We often think of dementia as one disease, but it has a unique progression depending on the individual. For this reason, families need to consider their loved one’s personality and individual cognitive needs when seeking a memory care community. At The Legacy at Liberty Ridge, employees are trained to not only provide clinical care, but the emotional connection and support of a best friend.
Known as the BFF Program, this approach to Alzheimer’s and dementia care focuses on learning the unique history of every resident. By doing so, staff members can use what they learn to build trust, foster friendships, and create meaningful experiences for those they serve.
The BFF Program is inspired by the The Best Friends™ Approach to Dementia Care. Developed by Virginia Bell and David Troxel, the Best Friends™ Approach is based on the belief that what every person with dementia needs is a friend, a best friend. Best friends empathize with their situation, remain loving and positive, and are dedicated to helping them feel safe, secure and valued.
Caregivers at The Legacy at Liberty Ridge complete 12 months of BFF Program training. Each month addresses a different topic, ranging from how to create an enjoyable dining experience to how to address challenging behaviors, create purposeful activities and more.
“Every resident comes to us with a unique story. It’s our job to discover that story, and to use what we learn to fill their days with joy,” says Ross Homan, Legacy executive director. “It’s amazing to see a resident light up when we play their favorite song, or when we ask them about their favorite childhood pet. The BFF Program is truly a difference maker.”
When a new resident moves in, Legacy staff collects their life story through conversations with them and their families. This allows staff to understand their interests and experiences, from military service during wartime to whether a resident grew up in New Orleans and likes hot sauce with her meals.
Activities at The Legacy at Liberty Ridge are offered based on Trilogy Health Services’ “Daily Rhythms” program. As their energy levels change throughout the day, residents are offered customized activities that perfectly suit how they are feeling in the moment.
“There are structured activities that lead into unstructured activities,” Homan continues. “It’s important for us to remain flexible and to respond to our residents’ needs as they change.”
“Daily Rhythms” allows residents to have greater agency in what their days look like and how they are structured. Not every moment, however, has to be busy. There are opportunities over the course of each week to practice mindful meditation, to participate in devotions, and to have time to relax and recharge.
The Legacy at Liberty Ridge also offers Adult Day and Respite services, which allow seniors who may not live at the campus full-time the opportunity to enjoy compassionate care and support for a few hours or even a few days. This also provides their caregivers time to run errands, take a vacation, or simply dedicate some time to themselves.
The Legacy at Liberty Ridge is so much more than a memory care community; it’s a place where those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia can find peace, joy and fulfillment, both in memories that have passed and in present experiences.
The Legacy at Liberty Ridge is located at 7200 Heritagespring Drive, West Chester, OH 45069. For more information, call 513.342.8889 or visit
www.legacyatlibertyridge.com.