Edgar Beltran has a lot of help these days to complete his duties as plant manager for Amber Creek Memory Care in Scottsdale: residents regularly help with the building\u2019s maintenance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Over two years ago, a resident asked Beltran if he needed any help with his daily tasks.<\/p>\n
\u201cEdgar didn\u2019t hesitate to say yes \u2013 although, truthfully, he didn\u2019t really need help,\u201d Amber Creek Executive Director Heidi McLester said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat moment sparked an ongoing initiative that engages residents in hands-on projects throughout the building,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEquipped with toy tool belts, hard hats, and plenty of enthusiasm, residents help with tasks like painting, changing light bulbs, cleaning carpets and washing the memory care community\u2019s vintage automobile displayed in the courtyard.\u201d<\/p>\n
The venture \u201chas become something deeply meaningful to both the residents and Edgar,\u201d McLester\u00a0 said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of the more skilled residents are making a noticeable difference around the building. In fact, a former architect living at Amber Creek occasionally shares career stories and offers renovation tips to Edgar.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing involved with the facility\u2019s maintenance helps residents like him reconnect with long-held memories. Edgar often listens to music while he works, and together he and the residents can be seen laughing and dancing.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the Alzheimer\u2019s Association, activities that help an individual living with memory loss feel like a valued part of the household.<\/p>\n
Even simple tasks like changing a light bulb \u201ccan provide a sense of success, accomplishment and purpose,\u201d McLester said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Beltran said he could see in those moments how much their quality of life was enhanced by giving them purpose and helping them feel useful.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cResident engagement is such an important part of creating special individualized moments for those who reside in memory care and is also part of the Koelsch Communities philosophy, which we educate all of our staff on,\u201d McLester added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEdgar takes so much pride and joy in his work, and he could see immediately as the residents were assisting him that they also shared this experience of pride and joy with him.\u201d<\/p>\n
For the past three years, Edgar has taken pictures of these moments and created collages of his helpers, which Amber Creek staff shares with the staff and families regularly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEdgar has created a safe and compassionate space for our residents through his thoughtfulness, patience and love for them and for what he does every day at Amber Creek,\u201d McLester added. \u00a0<\/p>\n
McLester said the center sees programs like this providing meaning for individuals living with memory loss.<\/p>\n