What is the "Joined in Care" Dementia Program?

"Joined in Care" is a personalized program of care to treat individuals with advanced dementia. The program is designed to provide an environment that fosters spiritual, emotional, and physical comfort based on the unique needs and life history of an individual with advanced dementia.

Dementia

Dementia is a progressive illness that presents a wide range of challenging issues for patients and their families.  Caring for a loved one with advanced dementia is too much for one person to handle alone. Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island can help.  Our team of professionals understands and recognizes the special needs of people with advanced dementia and the needs of their caregivers.  We are here to help, to support and to comfort you on this journey.

Since each individual is affected in different ways, different kinds of support are needed.  HHCRI's "Joined in Care" dementia program is personalized for each patient and their family.  Its components are rooted in comfort, compassion, respect, a commitment to quality, and care that is centered on patient and family needs.

Patient-Centered Care

As the disease progresses, memory loss, for many, becomes the most difficult aspect of dementia.  "Joined in Care" provides affirming and comforting tools and activities for family members to help rekindle memories and recollections of their loved one's past.

  • Storyboards that reflect the patient's life story and provide a reference point for families and visitors.
  • Pet therapy to awaken memories, alleviate stress and impart happiness
  • Clinical care from expert physicians, nurses, social workers and hospice aides to ease symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life
  • Chaplains to nurture the human spirit through prayer, meditation, reflection and music
  • Vigils to support family members and offer companionship to patients in their last days
  • Therapies that provide sensory stimulation to help remind patients of their life:
    • Music to promote comfort and memories
    • Aromatherapy (scent) & Hand Massage to calm nerves and alleviate stress
    • Tactile (touch) stimulation to provide activity and focus

Family-Centered Support

Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island understands the heavy responsibility that caregivers bear as they care for their loved ones.  It is not uncommon for caregivers to experience fatigue, anger, depression, and anxiety.  "Joined in Care" team members can help you:

  • Social workers offer strategies and tips for dementia caregiving and assist with advanced dementia decision making
  • Grief counselors assist you in coping with a progressinve loss and the grieving process
  • Volunteers give family members a break by staying with the patient while they take care of themselves or tend to errands
  • Chaplains help with self-care and restoration

For more information call our Referral Center/Admissions Department at 401-782-0725.