Our April newsletter was filled with important and helpful information for you. Symphony Care Management has expanded over the past year in so many ways. We wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the locations we serve, programs we have developed to fully meet the changing needs of our clients and new Care Management staff.
Here are the main topics covered:
Joan's Updates
First, since opening our doors seven years ago, we have stayed true to our ethics: We only take on clients in areas where we have deep roots, relationships with providers and the ability to get to our clients easily. We have worked for years in Greater Boston which includes Boston, Cambridge, Brookline as well as all the suburbs leading to and including the Metrowest community. With our increased Care Management team, we are able to expand our capacity but stay true to our Concierge Care Management high standards of care.
Second, we are excited to announce the Development and launch of Symphony Dementia Program offering a framework of care that is the gold standard for individuals who have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders.
Third, for some time now I have been working to my passion for helping clients plan ahead to live their best life The Roadmap to Your Best Retirement Life Planning Program is helping older adults to make their vision of their aging become a reality. This proactive program is designed to prevent many of the challenges older adults struggle with that impact their quality of life.
Last, but not least, we welcomed Julia Nickrosz, Certified Dementia Practitioner to Symphony Care Management in the late fall. We look forward to sharing with you the specialized expertise she is able to offer our clients, their families, and the larger community. We are grateful to our community of professional partners, care providers, our families, and clients who we are honored to work with each and every day.
Symphony's Highlight
The Gold Standard and Approach in Dementia Care. Introducing Julia Nickrosz, CDP, Dementia Specialist
Enhancing Dementia Care at Symphony Care Management.
At Symphony Care Management, working with clients and their families dealing with one of the may types of memory impairment has always been an area of our expertise. Upwards of 80% of our clients have beginning to moderate stages of the different types of neurodegenerative diagnosis and are struggling to understand what that means, what types of supports are available and often, when there are behavioral symptoms what is the best approach. In our absolute commitment to provide the highest level of service and expertise to support our client’s goals, we brought into our practice an experienced Dementia Specialist. In the late fall, we welcomed Julia Nickrosz, Certified Dementia Practitioner to our team. Julia brings nearly two decades of experience in the field of aging. Specifically, Julia has a high-level skill set and deep knowledge working with individuals who have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders. Before joining Symphony Care Management, she served for 9 years as the Director of a Memory Care program within an Assisted Living community. Julia will create, implement, and monitor individualized and meaningful engagement programs for our clients as well as holistically work as their Aging Life Care Manager to increase their enjoyment of life and support their goals. Julia will also coach and educate families with proven strategies based on the Habilitation Therapy Framework of care. As a team, we work collaboratively to enhance the quality of life of our clients.
What is Habilitation Therapy and why is this a gold standard of Care for people challenged with a diagnosis of a progressive memory disorder? It is a holistic approach that is client centered. We weave together the best practices based in scientific evidence for the strategies that address our clients and their caregiver’s needs no longer asking our clients to come to our reality, we must go to theirs. As Dr. Paul Raia, Ph.D of the Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter wrote in his Fall 2011 Case Study, “The goal of habilitation therapy is deceptively simple: to bring about a positive emotion and to maintain that emotional stave over the course of the day.” We must look at the Physical Domain, The Socia Domain, The Communication Domain, The Functional Domain and the Functional Domain and continually assess how to adapt our client’s world in a way that empowers them to function at their best. Through the framework of Habilitation Therapy we create a comprehensive care plan.
Source:
Virginia Commonwealth University
Case Studies from Age in Action
2011
Habilitation Therapy in Dementia Care
Paul Raia
Alzheimer's Association
Healthcare News and Updates
New Covid Vaccine Recommendation for People over 65 Years Old: CDC
What You Need to Know.
People aged 65 years and older who received 1 dose of any updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Novavax) should receive 1 additional dose of an
updated COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the previous updated dose.
Health Tips and Resources
Brain Health: Is Alcohol a Risk Factor for Dementia?
Gain insight into the intersection of alcohol consumption and brain health with our latest blog post for Alcohol Awareness Month. Delve into the research on the potential link between alcohol use and dementia risk, examining findings from respected institutions like the NIAAA and CDC.
With a focus on elder care and cognitive health, we emphasize the importance of informed discussions with healthcare providers regarding alcohol use and its implications for cognitive function. Explore this critical topic with us and make informed choices for your well-being.
Company News
7th Anniversary Reflections
In April we celebrate a milestone in our journey, marked by resilience, growth, and the unwavering support of our incredible team, clients, and partners. As we reflect on our achievements, we're filled with gratitude and excitement for the future ahead. Cheers to 7 years of success and growth!🎉
Helpful Resources
Join our New Book Club for Caregivers: Memory Matters
Are you a caregiver for a loved one with dementia?
Join Julia Nickrosz, Dementia Specialist and Care Manager and Joan Harris, Founder of Symphony Care Management, for this informative and interactive series. We will read, discuss, and learn together from personal published stories, up-to-date science-based research, and shared experiences.
3 sessions, space limited.
More News
Designation Achieved:Fellow of the Leadership Academy
Last Summer, Joan Harris, Founder of Symphony Care Management was achieved the prestigious designation of Fellow of the Leadership Academy by her peer group, the National Association of Aging Life Care Professionals. Fellows are those Aging Life Care Professionals® (ALCA) who have made a significant contribution to ALCA on both a National and Local Level. Joan is one of 33 Nationally Certified Care Managers, out of a professional association of 1700 with this designation.
Joan states, “For me, the importance of this title is the continued commitment to mentor newer care managers into the profession, educate the public about the critical role that Aging Life Care Managers play in supporting older adults, and ongoing engagement in our association’s leadership.”
We hope you found this content both helpful and engaging. Stay tuned for more valuable updates and resources to enhance your quality of life.
Wishing you a wonderful end of April!🌷
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