James L. West Center Celebrates More Than 30 Years of Dementia Care

The James L. West Center is more than just a home for people living with dementia; it’s a resource for family and professional caregivers and sets the standard for dementia care in North Texas. This World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the organization is celebrating 31 years of groundbreaking dementia care.

From its inception, the James L. West Center sought to attract dementia care innovators to inform and shape care practices. From requiring more specialized dementia care education for staff members than required at the time to incorporating cutting-edge, evidence-based practices to establish a standard of exemplary memory care in North Texas.

Two people who have contributed to that success and the overall approach to dementia care are Dr. Janice Knebl, interim chair and professor of internal medicine and geriatrics at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Mary Curry, registered dietitian.

The pair have been with James L. West for 31 years. Both women say the James L. West Center’s mission and purpose keep them engaged and challenged, which fuels their desire to continue in their roles.

Dr. Janice Knebl
Photo courtesy of James L. West Center for Dementia Care

“They truly are dedicated to the care for persons with dementia at any stage and also in support of their caregivers,” Knebl said. “We have no cures for this now, but the ability to focus on capabilities and quality of life while still having joy speaks to me. That’s exactly what I’ve always tried to do with my patient care, so we’re a perfect match.”

Curry said James L. West’s “reach in and reach out” philosophy of serving as a community resource and supporting residents, their families, staff members, and the whole Fort Worth community makes it special. This philosophy ties back to the vision Eunice P. West cast when she founded the not-for-profit that bears her husband’s name.

“I love the mission of James L. West,” Curry said. “I love the community that James L. West has built for our staff, the residents and families.”

Mrs. West sought to create a place for people with dementia to live out their years worthy of her husband’s vision for Fort Worth.

Dr. Kneble and Dr. Terk
Photo courtesy of James L. West Center for Dementia Care

“Mr. West was a philanthropist and community leader in Fort Worth,” Curry said. “He would be proud of this facility for Fort Worth.”

Knebl has always been impressed with James L. West’s desire to incorporate evidence-based methods into its care model. One example is the practice of evaluating residents and assigning them to neighborhoods based on their cognitive abilities. This ensures that residents are exposed to other residents at the same stage of the disease process, facilitating more communication and engagement.

Another example is the way the neighborhoods are laid out with the resident rooms opening up to a common area, which cues residents to go to the common area rather than exploring a long hallway of closed doors, like you might find in a traditional nursing facility. Not only did this design help residents know where to go, but it also made it easier for staff to care for residents.

Good nutrition has also been integral in James L. West’s approach to care. Curry and her team strive to serve wholesome food according to dietary needs and preferences. Some of the meal preparations happen right in the neighborhood, where residents can see and smell the foods as they are prepared. Residents share meals together, which also improves nutrition.

“Adequate nutrition improves the resident’s quality of life,” Curry said.

Left, Mary Curry; right, Cheryl Harding
Photo courtesy of James L. West Center for Dementia Care

Knebl said the James L. West Center was an early adopter of the validation approach, meeting residents where they are rather than trying to orient them to the present. Coupled with music and art therapy and engaging activities, the James L. West Center created a positive model of care that focuses on sharing moments of joy throughout the disease progression.

Knebl’s role has changed over the 30+ years she’s worked with the center. Today, she serves as the lead medical director for the James L. West Center, where she is responsible for the health of everyone in the building, from residents to staff members.

“I think the patients and their family members are incredibly special. That’s a big piece that keeps you going,” Knebl said. “Helping them on this journey is very positive for me. I feel very fortunate to get to help people.”

Dr. Knebl has particularly enjoyed the opportunity to combine her work at the Health Science Center with her work at James L. West Center, especially when conducting research that contributes to improved standards of care for those living with dementia.

She has lent her clinical expertise to several research teams studying aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and the healthcare needs of geriatric populations.

“What I brought to the table was not only the clinical care capabilities and experience as a medical director for long-term care but also the education side, being able to bring medical students and the research relationship here at the Health Science Center.”

Dr. Knebl with her patient
Photo courtesy of James L. West Center for Dementia Care

Both Knebl and Curry have personal experiences with dementia and being caregivers supported by the James L. West Center. Knebl’s mother spent time at the James L. West Center Senior Day Program, and Curry’s mother spent the last four years of her life in residential care.

“I saw my mother transferring to a home-like environment,” Curry said. “She received love, acceptance, and a purpose in life. What more could you ask for?”

Knebl said she was pleased when the Senior Day Program opened. Her mother had been an office manager. Going to the Senior Day Program gave her purpose and direction. Knebl told her mom that the people at the day program needed her help, so she was willing to go. While there, she was very engaged in the activities.

“Dementia is an expensive disease,” Knebl said. “You can talk about the toll it takes, you can talk about the money, but it’s the toll it takes on the families and their health and quality of life. We’re going to have a lot more people. We’ve got to figure out a better way, with all kinds of options, and have our communities be dementia-friendly.”

Thanks to the James L. West Center, Fort Worth is on the leading edge of dementia care and support. The center offers dementia education, caregiver support groups, and dementia specialized care options – senior day program, long-term care, short-term rehabilitation and respite care.

For more information about the James L. West Center, visit our website at JamesLWest.org or call 817-877-11999.