Enhancing Care with Engagement Plans

An Engagement Plan captures significant details, events, and memories from a person’s life in a personalized narrative. It helps caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals understand and connect with an individual on a deeper level. By creating an Engagement Plan, we improve the quality of care, making it more person-centered. Personal information enhances communication, providing comfort and a sense of identity for individuals with dementia.

At Vitalia Stow, we gather this information as soon as possible, before a resident moves into our Memory Care Neighborhood. As dementia progresses, it often becomes more difficult for residents to communicate their wants, needs, and wishes. These plans help us meet their desires throughout their dementia journey.

An Engagement Plan is a tool we use to understand a person’s likes, dislikes, history, and routine, among other things. It gives us a comprehensive overview of who the individual truly is. One important aspect of the information-gathering process is talking to the resident and engaging with their family. Often, the family can recall details the person with dementia cannot, providing valuable insights into the resident’s history and stories.

Preserving Memories: Labeling Photos for Future Care

Knowing as many details as possible helps us create a personalized and meaningful care plan. We can tailor care, meals, and events to what the person with dementia truly enjoys, making them feel purposeful.

In preparing for your loved one’s future care, keep in mind that many residents love reminiscing with photographs. Putting together family photo albums is a great way to prepare for the future. Sit with your loved one and label pictures with details such as names, dates, and locations. This activity can be both enjoyable and helpful in preserving important memories.

Start now to prepare for your future and/or the future of your loved ones. Provide detailed information about your background, history, likes, and dislikes. Include what makes you happy, sad, and fearful. Mention any special things that bring you joy and comfort. These Engagement Plans improve caregiving, aid in emotional comfort, and facilitate communication. They also enable those around you to honor your life and ensure you receive personalized and compassionate care. You can find free templates online at legacyproject.org and crisisprevention.com.