Person Direct Care
First of All: What is Dementia?
Dementia: An umbrella term describing a spectrum of brain disorders. Alzheimer's is it's most common form.


The Common Approach -- Warehousing Your Loved-one!
A vicious cycle of SEDATION sadly ending only wth a person's passing.
PUSHING UNPROVEN, POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DRUGS
Many such facilities are highly compensated by pharmaceutical companies by placing un-suspecting residents on clinical studies without their or their family's full knowlegde or consent.
BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT WITH MORE DRUGS
There aren't any drugs specifically approved by the FDA to treat the behavioral and psychiatric dementia symptoms. However some physicians regularly use treatments known as “off label,” a medical practice in which a drug is prescribed for a different purpose”.
TREATMENTS FOR SLEEP CHANGES
Those who cannot sleep may wander, be unable to lie still, or yell or call out -- disrupting the sleep of their caregivers –THEIR SOLUTION: EVEN MORE DRUGS.
Need for Change is Obvious and Immediate
- Warehousing is unacceptable.
- Humane, proven and vastly improved approaches have been validated and are available now.
- They provide a more effective, respectful, person-centered life -- residents are entitled to it!
- As a loved-one -- reduce your own worry and stress by knowing circle of life is deeply and truly committed to caring for our residents as unique individuals.
Approach To Care Is Changing
PLEASE Take Advantage of the Opportunity

The Problem: Warehousing
Ever-present concerns:
Premature Loss of Mental Capacity
Physical Degradation
Malnutrition: Poorly Prepared Meals
Dehydration: Lack of Attention
Over Sedation
"Lock and Key" Syndrome
All Treatment Same: No Specialized, Individualized Care
Lack of Activity: Extreme Boredom
Abuse: Staff-to-Resident/ Resident-to-Resident
Lack of Transparency for Resident, Family and Close Friends
Intransigant Bureaucracratic Approach: Rules, Rules and More Rules
Benefits Accrue to Caregiving Organization: NOT Residents
Constant Changes in Ownership, Management and Staff: No Development of Long-term, Loving Relationships
Result of Warehousing:
- Loss of Self
- Potential of Early Passing

The Solution: Person Direct Care
Circle of Life Approach:
Follows recommendations of the American Alzheimer's Society, significantly supplemented with our own research and personal experiences. The approach:
Aims to see the person with dementia as an individual, rather than focusing on their illness or on abilities they may have lost
Instead of treating the person as a collection of symptoms and behaviors to be controlled, Circle of Life's Person Direct Care considers the person as a whole
Takes into account each individual’s unique qualities, abilities, interests, preferences and needs
FOCUSED on providing the means and resources to treat our residents with dignity and respect
Small Residential Facility:
- Ideal Setting for Person Direct Care