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Dementia Education
Clark is hosting a series of dementia education classes. The public is welcome to join Dr. English in the Clark Chapel, 1551 Franklin Street, SE at 2 p.m. on Thursday,
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Adding to the Team

Annie Fields is Clark´s new Director of Human Resources. She spent the

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Medicare Misconceptions
It does, it doesn´t...Find yourself wondering about what Medicare covers? Think of Medicare as a short-term safety net. Medicare pays for hospital treatment, limited
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Dementia Services

"Just because you have dementia doesn’t mean you can’t have joy."

Chris Simons
Clark Dementia Services Coordinator

Dementia is a group of symptoms caused by various other diseases or conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s or stroke. There is a decline in cognitive functioning which is measured by memory impairment, orientation, judgment and learning. Emotional and behavioral changes often appear as well.

So often with dementia, people focus on what is not possible – what is lost. While there is no denying the cognitive, emotional and behavioral declines, many things are still possible. At Clark, we focus on those possibilities. We serve as facilitators and friends for our residents. We serve as support systems and educators to the loved ones of our residents. We serve as a resource for programming and dementia strategies for the general community.

Dementia does not eliminate the need to give and receive love; or to be connected with others in positive relationships; or to be respected for prior accomplishments and current abilities. Our staffing, environments and programming revolve around this philosophy.

The Friends Swim Club is a perfect example. Every week, assisted living and skilled nursing residents head to the Clark pool for an afternoon of fun and camaraderie. It is making a splash in the world of dementia. The subject of a Central Michigan University study, The Friends Swim Club was also featured in the April 2007 edition of the national magazine Nursinghomes. The Clark Dementia Services Coordinator was invited to share information about The Friends Swim Club at the 2006 annual Alzheimer’s Association conference. It was also named the Most Innovative Program of 2005 by the Michigan Association of Homes and Services for the Aging.

Pairing customized care with cutting edge technology, Clark is the first continuing care retirement community in Michigan to utilize a computer system called It’s Never 2 Late. Adaptable to meet the needs and interests of residents, this program has cognitive therapy tools; virtual bike, flight and driving simulators; as well as interactive musical experiences and games. Available in all dementia areas, It’s Never 2 Late also enables families and residents to share photos and e-mail messages.

Clark provides specialized dementia services at the assisted living and skilled nursing residential levels. Support groups are also available. For additional information please click on the links below, email your request or contact the Clark Marketing and Admissions staff at (616) 452-1568 extension 107 or toll free at 800-770-1117. Click here to download an application for residency.

Assisted Living Dementia Services | Skilled Nursing Dementia Services | Support Groups

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