By: Becky Pazkowski
On March 17, at the third of the three-part Series A Look Inside, The Plymouth Harbor Foundation announced that over the last nine months a campaign committee has been working quietly to garner support for the Memory Care Program and Residence. The result of that early work is nearly 50 gifts that total over $2,337,000 toward the $3 million campaign! This announcement marks the official launch of the campaign, and we will work diligently between now and the November opening to raise the additional funds needed to meet the goal.
What will the $3 million support?
The $3 million raised in this campaign will establish a premier program in innovative care. The funding will be divided into two pieces: $2 million into a Designated Investment Fund, and $1 million for Capital Resources necessary to support programs. You will find these two components described in detail below.
Designated Investment Fund ($2 million)
This fund will generate income, from which we will draw $100,000 (or five percent) annually to support our two program components: Educational Leadership and Inspirational Programming.
Educational Leadership ($40,000)
We have adopted the Positive Approach™ to Care (PAC), developed by Teepa Snow, whose techniques and training models are used throughout the world. Campus-wide training on this approach is ongoing for all of our employees caring for and interacting with persons with dementia. The premier program funded by the campaign will allow us to expand the training to include family members and the community-at-large. Educational Leadership and associated annual cost is defined by four components:
Staff Training ($10,000): We currently train all of our staff in the PAC model, and we will continue to do so on a semi-annual basis. With the additional funding from the campaign, we will be able to increase the frequency to quarterly, or even monthly training.
Family Support and One-On-One Counseling ($10,000): We plan to continue our family support groups, which have proven beneficial to those experiencing dementia with a loved one. With funding from the campaign, we will be able to offer one-on-one support and counseling.
Lecture Series ($15,000): We plan to bring local experts to share the latest in research and treatment of dementia. With the additional funding, we will be able to look beyond our own backyard to bring nationally- and internationally-known experts who will share their knowledge on the latest breakthrough research and treatments, to bring us hope that progress is being made throughout the world.
Community Education ($5000): The additional funding from the campaign will allow us to offer community education, outside of our campus, to help demystify and normalize behaviors associated with dementia-related diseases.
Inspirational Programming ($60,000)
A diagnosis of dementia is devastating for the entire family. We understand it is the present in which one must live…to seek and celebrate the joy and connection that happen in a moment. The premier programs that we will establish will bring fulfilling opportunities to spark that engagement in the moment within each resident. This will be accomplished through:
Expressive arts and wellness programs ($10,000): To encourage our residents to connect and communicate throughout their journey. While our program will include staff-driven activities, the campaign funding will allow us to bring professional therapists to our campus.
Spiritual and faith-based programs ($10,000): To nourish the souls of our residents through this stage of their life. The funding from the campaign will allow us to supplement our own chaplain-led offerings with guest pastors and spiritual leaders in the community.
Intellectually stimulating programs ($20,000): Offered by staff to fulfill the need for human curiosity, while celebrating skills and capabilities residents spent their lifetime developing. The additional funding will make it possible to expand these programs to deliver individually-designed and executed plans for each resident.
Social opportunities ($20,000): Offered frequently by staff, these events will create community. The additional funding will allow us to bring all residents, families, and staff together for professionally-led musical concerts, receptions, and holiday events that are so important to stay connected and engaged with our loved ones.
Capital Resources ($1 million)
The education and programming described above requires additional capital resources to deliver the premier program level of which we are so capable. These items include, but are not limited to:
– Water features, interactive musical instruments, and shaded seating in the Courtyard Gardens.
– Brain games such as “It’s Never Too Late,” chapel equipment, and musical instruments in Family Rooms.
– Massage recliners and sound systems in the Reflection Rooms.
– Aquariums, tactile interactions, and sensory stations in the Sensory Circles.
– Art, musical, and fitness equipment in the Life Enrichment Centers.
– And so much more.
When philanthropy — your philanthropy — is combined with the vision of others, an opportunity emerges to establish Plymouth Harbor as the premier leader in inspirational care and education for those challenged with dementia. This is important to our current and future memory care residents and their families. We hope it is important to all of you, too.