Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care has developed a highly specialized program for people in the advanced stage of dementia and other neurological illnesses. A Touch for All Seasons was designed by Joyce Simard, MSW,* an internationally recognized dementia expert. A Touch for All Seasons uses person-centered approaches to improve quality of life through meaningful sensory activities that stimulate the senses, promote relaxation, and offer comfort and serenity to those living with dementia. Although specifically designed for people with advanced dementia, the sensory approaches used in A Touch for All Seasons enhance the lives of infants, children and people with other diseases as well as providing moments of peace and tranquility to family caregivers.

A Touch for All Seasons approaches are provided by all members of the hospice interdisciplinary staff and volunteers. Our certified nurse assistants provide bathing, dressing, grooming and hydration as meaningful activities rather than task completion. Other disciplines and volunteers are involved with providing gentle hand massages, spiritual reading, music and reminiscence. Seasons Hospice promises that with A Touch for All Seasons, each person's individuality is respected, approach to care is offered to maximize pleasure and comfort, and all care by all staff and volunteers is offered with a loving touch.

Benefits of A Touch for All Seasons:

• Designs person-centered care approaches as meaningful activities to individualize care based on the Lifestyle Assessment
• Uses sensory stimulation that helps soothe and evoke feelings of comfort
• Creates a calm, relaxing environment for the provision of care
• Teaches loved ones ways to interact with the person with advanced dementia
• Adds a layer of professional caregivers to the existing team

Goals of A Touch for All Seasons:

• Enhances the quality of life for people with advanced dementia
• Diminishes feelings of stress and anxiety
• Eases suffering
• Supports family by providing coping skills
• Promotes feelings of personal meaningfulness

Who is Eligible?

• People living with:
  • Advanced dementia
  • Advanced Parkinson's Disease
  • Debility
  • Any disease causing cognitive impairments

What are the costs?

• The hospice Medicare and Medicaid benefits are inclusive, and there are no additional charges billed to patients and families.
• Coverage under a managed care contract is negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

*Based on her book, "The End-of-Life Namaste Care Program for People With Dementia," Seasons staff and volunteers have received the education from Ms. Simard so that they are able to implement A Touch for All Seasons to their patients who would benefit from this unique program.