optimaliving.ca

The Person-Centred
Care Difference

Person-Centred Care

SPARK: Memory Living by Optima is rooted in person-centred care, which draws on our years of experience, knowledge of clinical best practices, and evidence-based research. Our Memory Living Neighbourhoods provide 24 hours of supervised attention, care, and support. 

Person-centred care is more than just words; it is a lived experience. It is based on values, compassion, empathy, respect, love, and dignity. Its essence is woven into each of the four themes of our Memory Living Program: Home, Holistic, Meaningful Relationships, and Safety and Quality of Care.

Home


People with dementia live in a world where relationships, objects, and situations matter. The impact of the space around them can provide a sense of meaning and importance and afford them the experience of independence. Our goal is to create a comfortable home environment that is safe and familiar; a space that allows for their story to continue. 

Our thoughtfully designed spaces enhance a person’s abilities, independence, and sense of self. We intentionally create spaces that reflect their own homes while creating cues and prompts that help our residents know how to better interact with their environment. We achieve this through colour and lighting strategies, security measures, and opportunities to personalize their own space to make it more their own. 

We are as intentional as possible with our Neighbourhoods and believe that the biggest asset in our community is the people living and working inside. The spark in our communities lies in the warmth and genuine care of each individual.

Holistic


We believe in caring for the multifaceted needs of every one of our residents. SPARK isn’t just about having an extra pair of eyes and hands to keep your loved one safe. We believe that life stories for persons with dementia can continue to unfold here. We want to see our residents thrive.

Life enrichment plays a significant role in bringing meaning and purpose back into one’s life. It is essential to recognize that for people with dementia, life enrichment is not a calendar of events but an organized and thoughtful approach to a meaningful existence. 

The SPARK life enrichment program includes both small group and individual activities that activate the senses through sensory stimulation exercises. Residents will remain connected to the broader Optima Living community by attending programs and outings outside of the Neighbourhood as well as those hosted within their home.

Meaningful Relationships


At Optima Living, we are a unified team of residents, their families, and our care partners. 

We value every person who calls Optima Living home. We treat each other with dignity, respect, and care. We create inclusive and socially engaging environments to help our residents live meaningful and purposeful lives.

Quality of Care


Dementia expert Teepa Snow reminds us that “dementia does not rob a person of their dignity… it is our reaction to them that does.” 

This mindset allows families an opportunity to shift their perspective from merely managing their loved one’s care to embodying a positive approach to dementia care.  

It can be easy to overlook opportunities for positive interactions, but experience tells us that there are many opportunities for meaningful interactions that lead to positive memories.

We prioritize ongoing training for our teams, teaching the skills and relevant practices to enable them to uniquely connect and engage with people in their daily care and service activities. We never stop looking for innovative ways to serve your loved one and your family.

Memory living self-assessment

When it is time to move and what are some early signs that memory living is right for you or your loved one? Take our one-minute self-assessment to find out.