Supportive Living

LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTIVE LIVING

We make their lives as comfortable and fulfilling as possible

Our homes are built specifically for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, filled with helpful living cues, stimulating activities, safety and security measures, and more to make their lives as comfortable and fulfilling as possible. We call this supportive living, and practice it day in and day out at Dolan.

Dignity is a Core Value at Dolan and the goal of everything that we do.  We believe that medical care, quality staff, and excellent program are crucial, but research has proven that the design of the living environment tremendously helps with people’s well-being and outlook. Our innovative model of home is a key part of our care-model.  One new resident remarked that he always felt like an “outsider” at his previous skilled nursing facility, but felt a part of the community since moving into a home customized for his condition.

Sadly, in comparison with many other fields, designing for people living with dementia does not have a large knowledge base. As innovators in this field, we are happy to share photos of our homes, highlight designs and the rationale behind them, and connect others with the latest research in dementia-specific designs. We advocate for all caregivers and designers to learn about the best practices from our decades of experience and to incorporate these design principles into the structure of their home designs and remodels. People with dementia can maintain their identity and dignity and thrive with the right environment.    

Read more about dementia-related design here.

Social Interaction and Music

Music and music therapy can promote better verbal communication and socialization skills and can also have a positive effect on mood level and reality orientation.

Food Choices and Decision Making

Because eating and drinking are important cultural rituals, the loss of autonomy in what, when, and where to eat may profoundly affect patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Independent Dressing

Dressing is a complicated series of actions which includes clothing selection, undressing, and dressing. Both the caregiver’s and the patient’s response to dressing activities may have an effect on subsequent behaviors and moods during the day.

Supportive Activity and Concentration

Engaging Alzheimer's patients in dignified chores fosters self-esteem, independence, and preserved integrity.

Management of Wandering Behavior

A study at the Corinne Dolan Alzheimer Center showed that negative aggressive behaviors were reduced when patients had an opportunity to wander freely in a protected environment.

Supportive Cues

The physical design of households provides cues to help residents be successful in personal hygiene, appetite, and daily living.

Incontinence

Incontinence is a critical problem for both caregivers and patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Attention Span

Increased confusion has been linked to attention span. This means that sounds, objects, or people that are around patients with Alzheimer’s disease may interrupt the thought processes and affect the ability to concentrate on a task.

Disorientation

Disorientation is a common problem for many people with Alzheimer’s disease. Sometimes familiar objects look different or unfamiliar (visual disorientation), while at other times space appears confusing, which makes navigation from one place to another difficult (spatial disorientation).

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“As long as people have a need, and I can provide a place, I’ll keep doing it.”

-Tim Dolan, Founder

A person residing in a dementia care center near Clayton, MO