The Birches at Newtown News
Memory Care GEMS – Ensuring Every Resident Shines
When discussing dementia, the focus is typically on what the person has lost as they transition through each stage. “… But if that’s all you’re thinking about, you’re missing opportunities,” Teepa Snow said.
Snow is a renowned dementia care and education specialist who developed Positive Approach to Care® and other methods such as the GEMS® dementia state classification model.
Her classification model differs from commonly used scales by identifying six different brain states and the shifts in skills and abilities a person can experience in any given moment, focusing on the present not what was lost.
“Just like gems, each person is precious, valuable, and unique, and given the right setting and care, can shine,” she said.
Understanding the GEMS States ¬– sapphire, diamond, emerald, amber, ruby, and pearl – and how people with dementia experience the world, professional and family care partners can provide better care. They can then change their actions accordingly for a better connection and encourage participation in care tasks and activities.
Snow’s methodologies shift the current narrative, radically transforming the experience of dementia to help people with the condition continue living meaningful lives, which is why our community implements her teachings into our memory care program and ongoing team training.
Our memory care director constructs person-centered care plans that highlight each resident’s current abilities rather than focusing on what has been lost to help them experience happy, purposeful moments.
Cultivating Longevity at The Birches
The dedicated staff members at The Birches at Newtown are empathetic to your loved one’s needs, providing a helping hand and assistance when needed or gentle support and guidance through the changes of dementia.
Executive Director Kim Yannuzzi, who is also a licensed practical nurse, and 12 staff members have been with The Birches since opening in 2014.
They and their colleagues, who have also achieved many years of service, provide consistency and reassurance in senior care. Together, they bring experience in the health care field and a wealth of knowledge in senior living.
“I appreciate their dedication to the residents and value the care and compassion they show each and every day,” Yannuzzi said. “They set the standard of what family means.”
Family is the drive behind her management style, developing a family atmosphere where residents are an extension of that bond.
“All of the residents have become a part of the family and their families are family. Spending time with them feels like home,” she said.
At The Birches, seniors are treated with dignity and respect as they navigate the lifestyle changes associated with aging. The team’s commitment to senior care, often noted by residents and families alike, has been recognized nationally by A Place for Mom and U.S. News & World Report.
“Any facility is only as good as the people staffing it. Most of the nicer facilities are similar physically. It’s the staff that makes The Birches exceptional,” Ed M. expressed in an online review.
To learn more about The Birches or to schedule a personalized tour, please call Carole or Pam at 215-240-4829.
Memory Care GEMS – Ensuring Every Resident Shines
When discussing dementia, the focus is typically on what the person has lost as they transition through each stage. “… But if that’s all you’re thinking about, you’re missing opportunities,” Teepa Snow said.
Snow is a renowned dementia care and education specialist who developed Positive Approach to Care® and other methods such as the GEMS® dementia state classification model.
Her classification model differs from commonly used scales by identifying six different brain states and the shifts in skills and abilities a person can experience in any given moment, focusing on the present not what was lost.
“Just like gems, each person is precious, valuable, and unique, and given the right setting and care, can shine,” she said.
Understanding the GEMS States ¬– sapphire, diamond, emerald, amber, ruby, and pearl – and how people with dementia experience the world, professional and family care partners can provide better care. They can then change their actions accordingly for a better connection and encourage participation in care tasks and activities.
Snow’s methodologies shift the current narrative, radically transforming the experience of dementia to help people with the condition continue living meaningful lives, which is why our community implements her teachings into our memory care program and ongoing team training.
Our memory care director constructs person-centered care plans that highlight each resident’s current abilities rather than focusing on what has been lost to help them experience happy, purposeful moments.
Birches at Newtown Veteran Recalls Scene from the Invasion of Normandy
The 100-year-old, Birches at Newtown resident, recalled his memories of the early-morning invasion of Normandy, France, and its five beachfronts, a 60-mile coastal stretch, on June 6. 1944.
Eagle Scout candidate plants memorial garden at the Birches of Newtown; plans to dedicate it to the residents
Brady Ott, a ninth grade student at Council Rock High School North, is overseeing the construction of a memorial garden at the assisted living facility as his Eagle Scout project.
And on Saturday, May 22 he had a full crew of about 20 volunteer workers, including Scouts from his troop and friends from school, installing benches, moving soil into place and preparing the area for plantings.
EYEWITNESS TO HISTORY: Bucks County World War II veteran recognized for his service to the nation
US Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and State Senator Steve Santarsiero were on hand at the Birches in Newtown to honor Fuoco on the day before his 97th birthday.
They presented him with flags and citations from the US Capitol and from the State Senate of Pennsylvania as family and friends looked on.
‘WELCOME BACK!’ The Birches at Newtown reopens to visitors one year after COVID-19 forces closure
On March 22, The Birches welcomed back family and friends into its building after halting indoor visitations 375 days ago in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Managing Parkinson’s and staying healthy at The Birches
As many as 1 million Americans live with Parkinson’s disease, a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that causes tremors, rigidity, and difficulty walking. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, maintaining good health through daily exercise and proper nutrition can help manage symptoms and slow their progression. At The Birches, all residents have daily access to fitness classes and state-of-the-art therapy programs through a partnership with FOX Rehabilitation.
Birches at Newtown Wins 2020 Best of Senior Living Award from SeniorAdvisor.com
The Birches at Newtown is proud to announce they they have been selected as one of 2020 Best of Senior Living Award winners on SeniorAdvisor.com, the largest ratings and reviews site for senior care and services in North America and Canada.
The Birches at Newtown Offers Free Family Caregiver’s Support Group Online
Social distancing has a significant impact on family caregivers, especially with loved ones living with dementia. Join The Birches and moderator Jennifer FitzPatrick, MSW, LCSW-C, CSP, for an interactive program on how to create a new routine with your loved one.
World MS Day: One Woman’s Fight and Her Efforts to Bring Support to Others
MS is an immune-mediated disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks myelin. This fatty substance protects nerve fiber within the central nervous system, which makes up the brain, spinal cord and visual nerves.
The Birches at Newtown Wins 2019 Best of Assisted Living Award From Senioradvisor.com
The Birches at Newtown is proud to announce that they have been selected as one of the 2019 Best of Assisted Living Award Winners on SeniorAdvisor.com, the largest ratings and reviews site for senior care and services in North America and Canada.