Dunlap Specialty Care earns Seasons Memory Care Certification
Jill Schaben, Dunlap Correspondent
Dunlap Specialty Care earned the Care Initiatives Seasons Memory Care Certification for its specialized care of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
The internally developed and administered Care Initiatives program is based on nationally recognized memory care standards and promotes a consistent, resident-centered approach. Certification required meeting standards in clinical care, education, environment, activities, dietary services and interdisciplinary team collaboration. Staff completed specialized dementia training, implemented standardized care processes, participated in audits and met quality benchmarks.
“As the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia continues to grow, we wanted to ensure we were providing the highest level of specialized care possible,” Administrator Ruth David-Jones said. “Pursuing certification reflects our commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centered memory care close to home.”
The certification involved staff across nursing, social services, dietary, activities, housekeeping, maintenance, therapy and leadership, along with the Memory Care Program Coordinator and support from regional clinical leaders.
Training covered dementia progression, individual needs, communication and meaningful engagement, including tailoring activities, dining and daily interactions to each resident. The process also included dementia-friendly wayfinding, secured walking paths, specialized activities, individualized care plans, safety measures and structured admissions, assessments and care reviews.
Through the facility’s “Head, Hands, and Heart” dementia programming model, residents participate in activities tailored to their abilities and interests, including conversation, walking, sensory experiences, music, crafts and reminiscence. Secured environments and dementia-trained staff provide additional safety.
Staff see residents benefit from social interaction, purposeful activities and relationships tailored to their strengths and interests. Having specialized memory care in Dunlap also allows families to find appropriate care without traveling far.
“Having memory care available locally allows families to access these services without needing to travel long distances,” David-Jones said. “It provides peace of mind knowing their loved one can receive compassionate care close to home while remaining connected to family, friends, and their community.”
Dunlap Specialty Care marked the certification with an open house featuring a ribbon cutting, remarks, staff recognition, tours and refreshments while giving the public an opportunity to learn about its dementia care services.
David-Jones said she hopes attendees gained a better understanding of memory care, which extends beyond safety and physical needs to preserving dignity, purpose, relationships and quality of life.
“Certification is not the finish line,” David-Jones said. Dunlap Specialty Care plans to continue staff training, engagement with families and community partners, and efforts to improve residents’ quality of life. “We are incredibly proud of the dedication our team demonstrated throughout the certification process,” David-Jones said. “Our team embraced additional education, implemented new practices, and worked together to strengthen the care experience for residents and families.”
David-Jones said the accomplishment ultimately comes back to the people the facility serves.
“Most importantly, we're proud of the relationships they build with residents every day and the compassion they bring to their work.”
