b'RESIDENT-CENTRED CARELIVING in My Todayat Schlegel VillagesA continuously evolving approach to dementia careM aking a genuine differencethat starting point, it\'s about deliveringThe key word is changing, Luth says. in the lives of residentsprogramming that reflects them, theirOften, dementia is seen as a diagnosis with dementia begins withstory and their strengths." that leads to a series of losses: the nurturing personal, responsive andloss of abilities, memories or social consistent connections. Thats theThe program is being rolled outcapabilities that disappear for good philosophy behind Schlegel Villagesin various steps, each designedand cannot be retrieved. However, LIVING in My Today program, whichto equip team members with thepart of LIVING in My Today\'s ethos is places peoples unique identities andtraining, insights and story-sharingreframing those losses as changes their relationships with Schlegel Villageopportunities to put the LIVING into encourage caregivers to build staff at the heart of a continuouslyMy Today\'s principles into action.relationships with each resident that evolving approach to dementia care. The overriding goal of the programenable them to listen, respond, and adapt their care strategies as these "LIVING in My Today is both ais twofold: to ensure residents arechanges unfold. philosophy and a program," explainsempowered and supported to live Heather Luth, Director of Dementiatheir authentic lives in a long-termWe have to remember that people Support Services with Schlegelcare environment, and to ensure who are living with dementia are Villages. "It\'s about seeing peopletheir needs and preferences areincredibly resilient, says Luth. For who are living with dementia asrespected at every step of their example, their ability to eat a meal people first, not a diagnosis. Fromever-changing journey.may change over time. They may 18 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Spring/Summer 2024'