When you have quality care but are missing quality of life – add a Memory Engagement Plan specific to your loved one.
Why Memory Engagement?
Research has shown that organized, meaningful activity positively impacts the life of an individual with a dementia diagnosis. Dementia-specific activities offered in a daily and routine manner result in cognitive continuity, increased health, well-being and self-respect.
Effective engagement maintains cognitive plateaus, improves depression and diminishes negative behaviors. Even wandering has been associated with boredom, or lack of purpose.
Memory Engagement = Overall well-being and life satisfaction for both the individual with dementia and the primary caregiver.
The Memory Engagement Plan
While resources can be found for generic activities, a tailored engagement plan focused on the individual’s biography, past and present preferences, diagnosis and stage can prove beneficial to your loved one’s quality of life and overall health. Dr. Cate uses her decades of experience and PhD research to develop individualized plans that maximize engagement for the individual and care giver. Research-based, the ME plan has seven components:
- Cognitive
- Physical
- Musical
- Social
- Purposeful
- Spiritual
- Creative
The ME plan is for both care partners because it really is All About ME, Memory Engagement and Maximizing Energy for the Caregiving Journey.
Memory Engagement Specialists
A ME™ Specialist is a trained and certified recreation professional providing dementia-specific engagement tailored to the individual’s biography, preferences and cognitive stage. The Specialist works closely with the individual, the family and Dr. Cate in defining what Memory Engagement activities are favored while monitoring the effectiveness cognitively and psycho-socially.
First, a ME™ Plan is developed by Dr. Cate using well-validated cognitive assessment tools, biography and preference inventory. This dynamic plan targets the individual’s current stage, preferences and adapts for cognitive changes.
The ME™ Specialist is an independent contractor who works under the tutelage and direction of Dr. Cate who has over 40 years’ experience in memory care and a PhD in Aging Studies from USF.
Each of the Dr. Cate ME™ Specialists is a certified Creating a Thriving Environment provider. CATE™ is a multi-level training and accreditation program focused on the best research-based dementia and mental health strategies. Each Specialist is trained in successful dementia strategies as well as the seven components of Memory Engagement.
Dr. Cate’s ME™ Specialists have the personality, the background and the compassion to provide a thriving environment to your care partner despite a diagnosis. The ME Team includes certified Activities Directors; certified Engagement Therapy Treatment coordinators; Master’s level Educators and PhD’s. We are educated professionals committed to your quality of life with dementia.