Dementia care should never be one-size-fits-all.
The Kensington Sierra Madre offers specialized memory care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, including frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Our care is backed by Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care (PAC).
The Positive Approach to Care focuses on individuals rather than their dementia, helping them to achieve their highest quality of life based on their unique care needs.
Read on to learn more about frontotemporal dementia, and how our community uses the Positive Approach to Care to address the specific needs of our residents.
What are the symptoms of frontotemporal dementia?
Frontotemporal dementia occurs when there is damage to the nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
The nerve damage is caused by abnormal proteins that build up in the two lobes and cause them to shrink.
The frontal and temporal lobes of the brain each control specific functions, and damage to the lobes results in symptoms that worsen over time.
Depending on the affected areas, symptoms can vary. That’s why experts have divided frontotemporal dementia into the following types:
- Behavior variant: Affects personality and behavior
- Primary progressive aphasia (PPA): Affects language and communication, including speaking, writing, and comprehension
- Movement disorders: A rare form of FTD that results in similar symptoms to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Parkinson’s disease
Symptoms of frontotemporal dementia include:
- Significant behavior or personality changes, including socially inappropriate behaviors
- Issues with judgment and planning
- Issues with communication, including difficulty speaking, putting together sentences, or understanding what others mean
- Lack of empathy
- Lack of self-awareness
- Easily distracted or agitated
To effectively care for someone with frontotemporal dementia, caregivers should have an understanding of the disorder and how it manifests.
It can be difficult for families to witness the behavior and personality changes in a loved one. It’s important to understand that the behaviors are a result of the disorder, not the person.
Because frontotemporal dementia is progressive, it’s helpful to have a care plan in place for your loved one as their needs change over time.
The Kensington Sierra Madre is fully equipped and prepared to care for those with frontotemporal dementia using the Positive Approach to Care.
What is the Positive Approach to Care method?
The Positive Approach to Care was developed by dementia care specialist Teepa Snow.
Her team provides dementia training and resources around the world so that everyone can understand why the changes are happening, and how caregivers can support those living with brain change in a more positive and respectful way.
The Kensington Sierra Madre is the first PAC-Designated senior living community in California.
PAC helps our community see the person living with dementia, and not just dementia. As a result, everyone involved is better equipped to understand the changes that are occurring and respond in a more helpful and meaningful way.
We are proud to be a PAC-Designated community and use these practices to provide excellent memory care to our residents and help family members navigate the changes they are witnessing in their loved ones.
How does the Positive Approach to Care help those with frontotemporal dementia?
As Teepa Snow says, “Dementia doesn’t rob someone of their dignity; it is our reaction to them that does.”
The Positive Approach to Care provides specific training on brain changes, symptoms, and behaviors associated with dementia.
This specific training helps caregivers support those with dementia more purposefully and effectively by taking their unique needs into account.
The skills involved in the PAC method are practical, common-sense skills that help care workers or families connect with anyone living with brain change. Understanding these skills helps us to build trust and relationships for care.
Caregivers of those with frontotemporal dementia must be aware of the range of symptoms, including those associated with the different types of FTD.
It’s imperative to remember that the person cannot control these symptoms, so it’s up to those caring for them to learn to successfully navigate challenging scenarios with compassion and respect. The Positive Approach to Care helps caregivers achieve just that.
The Kensington Sierra Madre provides specialized dementia care backed by the Positive Approach to Care method
The Kensington Sierra Madre Promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
We Promise to be there for your loved one and your family as all parties navigate the challenges involved in dementia care because we understand that dementia is life-changing for all those involved.
In addition to our knowledge and understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia, our PAC training and person-centered approach means that we seek ways to capitalize on each individual’s strengths, talents, and preferences.
We help residents and their families find ways to enjoy the beauty even in simple moments, and we seek to honor the past, savor the present, and look forward to the moments of peace and comfort to come.
We offer the following services to those in our community:
- Two customized memory care neighborhoods, Connections and Haven
- Full calendar of life enrichment activities
- Nutritious, gourmet dining that accommodates special needs and preferences
- Licensed nurses onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Medication administration
- PAC trained staff
- Rehabilitation services
Caregivers are encouraged to check out our blog page, our upcoming events calendar, and our Kensington Konnect hub.
Reach out to our community today to witness Our Promise in action.
You can also check out our suites and floor plans or take a virtual tour of our beautiful community. We look forward to connecting with you!