Assisted Living, Dementia Care Units & Nursing Homes

In the United States, the number of people aged 65 and over is currently 34 million, accounting for 13 percent of the total population. With this aging population, more and more seniors are going to require some assistance in living and many will develop different forms of dementia requiring residential care. Individuals with a diagnosis of dementia present many challenges to healthcare professionals from increased co- morbidities, management issues in acute units, competency and safety and maintenance of quality of life in assisted and long term care units.

Dr. Stevic-Rust has developed snoezelen (multisensory environments) for hospitals, dementia care units, assisted livings and national nursing home units. These rooms are designed to address the sensory needs of those with different types of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. She trains staff on the therapeutic use of these rooms. Early results have shown that this unique approach can calm fears and agitation as well as stimulate the mind of those with dementia. These rooms have received much media attention for its therapeutic value and innovation in patient care.

Our goal is to assist elder care facilities in providing state of the art, evidence based care for residents from independent living through early stages of dementia and physical illness to advanced and terminal care needs. We support facilities through:

• Development of innovative programs to meet the needs of residents. Establishment of programs that address long term memory or intact cognitive skill sets.
• Design reminiscent rooms and stimulating dementia programs to maintain highest level of abilities
• Establish therapeutic cooking, gardening and music programs
• Build snoezelen (multisensory rooms) to address agitation, anxiety and non-verbal stimulation.


• Renovation of space with an emphasis on design elements to increase safety and function for residents.
• Transform important areas of function such as toileting and dining areas through evidence-based color schemes and environmental cuing elements.
• Development of interior and exterior walking paths and healing gardens.
• Use of cuing through signs and sensory objects in rooms and common areas


• Development of integrated and holistic environments through training of comprehensive care teams.
• Dementia care training offered to staff with an emphasis on person-centered care models
• Training focuses on how to calm aggressive and agitated residents, how to stimulate those who are apathetic, and how to support caregivers through the process of the disease.


• Incorporate integrative medicine and complimentary therapies into treatment plans such as healing touch, music therapy, massage therapy, art and dance therapy and salon services for overall well-being.