Los Angeles Jewish Home

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care

Paul Goldenberg•Richard S. Ziman Family Special Care Center

Environment plays an important role in caring for those with Alzheimer's disease and age-related dementia. Because Alzheimer's disease robs its victims of memory as well as both cognitive and motor skills, the warmth and reassurance of "home" is vitally important.

In the past, Alzheimer's care facilities often sacrificed a home-like feeling in the interests of safety and security. Today, the Goldenberg•Ziman Special Care Center leads the way in an era of Alzheimer's care environments that provide warmth and comfort without compromising safety and care.

The Goldenberg•Ziman Center was developed in response to the most informed research about how a patient's physical environment affects his or her behavior, sense of well-being, and even the visible symptoms of the disease itself.

Since many Alzheimer's sufferers seem to control agitation levels through wandering and constant motion, the Center's floor plans incorporate curves and circular shape, to ensure that residents never come to a dead-end and experience debilitating confusion.

The Goldenberg•Ziman building, with its crisp, geometrically bold shapes and pastel palate, offers residents an unparalleled environment in which to enjoy a wide variety of programs and mental stimulation.

The exterior features are "softened" with a pitched roof and lovely portico that is reassuringly traditional. Skylights and generous windows provide the comfort of natural light; and exterior landscaping is visible from within the building at virtually every turn.

Pioneering Techniques

Person-First programming incorporates the "universal-worker" concept, where all staff members are involved in the residents' care. The staff takes ownership of "life happiness" in the unit.

Specific mealtime protocols are employed to address the challenges of weight loss and dementia. Specially-trained staff members encourage eating by socializing with the residents during meals and special snack times.

Learning Circles engage even the most confused residents, providing every individual an opportunity to reminisce, participate, and experience the inclusiveness of the Goldenberg•Ziman community. Recreational Programming is tailored to fit the residents' short attention span, and to utilize past-life skills while maximizing independence.

Several types of pianos are spaced throughout the Goldenberg•Ziman Special Care Center, with a spectacular baby grand gracing the entrance foyer. Residents and guests so inclined are encouraged to sit and play.

For more about the Goldenberg•Ziman Special Care Center please contact Susan Leitch, Community Manager, Factor & Goldenberg•Ziman Buildings at 818.774.3113 or Susan.Leitch@jha.org.