FAMILY ENGAGEMENT OPTIONS MATTER AT COMFORTCARE HOMES

Memory care is about preserving dignity, comfort and connection. Family engagement reinforces that residents’ lives are not defined by memory loss; they are people with deep relationships that still matter. 

Our promise of Care for All means caring not only for those who live in our homes, but for the families who walk the journey alongside them.

You know your loved one best, and your voice matters. Our care team partners with families by listening, learning and honoring the life experience you share with us. That knowledge shapes how our care teams support each resident with dignity, connection and joy at every stage of dementia.

This commitment is reflected in the way team members involve families in resident care. At ComfortCare Homes, we actively support and value family involvement, which helps families feel more connected, residents feel more secure and care staff to build a stronger partnership with our residents and their families.

Our life enrichment team thoughtfully designs opportunities for families to stay involved and actively improve residents’ emotional well-being, sense of identity and quality of life.

One of the first things we do when a new resident moves into one of our ComfortCare Homes is ask the family to fill out a Social History Form. The information we gain helps us learn about our residents and gain insight into their histories, interests and families. 

We use this information to support different aspects of the resident’s care. We also learn about family traditions and the residents' hobbies, talents or skills. 

Every resident has a history. Their families hold the key to keeping those memories alive. We invite families to share those traditions and hobbies with us, enabling them to continue partnering in their loved one’s care and to focus on meaningful connections.

A recent example of how our team took a resident’s favorite hobby and used it not only to help him connect with his adult son but also to give other residents an opportunity to engage in a fun activity.

Jack used to love to go fishing. He would take his son fishing regularly. Jack’s son wanted to keep that tradition and special memory alive. With the help of Jack’s son and our amazing engagement team, we were able to take Jack and several other residents to a local fishing spot. Jack, his son, and the other residents got to fish, and everyone caught a fish. 

This outing gave Jack and his son that special time together again, and gave other residents the opportunity to do something they used to love as well. 

Throughout our years of caring for people with memory loss, we have learned that families want to share their time, talents and treasures not only with their loved ones but also with the other residents in their homes.  We always encourage families to participate in the outings we go on and in any parties we have. We especially welcome any talents they may want to share with us.

At ComfortCare Homes, our goal is to make it not just a home for the residents, but also a home for their loved ones. We want all families to know they are always welcome in our homes and are encouraged to participate in activities and parties, or just come in for lunch or to spend quiet time with their loved one.

Memory loss can affect communication, recognition and daily function, but it does not erase the need for meaningful relationships. In fact, familiar faces and voices become more important as cognition changes. Family involvement, whether as a frequent visitor, a volunteer, or asa quiet companion, can help residents feel secure, valued and emotionally supported. Being with family members helps to reduce anxiety, improve moods and provides a stronger sense of identity.

Here are some engagement options and opportunities at ComfortCare Homes: 

• Participate in scheduled activities: Visit during scheduled engagement times and participate in activities your loved one enjoys. They love sharing these moments with family and friends.

• Share your talents: Musicians, crafters and collaborators are welcome to share their skills with our residents. Your talents can bring joy not only to your loved one, but to the entire home.

• Donate programming supplies: Donations are a meaningful way to support engaging activities for your loved one and other residents—especially if you’re unable to visit often.

• Join us on outings: Families are always welcome. Contact our engagement team for dates and times—we’d love to have you participate.

• Attend Dementia Discussions: Join one or more of our community Dementia Discussions to connect with other families, share experiences, and gain new ideas for engaging with your loved one.

Our residents and their families are at the heart of everything we do. We encourage families to stay actively involved in their loved one’s life and care, knowing that meaningful family engagement leads to stronger connections, better outcomes and a more compassionate home.