Lutheran Hillside Village Bethel Place Memory Support
By Alexander Germanis
The end of the year is a time of reflection. Christmas, in particular, tends to be the holiday most aligned with looking to the past, honoring traditions, and building upon longstanding memories.
For some seniors, however, the ability to reflect upon the past and experience the often-bittersweet emotions of nostalgia normally felt during this season can be taken from them. Unlike the spirit of Christmas, dementia only takes without giving anything in return.
At Lutheran Hillside Village’s Bethel Place Assisted Living Memory Support, through the efforts of the staff, family members, and the residents themselves, the goal is to stave off dementia so the residents can continue to live their lives to the fullest.
At the Helm
Just as the greatest ship cannot sail without a competent crew, Lutheran Hillside Village’s Bethel Place can only be of benefit to its residents with experienced and caring hands at the helm.
Manager and RN Supervisor at Bethel Place is Kasey Moore, who started her career in health care working as a certified nursing assistant for 10 years. But it was personal life experience that turned her down her next path.
“When my grandma became ill, I took care of her,” shares Kasey. “My grandma always told me that I would be a great nurse. This pushed me to take my career to the next level.”
Completing nursing school in 2018, Kasey began her journey as a licensed practical nurse at Lutheran Hillside Village.
“In 2023, with the support of Lutheran Hillside, I returned to school and received my RN degree,” continues Kasey. “I chose to work in senior living because I love making a difference in other people’s lives. Working with seniors, you learn something new every day. If it isn’t their amazing stories and experiences, it’s the opportunity and training available, such as becoming a dementia certified trainer.”
Dedicated to dementia care and the future of dementia care, Lutheran Hillside Village emphasizes that all individuals living with dementia deserve to live a life filled with meaning and purpose. “We focus on relationships, individuals’ strengths, and holistic well-being,” Kasey adds. “We acknowledge our residents for who they are and not for their diagnosis. Our staff enjoy what they do, and they love taking care of our residents.”
When and Where
Although it can be one of the most heartbreaking decisions to make, knowing when a loved one needs to live where they can receive fulltime professional memory care is a crucial one. Kasey outlines some of the signs you or a loved one might be experiencing the possible onset of dementia.
“One of the most common warning signs is memory loss that disrupts daily life,” she begins. “For example, forgetting recently learned information or asking the same question repeatedly. A person living with Alzheimer’s disease may experience changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, they may withdraw from hobbies, social activities, or other engagements.”
Losing track of dates, seasons, or even the overall passage of time is another sign. If something is not happening in the here and now, people with Alzheimer’s may have trouble understanding what is occurring at that particular moment.
This translation of time can even extend to their own actions. “Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there,” Kasey adds.
“Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps is another early warning sign,” she continues. “They may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. He or she may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.”
The when is only half of the battle. Knowing where to find the right memory care is just as important. “This is invaluable for the senior, their family, and the community,” says Kasey. “The senior and family must be comfortable with the staff that will be caring for them. There need to be open lines of communication between the community and the family.”
Making Progress
With time, more and more methods are being developed and tested to help seniors fight the onset and progression of dementia. One of the more recent tools to aid the mind has been in use since 2015. Tovertafel, or “magic table” in Dutch, is an interactive system using light projections on a table to create an interactive experience for seniors.
“The games are specifically designed for seniors living with dementia and can be played individually or in a group setting,” says Kasey. “The games promote physical, cognitive, social, and sensory stimulation.”
Tovertafel is far from the only way seniors can find help during their journey. Beside the Wellness Center at Lutheran Hillside Village, seniors can also engage in art therapy, music therapy, and dance therapy, stimulating not only the artistic and creative parts of their brain, but their bodies as well.
Never a One-on-One Battle
Dementia is an enemy that doesn’t fight fair. As there presently is no cure for dementia in any of its forms, the struggle may always feel like a daunting one. But with Bethel Place Memory Support, no one faces the struggle alone.
Family is usually at the core of most people’s memories and, therefore, can be the greatest source of one’s strength. For that reason, family members are encouraged to remain solidly involved in the care of their loved ones. “Family engagement is pivotal in seniors’ overall well-being and quality of life in memory care,” Kasey points out. “By involving family members in the care process, we create a support network that fosters emotional connections, provides comfort, and promotes a sense of belonging for our residents.”
Of course, the training, efforts, and positivity of the Lutheran Hillside Village staff account for a great deal of strength. They address all aspects of the residents’ health and treat them with holistic care.
“Physical health in memory care is a vital role,” says Kasey. “We are blessed to have a wellness staff to provide physical activity to our residents on a daily basis.” These activities include but are not limited to walks, exercise sessions with the staff, and balloon volleyball.
True holistic health is not achieved without addressing the human spirit as well. “Lutheran Hillside Village has a full-time chaplain on staff, and we hold several services throughout the week,” Kasey assures.
To Give and Receive
As we age, the desire for physical gifts diminishes and true joy comes from the moments we share with others. For the staff of Lutheran Hillside Village’s Bethel Place, giving is what they do. To the seniors in their care, they give of their time, their skills, their talents, and most importantly, their love. Such gifts cannot be matched by any store-bought item.
For the residents, the greatest gifts they can receive are not physical in nature. Being given the help, companionship, and tools to fight for their memories are gifts without value. But just as importantly, being shown the dignity they deserve and that their lives still have purpose – those gifts are priceless.
Lutheran Hillside Village is located at 6901 North Galena Road in Peoria, Illinois. If you or a loved one is thinking of considering Lutheran Hillside Village as a new home, please contact us to arrange a tour by calling (309) 692-4600. Or visit us on the web at www.lssliving.org.
