Atria Senior Living Group announces partnership with Alzheimer's expert
David Troxel to provide insight and training on unique caregiving methods for Atria staff
Louisville, KY
Atria Senior Living Group announces partnership with Alzheimer's Disease expert and internationally renowned author David Troxel.
Troxel, author of The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care, is guiding Atria staff and caregivers as the company expands efforts in their Life Guidance program. Life Guidance neighborhoods support residents with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia.
Currently, Life Guidance residents and their families gain valuable support, education and information from their relationship with Atria caregivers. Troxel’s "Best Friends" approach offers added value to the existing Atria philosophy.
In his book, Troxel shares his care model of being a Best Friend to those struggling with memory impairment. This model is reflected in Atria’s current Life Guidance program which already focuses on providing individualized care for each resident. Troxel's care model involves sensitive communication skills that can greatly influence an individual's quality of life.
“David's method of relationship-based care perfectly aligns with Atria's commitment to get to know each resident and celebrate his or her personal life stories”, said Cynthia Lilly, National Life Guidance Program Director for Atria Senior Living Group. She continues, “understanding each resident's own history allows us to better recognize his or her unique need for emotional support. We believe this partnership with David will provide tactical tools and resources to continue to meet that goal”.
The partnership includes Troxel working closely with Life Guidance staff at the Atria communities. He’ll provide assistance with training and staff development in conjunction with leading workshops, developing monthly e-letters and conducting conference calls for all Life Guidance Program Directors. Troxel will also make book signing appearances at the grand openings of many new Life Guidance neighborhoods in Atria communities throughout 2009.
Currently, Atria has 60 Life Guidance neighborhoods and plans to open additional neighborhoods throughout the country.
Troxel has co-authored five books on Alzheimer's care. He works as a writer and consultant. Formerly, he served as an Executive Board member of the American Public Health Association. And, was the CEO of the Santa Barbara Alzheimer’s Association in California (1994-2004). He is a past member of the Ethics Advisory Panel for the United States Alzheimer's Association. David also served as a caregiver to his mother, Dorothy, during her 10-year journey through Alzheimer’s disease.
“Our field of knowledge about Alzheimer's Disease research is doubling every month”, says Troxel. “I am delighted to be working with Atria to continue seeking out new ideas and interesting, life-affirming activities for our residents with memory loss to help them feel safe, secured and valued”. For more information about David Troxel, visit www.bestfriendsapproach.com.
Atria Senior Living Group, the nation's fourth largest assisted living owner-operator, provides respectful, quality care that helps more than 13,000 aging adults live life to the fullest.
Atria communities are active assisted living communities where seniors can get the care they need to live as independently as possible. At the heart of Atria's approach is our belief that superior care depends on running a superior business. That's why Atria has developed some of the industry's most stringent measurement tools and comprehensive training protocols.