Lakeview Ranch for Dementia Care

"Lakeview Ranch Inc. was established in February 1999; in memory of Evelyn Holly for the sole purpose of developing an alternative high quality specialized model of dementia care that focuses on meeting the emotional and spiritual needs of persons with dementia in addition to physical needs. Lakeview Ranch Inc. provides a model of specialized dementia care that meets the needs of persons with dementia that are at high risk of repeated hospitalizations for the common challenging behavior that accompanies most forms of dementia. The Lakeview Ranch model of care that includes high staff ratios of specially trained staff, not only allows us to provide the highest level of quality care while maintaining the dignity and basic human rights of persons with dementia, but also is a significantly more cost effective way to manage this chronic disease in the long term."

standard bedroom

You won't find a tv but you will find a dog and a bird.

I was honored to tour Judy Berry's Lakeview Ranch last summer!  It was so uplifting to find a facility that treated the dementia residents with respect and compassion which was evident in every detail of the building and grounds.  Two small examples:  In the kitchen, any drawers or cabinets that had locks had them mounted on the inside (think child safety hooks).  Judy explained that the residents will see a lock and feel frustrated, but if they pull on a drawer and it doesn't easily open, they will just try a different drawer. 
The residents are allowed to go outside whenever they want!  They take the time to dress residents appropriately for the weather and then stay outside with them until they want to come back inside.

If you have ever seen the inside of a nursing home, especially a memory care area, these are 2 huge steps toward helping residents feel empowered and respected.  It was an amazing day!  I felt like I was witnessing a care facility of the future, and I really hope that I was.

Judy started the Dementia Care Foundation to help raise awareness and funding for forward thinking enterprises such as hers.  What an amazing woman!
www.dementiacarefoundation.org