Promise House

WHO WE ARE

Promise House is an Assisted Living program for those with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. It is unlike any other dementia facility in this region and is designed to provide a sense of support, structure and security for the tenants and their families.

WHAT MAKES PROMISE HOUSE SPECIAL?

As much as possible the operational goal of Promise House is to duplicate the look and feel of a traditional “family-style” home. Research has shown that people with dementia are more at ease in a small group environment. Too many people, too many sounds or too many rooms to navigate are upsetting. They are more content when they have fewer decisions to make and less to confuse them. Tenants who reside in this type of facility tend to stabilize and their condition does not seem to degenerate as rapidly as those who are in a more institutional-type environment.
 

WHAT DOES PROMISE HOUSE LOOK LIKE?
The facility resembles a duplex with 10 tenants residing on each unit. Each unit has its own common area, central bathing, laundry, kitchen, and dining rooms. Each of the tenant’s room has two closets and a private bathroom. Each unit also has a unique Memory Box outside the room that can be filled with items that are familiar to the individual.
 

WHO IS APPROPRIATE TO LIVE AT PROMISE HOUSE?

Promise House may be appropriate for people in all stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. This determination will be made by a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s needs. The assessment will be made by facility staff in conjunction with the family of the tenant.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Promise House adheres to a social model, rather than the more traditional medical model of care. In lay terms this model places emphasis on maximizing each individual’s level of functioning. The lifestyle is one of nurturing and encouragement.

Each tenant will be encouraged, but in no way required to participate to the extent they are able. An example is breakfast. For some this every day occurrence may be at 8 a.m., for others 10 a.m., or perhaps for some at 4 a.m. The staff members will work individually with each tenant to make this a meaningful activity; selecting the cereal, gathering the utensils, buttering the toast, etc. The goal is to encourage the use of skills and routines developed over many years, thereby maximizing self-sufficiency and self esteem.  

 

WHAT ABOUT SUPERVISION & STAFFING?
Promise House utilizes a new and unique staffing concept entitled the Universal Worker. Depending on the tenants' care needs, group activities and time of day, each unit will be assigned one or two Universal Workers. These Universal Workers have specialized training designed to prepare them for working with those who have dementia. They also possess a combined set of homemaking and care giving skills appropriate for this group lifestyle. Their primary responsibility is to assist each tenant, as necessary, with the activities of daily living. However, as a group leader they are also responsible for social and recreational programs within each unit.