watching activity. Again, these specialized programs will be designed to promote success, emphasizing each individual's strengths and abilities and fostering a sense of accomplishment.