Dementia Care — Reaching Past the Barriers

"I took care of my own dad for 20 years, and for his last four he was at Laguna Honda because I couldn't care for him at home any more. I always relate to the feelings of the family because I was there."

Olivia Ignacio
Nurse Manager, Laguna Honda Dementia Program

A Community of Care

Living at home or in the home of a loved one is most often the best option for someone with Alzheimer's disease or any other form of dementia.

But when it becomes too difficult for family members to manage the advanced stages of the disease, a nursing home can be the safest and wisest choice.

When the burden becomes too great, we are ready to step in.

Our dementia program is designed to care for people with advanced cognitive impairment.

Our nurses, doctors, social workers, therapeutic specialists, and nutritionists provide individualized care to preserve the social functioning and quality of life of people who need assistance 24 hours a day.

Care plans are designed by our team of dementia specialists to preserve social functioning and self esteem. Each resident participates in a therapeutic program specially suited to his or her needs.

Living Arrangements

Residents live in one of 10 community households, two of which are secured to ensure the safety and freedom of people whose wandering behavior puts them at risk. One household features a primarily Spanish-speaking community to meet the needs of monolingual seniors with cognitive challenges.

Care-Givers

Our model of care applies expertise from a range of professional disciplines to treat both cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Our team of specialists includes staff physicians, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, licensed activity therapists, and dietitians.

We also provide continual consultation with in-house physical and occupational therapists, neuropsychologists and psychiatrists, clinical nurse specialists, and speech and swallowing therapists.

Meeting a Need

People turn to Laguna Honda when behaviors associated with dementia make care and safety difficult or impossible at home. Our care slows the progression of effects like isolation, falls and aspiration.

If family circumstances change, and relatives want to resume care, we help to set up community supports.

In cases where individuals need treatment for a secondary illness and want to move home after they are physically restored, we provide short term stays, and when families need a respite, we provide temporary placement.

We are there when you need us.

Brochure: What to Expect As Alzheimer's Dementia Progresses To End Stage