Edgemoor Program Gets National Recognition

About two years ago, Edgemoor Skilled Nursing Facility created a program specifically designed for patients suffering from dementia, mental illness and aggression.

The goal of the program, called Sierra Stroll, was to engage these residents in social and physical activities to improve their physical and mental health.

The improvements in residents’ behavior and attitude led Edgemoor to be named the 2013 Not for Profit Program of the Year by the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living. This group represents more than 12,000 non-profit and for-profit skilled nursing centers across the country. The award will be presented in Phoenix in early October.

“Sierra Stroll is special because it adapts more traditional outpatient behavioral therapy to residents in skilled facilities with significant cognitive, physical and interpersonal limitations,” said Edgemoor Administrator Walter Hekimian. “We’re very proud of the positive impact the program is having on our residents.”

Sierra Stroll encourages residents to engage in activities such as walking, listening to music, dancing, or playing cards outdoors.

The program has also helped improve interaction between residents and to decrease aggression and other negative behaviors. It also has led to a reduction in the residents’ need for psychoactive medications and has increased their physical activity.