Brick-based Marquis Health Consulting Services recently announced that it expanded its branded health care suite with Journeys Memory Care, a person-centered, comprehensive memory care neighborhood model.
Designed by memory care experts, the program — featuring a standardized approach to care delivery, practice and management — has been immediately adopted by 18 Marquis-supported skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities.
All Journeys Memory Care neighborhoods must meet the new care model’s rigorous set of standards and criteria. This includes benchmarks for the physical plant, evidence-based care delivery, caregiver experience and education, stage-specific life enrichment programming and dining, among others.
“The Journeys Memory Care model enables our client skilled nursing centers and assisted living communities to take their secure memory care neighborhoods to the next level, further advancing their regional leadership in caring for individuals with dementia diagnoses,” Marquis’ Jennifer Hertzog, vice president of marketing and business development, mid-Atlantic, said.
The Journeys model supports residents’ physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs, enabling them to maintain the highest level of function and independence in a safe and secure environment. A dedicated team is trained and educated to communicate through validation, showing understanding, compassion and support as they join residents through the journey of each day.
“Marquis went back to the basics in the development of the Journeys model, focusing on how best to communicate, engage and care for those with Alzheimer’s or related dementia,” Marquis’ Jean Krautzel, director of memory care, mid-Atlantic, said. “This is not about fluff. It’s a whole-team approach to help meet residents where they are, creating more meaningful moments for both them and their loved ones.”
Modern and bright, Journeys neighborhoods offer a comfortable, home-like feel with dementia-friendly décor. The secure environments feature separate living, dining and recreation space.
Memory care residents benefit from psychology and psychiatry services, family support services, and rehabilitation and cognitive therapies. The robust life enrichment offering — featuring a range of therapeutic activities such as art, music, sensory activities, reminiscence therapy and intergenerational programming in indoor and outdoor settings — operates seven days per week.
Journeys-designated memory care neighborhoods are directed by Certified Dementia Practitioners and physicians. Enhanced training for all Journeys staff members, from housekeeping and maintenance to culinary staff, and others who interact in any way with residents, is a fundamental part of the Journeys Memory Care model. Each team member completes a 12-part Dementia Basics Education series, which meets or exceeds state and federal regulations.
