Holistic Senior Care

From Senior Star

By Erica Rascón on Apr 6, 2015 in People

Seniors are the fastest growing segment of the population, with more than 16 million seniors in need of housing by 2050. This previously underserved population has taken center stage as a national housing priority. Yet before the construction and investment boom began, Yardi client Senior Star was providing superior care for seniors and their families. The tradition holds strong as the company continues to receive accolades and recognition for its services.

For Letitia Jackson, Vice President of Corporate Engagement, reverence for seniors sparked her interest in senior housing. Senior Star’s stellar track record encouraged her to forge a career with the company that has endured nearly 20 years.

“Just as many of us in this industry do, I have a true appreciation for the people who paved the way for us,” begins Jackson. “I entered senior housing through my employment with Senior Star and have remained dedicated to the industry for over 18 years. We can honor residents in the waning years of their lives, filling their lives with joyful, purposeful moments while reducing the time adult children spend in caregiving – increasing the meaningful moments spent with their parents.”

Those meaningful moments become increasingly precious as seniors reach the later stages of life. The American Health Care Association reports that the average age of assisted living residents is 85 years with 42 percent having Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. One in three American seniors over the age of 85, and one in nine who are 65 and older, has Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia can significantly reduce the quality of life that seniors experience.

While there is no cure for dementia, Jackson wants to help families cope with the illness and find a way to move forward. She selected Senior Star because it committed to providing top-tier dementia care resources more than a 15 years ago, focusing on the needs of clients and their family members as well as advanced training for staff members.

Seniors residing with Senior Star receive a wealth physical, mental, and social health through enrichment opportunities. One such initiative includes Destination Programming® which promotes cognitive activity and gives residents a sense of purpose and fulfillment. When a senior suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia becomes confused in the present, staff members guide them to a destination station where they engage in an activity that is familiar.

Residents can also take advantage of the Memory Care Snoezelen® Room a, multi-sensory stimulation and relaxation environment designed specifically for residents who experience the confusion of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The room is outfitted with gentle music, soft lighting and comfortable surroundings that help to relax the senses of its occupant. Depending on the level of stimulation or calming required, the occupant receives a bubble tube and other activities.

Music and Memories® is a non-profit organization that offers customized and interactive music programming that is designed to cultivate memories. The organization trains Senior Star staff on how to create personalized playlists and related digital audio tracks. Those resources help reconnect with the world through music-triggered memories.

While unique programming and technological advances are important, Jackson advises families to deeply evaluate the quality of the onsite staff when selecting a home for their loved ones.

“Don’t be distracted by bells and whistles,” says Jackson.  “Keep in mind as you consider the options for that new home for your mother or father that a beautiful building filled with technology can be impressive, however it’s the people that make the difference. “

That’s why Senior Star has focused on the extensive education and development of associates trained to provide quality dementia care. All Senior Star associates re

ceive dementia sensitivity education and continue to raise the bar in dementia care.

The company also equips its staff with the proper tools needed to operate efficiently and provide optimal care. Senior Star relies on Yardi Voyager for its software needs. “The integration of systems improves workflow and efficiency when it comes to sales and operations, property management and accounting.  The fact that the system is very user friendly makes associate training something we can easily accomplish.”

Senior Star’s holistic efforts have been recognized throughout the industry. Wexford Place Assisted Living & Memory Support in Kansas City received second place as The 2015 Best of 50+ Housing Awards as well as the 2014 Aurora Award in the Retirement Communities 50+ Community in the rental category.

“Our design allows for excellent programming and care while providing many levels of assistance and senior lifestyle choices all on one campus,” says Jackson.

With quality programming and a dedicated staff at the reigns, Senior Star is set to flourish for years to come. To learn more, visit seniorstar.com.