United Methodist Communities at The Shores Comfort Matters® Accreditation Announced

OCEAN CITY — After a 13 month-long implementation process, Tapestries, a memory care neighborhood of United Methodist Communities at The Shores, is now a Comfort Matters® accredited provider for persons with dementia.
Internationally recognized, Comfort Matters® is a philosophy, care practice and an evidence-based program which offers holistic and integrated approaches to improve the quality of care and quality of life for persons experiencing dementia. It was developed at the Beatitudes Campus in Phoenix, Arizona through nearly two decades of research on person-directed health care practices and on the latest science supporting people living with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
“The Tapestries team at The Shores has worked diligently over the past several months to enhance quality of life for people with dementia,” says Tena Alonzo, director education and research at Comfort Matters®. “The Shores team has met and, in many cases, exceeded national standards for the Comfort Matters® dementia program. They are an inspiration of hope to their residents, their families and the community.”
Pamela Garofolo, Tapestries corporate manager, stated, “I am delighted that The Shores has achieved the honor of Comfort Matters® accreditation. This affirms associates’ knowledge, skills, and abilities based on its five core principles: Comfort, Know the Person, Anticipation of Needs, Person-Directed Practice, and Staff Empowerment.”
The Shores is now one of the premier communities in the country accredited by Comfort Matters®. Tapestries residents self-direct their lives, rather than what others prescribe. They eat what they enjoy when they are hungry in a dining style that fits their needs. Comfort Matters’® standards encourage autonomy, respect the individual and demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving quality of life.
Dawn Zindel, director of Tapestries, observes, “Comfort Matters’® mandated standards focus on many aspects of comfort that you and I don’t usually consider. Tapestries’ design allows residents to experience what they feel is normal in their private space or enjoy daily pleasures in the communal areas.”
United Methodist Communities at The Shores offers residential and assisted living, respite care, short-term rehab, long-term care, Tapestries memory care, and Bridges hospice and palliative care. To schedule a personal tour, talk with us about how we can meet your specific needs or obtain additional information, visit UMCommunities.org/TheShores or call Ryan Champion at (609) 399-8505.