When it comes to senior care, especially for someone living with a form of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, finding the right place with trusted and highly-trained caregivers can be a challenge. While there are many senior care facilities in the area, choosing the best option can be a daunting task for families.
Teresa Hamlett, director of sales and marketing for Harmony at West Ashley, said that staff is a very important element to consider.
“Between all of us at Harmony, we have over 150 years of experience,” she said. “In our memory care neighborhood, we have 29 apartments, with all but two occupied. It’s truly a wonderful place to live, and it’s very secure, which is important for our residents.”
Alzheimer’s and dementia are becoming an increasingly big part of the health care conversation in America as the population ages and more people develop these cognitive ailments. Hamlett said it’s crucial to understand the disease to be able to work with patients.
“If you don’t understand it, how can you help people who suffer from it,” she explained. “I lost my mom last year to the disease and it’s difficult. It really takes a lot of patience, care and compassion.”
A family owned company, Harmony at West Ashley offers three options – independent living, assisted living and the memory care neighborhood. Harmony uses what it calls the Best Friends™ Approach, a philosophy and practice that helps promote physical, emotional and spiritual well-being through engagement with others. This method, which encourages connections with other residents, family members and staff, plays a tremendous role in how residents make the most of their days.
“We have a ton of activities and really try to keep them engaged,” Hamlett said. “With a full calendar, there are always things for the people who live here to do.”
She explained that the memory care neighborhood has added security and specially trained caregivers to assist with any needs people may have.
“With plenty of planned events, we keep our residents connected, which is really important,” she added.
Hamlett said it is of utmost importance to the staff at Harmony at West Ashley that their residents live life to the fullest in a safe and secure environment.
“Knowing that people live happier, more fulfilled lives when they are recognized and celebrated for the individuals they are, this special place makes sure every resident gets the dedicated attention they deserve,” she concluded.
For information on Harmony at West Ashley, visit www.harmonyseniorservices.com or call 843-410-3829.
By Diane Pauldine
