CareOne Harmony Village at Moorestown Is a Winner

FORT LEE, NJ--(Marketwire - September 16, 2009) - CareOne Harmony Village at Moorestown is proud to announce it is a Winner of the 2009 Best Practices Award from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS).

The 2009 Assisted Living Best Practices Program, "Creative Dementia Programs & Services -- the WholePackage," honors CareOne Harmony Village at Moorestown and two other winners for their innovation and creativity in the care of Residents with dementia.

A "best practice" involves the care of individuals residing in an Assisted Living environment that:

--  has an innovative approach;
--  improves upon existing practice; and
--  positively impacts quality of life, independence, health and/or social
    function.
    

CareOne Harmony Village at Moorestown's "best practice" was based on a core of programs including:

--  Cognitive Strengthening Programming: A unique combination of
    individualized exercises, community involvement and group activities
    designed to delay the onset of symptoms for those with early stage
    Alzheimer's Disease and mild cognitive impairment;
--  Life Quality Programming: "Failure-free" therapeutic activities
    designed to encourage active involvement while constantly reinforcing
    feelings of well-being, independence and dignity;
--  Enhanced Care Programming: Personal and spiritual support for
    Residents and family members with services and one-on-one activities
    encouraging sensory and tactile stimulation.
    

According to the submission, the program is continually adjusted based on Resident make-up. Instead of a set schedule and programming, staff trainings and activities are adapted to meet the needs of the particular Residents. One goal of the overall program is to empower the Residents by recognizing that they are people first and, secondarily, have a disease that limits independence, not destroys it. All staff are taught, and families are encouraged as well, to always allow Residents to do as much for themselves as possible including making their own decisions. For this reason the program is flexible so that Residents are able to stay in control.

The winners of the award will receive a plaque from the NJDHSS and will present their Best Practice at a Department of Health Conference in September.

"We are pleased to receive this honor from the NJDHSS and to be recognized for our innovative and creative 'best practice' in caring for our Residents with dementia," said Peggy O'Neill, Executive Director at CareOne Harmony Village at Moorestown. "I look forward to sharing our best practice at the conference and explaining how our program is different."

To learn more about CareOne, please visit our web site and Care Location Finder at the CareOne Web Site or speak with someone right now by calling (201) 242-4034.