A Shining Gem in Dementia Care in North Texas

The James L. West Center for Dementia Care sets the standard for dementia care in North Texas.

“There is a lot of time between when a person is typically diagnosed with dementia and when they die from the disease,” said Dr. Cheryl Harding, president and CEO at James L. West. “We are dedicated to helping families live well all along the way.”

As a faith-based not-for-profit organization, the James L. West serves as a beacon of hope for families coping with a dementia diagnosis. The center provides education, support groups, short-term rehabilitation, senior day services and residential care for persons diagnosed with dementia and their caregivers.

An innovator in the field of dementia care, James L. West utilizes evidence-based practices to provide the highest quality of care, partners with schools and universities for education and research to improve upon best practices, and serves as a model for other providers in the field.

The James L. West Center has its roots in First Presbyterian Church. Eunice P. West gave funds to the church to be used to care for individuals who were living with dementia in loving memory of her husband, local businessman and philanthropist James L. West. Mrs. West understood the toll caretaking had on family members.

“Just to put it simply, the mission for James L. West has always been to be the experts in providing care for folks with dementia,” Harding said. “That’s our primary focus. Our secondary focus is providing education out into the community so more people can understand about dementia.”

Senior Day Program offers respite and support

The James L. West Senior Adult Day Program, located at 6050 Harris Parkway, serves as a bridge between home and residential care for individuals diagnosed with dementia.

The program provides flexible, secure and affordable assistance from highly trained staff Monday through Friday for families who are caring at home for their loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia.

Isolation can be devastating for many older adults with dementia and their caregivers. The Senior Day Program provides socialization with people, places and things, creating an awareness experience that helps keep the person in the present.

Participants’ families are encouraged to participate in a support group and take advantage of educational opportunities to help encourage them through the journey.

Residential program offers good life and care

The center’s pioneering approach starts with understanding each individual person – their personality, background and current needs – then designing a program of care that allows them to continue to flourish, and contribute as long as possible while receiving the support and services they need.

James L. West differs from other memory care campuses because it is licensed by the State of Texas as a skilled nursing Alzheimer’s Certified memory support facility. Individuals must have a diagnosis of dementia to qualify to live in the community.

The residential campus is home to 112 residents and is divided into separate neighborhoods designed for residents with different cognitive and physical abilities, interests and behavior patterns. Each unit is thoughtfully decorated with the particular stage of dementia in mind. Most residences have private and semi-private rooms with generous common areas, dining rooms and culinary areas.

An in-person assessment helps the center’s team determine the best placement for new residents to ensure a successful transition to the community.

Specialized short-term rehabilitation for persons with dementia and overnight respite care are offered on a space available basis at the community.

Education for family, professional caregivers

Dementia education for family and professional caregivers is central to the organization’s mission to serve as a resource on dementia in the greater Fort Worth area.

Programs for family caregivers offer free classes designed to improve the lives of those living with dementia and their families by teaching them how to “live well with” rather than just deal with the disease.

From sessions focused on facts about different types of dementia, their symptoms, stages and treatments to how to care for yourself as the caregiver, James L. West’s education team supports family caregivers. Programs are available 24/7 through the learning portal on the James L. West website.

James L. West also offers certified nurse assistant classes and continuing education for professional caregivers to enhance their skills in caring for individuals with dementia.

Visit the James L. West Education Calendar for upcoming sessions.

To learn more about the James L. West Center for Dementia Care or the Adult Day Program, visit our website, www.jameslwest.org.