Our Approach

Pursue fulfilment

Dementia is one of many possible life experiences. It changes the way a person relates to the world and to others, but it does not change their fundamental needs for security, autonomy, identity, connectedness, growth, meaning, and joy. 

Meeting residents’ health care needs is our most basic job. The ultimate goal in our community isfulfilment.

Focus on strengths

A strengths-based practice focuses on amplifying the well parts of the person. 

Many of our residents have been leaders and high achievers. In their work lives, they ran companies. They made ground-breaking discoveries. They pushed the boundaries of art and culture. In their family lives, they took decisions and governed households. They founded charitable organizations and volunteered in their communities and raised kind people.

When a person has done so much, it is hard not to focus on what has been lost to dementia. This can be one of the most difficult reconciliations for family members. But there is so much that remains. And much that continues to grow even as some abilities begin to decline. The capacity to learn remains. The capacity to feel joy and love remains. As does the capacity to give. 

We are abilities-focused, always.

Gather the right team

It takes a broad range of professionals to respond to such a wide variety of personalities and needs. That’s why we work so hard to articulate and share our vision. It means we attract highly qualified, highly experienced, purpose-driven staff, partners, and volunteers. 

The majority of our specialists have Masters level training in their field, whether that is music, art, environmental design, rehabilitation, or social work. Their expertise complements that of our registered nurses, consulting physicians, and Nurse Practitioner.

Every member of our team knows this is a place they can practice their craft with high fidelity. We make sure they have the resources and autonomy to do so. We also induct them into the Sagecare approach. Staff participate in regular workshops as well as weekly case conferences, allowing us to share insights, look at problems from new perspectives, and continuously innovate on behalf of our residents.

Create the right space

A well-prepared environment can be transformative. It can empower elders. Often it means they can continue with activities of daily living for much longer than they might have otherwise. It can also awaken interests and re-engage them in activities that fill them with a sense of purpose.

Our environments are designed to feel like home. They encourage freedom of movement, choice, social interaction, and they ease cognitive burden. They are secure without being restrictive. They are simple without being sparse. The physical layout of our space, with its abundant natural light and open concept, was designed to enable all aspects of our approach to care.

There should be nothing present that adds to a resident’s confusion. This affects everything from our selection of colours and materials to the scale and purpose of each room. It is the reason we plan sight lines so carefully, making sure there is enough to stimulate the senses without cluttering the space. It also affects how we present choices to our residents: rather than asking open-ended questions, for example, decisions are often prompted using binary sets of options. 

Anything we can prepare ahead, we do.

Create opportunities

Perhaps our most important job is to create opportunities for elders to live their moments as they have lived their lives. 

Fulfilment may mean active participation in the community. It may mean continuing cultural traditions. It may mean finding peace in one’s relationships. It may be very spiritual. It may be all these things and more. Or it may mean simply appreciating that which is beautiful in any given moment—a painting, a song, a warm cup of tea on a cold day.

Bridges must be built from consensus reality to the reality an elder is experiencing. 

It is customary for our residents to meet in the living room each morning. Many will then choose to participate in scheduled activities, like music, art, dance therapy, book clubs, discussion groups, gardening, spa visits, or gentle exercise. Others will quietly observe. Some will take rest or work one-on-one with therapists or caregivers. 

Simply being with people who understand—an enlightened social circle—can fortify a resident’s sense of identity and connectedness when cognitive pathways are shifting. The rhythm of routine can be comforting. It is our job to ensure structures and resources are in place to allow a process to unfold each day that takes the time it takes.

Be adaptable

A former teacher may enjoy leading activities or giving advice. A former executive may appreciate being consulted on community decisions. A former composer may respond to music therapy.  Or they may not. Engagement in past roles and interests can also stir up sorrow. It depends on the person and, sometimes, on the moment. 

With dementia, the situation is constantly changing.

So, every decision we take calls for insight and reflection. How is it likely to be experienced by the resident? What associations might it trigger for them? How did they relate to this type of person or place or activity in past? Do the potential benefits outweigh the risks?

Only by remaining curious, open, observant and reflective can we hope to keep up with the evolving realities of the elders we serve.