Editor’s note: Rittenhouse Village at Portage is taking all necessary precautions to safely support and care for residents during this time. We at GreatNews.Life applauds the fact that while they may have temporarily adapted programs described below to incorporate social distancing, staff there continue to engage with residents to keep them safe, healthy, and happy.
To many, nothing is more important in life than family. This concept is well reflected in the Rittenhouse Village at Portage SHINE program, which is specially designed to help those with dementia illnesses live their best lives.
SHINE stands for Stimulation, Hunting for Information, Inner Comfort, Notice Me, and Environment. It is a way of caring adopted by all staff at Rittenhouse Village at Portage – clinical or otherwise - to provide personal care for each resident in memory care. The program addresses many different aspects of everyday life such as stress relief, meal plans, and sleeping habits, incorporating unique techniques that meet individuals at whatever part of the memory care journey they are facing.
“This program is one of a kind,” said Angel Ripley, memory care director at Portage Rittenhouse at Village. “We want every resident to be happy and comfortable while they are here. So far, we are seeing a lot of success from the program.”
SHINE takes into consideration the many unique aspects of a person’s personality. When new residents move in, they complete a resident profile to help staff learn more about who they are and the kind of care they need. Then, they can plan a stimulating schedule of programming that includes group or individual activities, family time, games, entertainment, and more - all depending on the individual.
“Every individual is different, and we want to help them any way we can,” Ripley said. “It means a lot to them that we take the time to get to know what is most meaningful to them.”
The activities help residents feel encouraged to thrive and live with purpose in all of their challenges. Music therapy is a popular activity, incorporating jukeboxes that residents can use whenever they would like to enjoy their favorite tunes.
“Families are encouraged to help out and participate in our life enrichment activities,” Ripley said.“We are a family-oriented company, there is nothing more important than that in our eyes.”
According to Ripley, residents who have been marked with high stress and anxiety have already shown reduced stress, making their days brighter and better.
Each staff member at Rittenhouse Village at Portage is well trained in providing the type of care outlined in the SHINE program. Each employee completes an orientation where they spend six hours on each aspect of the SHINE program, with tests afterward.
“We like to do monthly check-ins with all of our residents to make sure they are happy,” Ripley said. “We encourage the residents to help develop new ideas with us to help ensure that SHINE continues to be helpful.”
To learn more about the Rittenhouse Village at Portage and the SHINE program, click here.