Tips on How The Best Friends™ Approach Improves the
Lives of Loved Ones with Memory Loss
Today, the leading residential memory care communities across the nation have
created “best practice” environments to provide loved ones living with Alzheimer’s
disease and other forms of dementia the latest in memory care services. At
Bridgepointe at Ashgrove Woods, we employ the Best Friends™ Approach to
memory care.
An internationally recognized model of care, the Best Friends Approach to care creates
the best possible days for loved ones with memory loss. It reduces their stress, anxiety
and agitation and offers greater peace of mind for their families. At the core of The Best
Friends Approach is the understanding that loving relationships are vitally important in
dementia care.
7 Key Elements of the Best Friends Approach
The Best Friends Approach focuses on seven primary components for taking on the
role of a Best Friend with someone with memory loss. They include:
1. Friends Know Each Other’s Personality and History – A Best Friend becomes
the person’s memory, is sensitive to traditions and respects the personality,
moods and problem-solving style.
2. Friends Do Things Together – A Best Friend enjoys activities with the person
with memory loss, involves the person in activities and chores, initiates
activities, encourages the simple things in life and celebrates special occasions.
3. Friends Communicate – A Best Friend listens skillfully, fills in the blanks, asks
easy questions and encourages participation in conversations.
4. Friendship Builds Self Esteem – A Best Friend gives compliments often,
carefully asks for advice or opinions, always offers encouragement and
congratulations.
5. Friends Laugh Together Often – Yes, using humor and laughing with a loved
one is considered a valid form of memory care, as long as it is not mean
spirited. A Best Friend tells jokes and funny stories, is spontaneously fun and
uses self-deprecating humor often.
6. Friends are Equals – A Best Friend doesn't talk down to people or assume a
supervisory role, but instead works to help the person "save face" and knows
that learning is a two-way street.
7. Friends Work at the Relationship – A Best Friend is not overly sensitive, does
more than half the work, builds a trusting relationship and shows affection often.
Our experienced staff and volunteers are extensively trained in Best Friends. They know
how to emphasize residents’ strengths and abilities, encourage their participation in
meaningful and fun activities, and spend days together that are positive, upbeat and life
affirming.
Live Life to the Fullest at Bridgepointe at Ashgrove Woods
Bridgepointe at Ashgrove Woods offers Memory Care for those with Alzheimer’s
disease, dementia and other memory challenges. Our memory care services are
provided in a secure area of the community featuring studio apartments, delicious
meals, specialized care as well as activities designed for individual interests and
abilities.
Residents of our Memory Care program enjoy the privacy of their own apartments
complemented by specialized, compassionate and supportive care. With inviting living
and social areas – including a secure outdoor garden – we welcome residents to forge
new friendships, share experiences and take pleasure in fulfilling days. We are proud to
be part of Christian Care Communities, Kentucky’s largest faith-inspired, non-profit
provider of senior living communities and long-term care for older adults.
Contact us today to learn more about our best-practices Memory Care
services, amenities and lifestyle features – including The Best Friends™
Approach to care.