Dementia is a progressive debilitating disease, which causes problems with cognitive function such as thinking, memory, reasoning, decision making, judgment and language.

There are over 50 causes of this disease, some forms are reversible, and others are not. Reversible types can be caused by hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels), electrolyte imbalances (high or low sodium or calcium), malabsorption of Vitamin B-12, dehydration, medication reactions, poisoning, normopressure hydrocephalus, and subdural hematomas. Symptoms of these types may disappear when the underlying cause is treated.

Most forms of Dementia are not reversible. The most common forms are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia, frontotemporal lobe dementia and mixed dementia (a combination of Alzheimer’s, vascular and Lewy Body).

Our home was established in May 2016 and is owned and operated by two registered nurses who are also Certified Dementia Practitioners. Also, our staff are certified by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). Avielle Haven is honored to be the recipient of Midland’s Best Assisted Living Facility in 2016, and a winner in the Midland Reader’s Choice Awards.

The sole purpose of our homes décor is to minimize confusion. All bedrooms are painted a different color to assist residents in recognizing their room. Rooms are bright and cheerful to decrease depression and agitation. Furniture and flooring have minimal patterns, as patterns are often confusing when combined with visual deficits caused by dementia and/or aging.

• Staffing patterns are consistent and routines are well established.
• Activities are provided for a wide variety of cognitive levels. Some activities are for individual enjoyment, while others are designed for a group. Activities can be as simple as sorting buttons, touching various fabric/textures for brain stimulation, listening to music, or as complicated as corn hole, noodle ball, crafts and dancing.
• We offer a low stimulus environment so unnecessary light, noise or crowds do not overwhelm our residents.
• All entry/exit doors to the home have alarms so we can tell if someone is entering or leaving.
• Foods are prepared for a variety of skill levels, as some people are able to use silverware, others are not able to use it as the disease progresses.

In conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association, Avielle Haven offers a Dementia Caregiver Support Group, which meets the second Wednesday of each month from 6:30pm-8:00pm. Cari Foerster and Robin Rappley, co-owners of Avielle Haven, facilitate the group, which is open to the public. The purpose of our support group is to exchange information on care giving challenges and solutions, learn about community resources available, discuss issues and coping strategies, share feelings and concerns, and to develop an effective support system for the members.

We are proud to have a team participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, an event designed to increase the awareness of Alzheimer’s and raise money for research.

Avielle Haven can help meet the needs of someone with dementia in a variety of ways. In addition to providing a home for people to live in, we also offer respite options. Respite is defined as a short period of rest. Caregiving for a loved one with dementia is a difficult job and sometimes caregivers need a break, whether for recreation or health related concerns. If a bed is available at Avielle Haven, you can bring your loved one here for a short stay, knowing they will be safe and well cared for. We welcome you to stop in for a tour of our facility and meet our staff any time.