A New Approach to Memory Care
A New Approach to Memory Care
Recorded on: 03/10/2020
Live Webinar: Tuesday, March 10th, from 1pm – 2pm ET
Aging services providers and developers are building memory care communities across the country at a rapid pace. As these communities are constructed and opened, dementia care models are being created nearly as quickly. In this webinar, Susan Ryan, senior director of The Green House Project (GHP), and Anne Ellett, NP, MSN, founder of Memory Care Support, will discuss GHP’s innovative approach to dementia care—known as Best Life. Ellett will explore how the four principles of Best Life help organizations support people living with dementia (PLWD) to live rich and rewarding lives by creating a culture of normalcy that enables individuals to live in the least restrictive environment possible; focusing on their abilities to experience real relationships with pets, nature, and people of all ages, instead of their deficits; illuminating the reality that there is dignity in enabling individuals the right to take risks; and advocating for everyone to have expanded experiences and choices, as well as the right for rehabilitation.
In addition, Ryan will explore a key element of Best Life—a synergistic virtual reality (VR) tool, known as Embodied Labs, that immerses its users in the stories of elders who are living with dementia. By putting on the tool’s VR headset and spending a few minutes as an elder, in her world, the user becomes more knowledgeable, more empathetic, and more empowered to provide better care to elders. This VR platform not only enables the user to learn about how dementia affects the brain and the ability to process the world around them normally, but also to understand how to create and sustain meaningful connections with individuals living with dementia.
Finally, both Ellett and Ryan will examine an initiative that launched in August 2019 known as Best Life Impact, which encompasses the Best Life approach; the Embodied Labs VR platform; and Project ECHO, a tele-mentoring video platform that enables users to connect via Zoom on a monthly basis to present case studies of elders living with dementia, geographically dispersed care teams, and subject matter experts in a collegial atmosphere that fosters learning and growing.
- Webinar participants will understand the four principles of Best Life and how they create an environment that helps care teams understand the complexities of dementia, see each elder as a unique individual, and connect them to an engaged life.
- Webinar participants will learn about the science behind virtual learning and how it applies to an interactive VR experience where the users experience what its’ like to have dementia.
- Webinar participants will discover the evidence base behind Project ECHO, a tele-mentoring, real-time platform that brings together care team members, subject matter experts, and case studies.
Listen to the recording here.
Susan Ryan
Senior Director
The Green House Project
Susan Ryan, Senior Director of The Green House Project, is a leader in the strategic development of innovative thinking and cultural paradigm shifts. With international speaking and project management experience, she has served as an integral part of The Green House team for nearly 10 years, and has led the team through key transitions, and the quest to grow with integrity.
A social entrepreneur with a passion for improving quality of life for elders and those working closest to them, she offers a unique combination of skills in Nursing, Gerontology, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and strategic marketing. Susan is able to leverage her strong leadership and organizational acumen to make significant change across the nation. At the recent Green House Annual Meeting, eight countries were represented, creating an imperative to impact aging on the global scale. Susan’s vision has catapulted this movement into new spheres through synergistic partnership with thought leaders who are committed to disrupting the status quo.
Susan has a background in nursing, with over 30 years of experience serving elders. Prior to working at The Green House, Ms. Ryan was on the leadership team of a non-profit continuing care retirement community, where she spearheaded the organization’s transformation to culture change by assessing industry innovation and outcomes and developing strategic and educational protocols. She has been featured many times at LeadingAge, The Pioneer Network and other high profile conferences. Ms. Ryan received her Master’s in Management of Aging Services from University of Maryland Baltimore County and serves on the Rothchild Accreditation of Excellence Advisory Panel as well as on an advisory committee for RECHARGE: Resident-centered Environments for Community Living Centers, a committee developed to improve person-centered care among veterans.
Anne Ellett, N.P., M.S.N.
Owner/CEO
Memory Care Support
Anne Ellett is a certified Nurse Practitioner (NP) and recognized national leader in the field of aging and dementia care. With more than 20 years of experience in senior living and memory care, Anne’s record includes success in development of innovative practices in memory care, development of clinical roles and training, and customized memory care programs to bring dignity and life to residents affected by dementia.
In 2009, Anne was recognized for her unique role in advancing the standards for dementia care and was awarded the prize for innovative dementia care from the Center for Excellence in Assisted Living (CEAL).
Anne is owner/CEO of Memory Care Support, LLC, a consulting agency working with Senior Housing professionals as they develop state-of-the-art care programs that can provide the best quality of life for residents and enhance efficiencies and ROI for the Operator. Memory Care Support, LLC is also a certified provider of continuing education programs for nurses.
Anne is a sought-after speaker on subjects ranging from how to age successfully to caring with dignity for persons living with dementia. She frequently presents at national nursing and senior housing conferences as well as teaches classes to Senior Housing professionals and nurses on how to best care for older adults.
