Aegis Living Kent earns Joint Commission memory care certification

Aegis Living Kent, a memory care community, earned Joint Commission Memory Care Certification for Assisted Living Communities.

The certification uses standards developed in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association and helps demonstrate an assisted living community's commitment to provide high-quality, safe care for residents living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, according to a Feb. 21 press release from Bellevue-based Aegis Living, which has 36 locations in Washington, California and Nevada.

The certification program is designed to enhance the care of residents who suffer from memory-impacting conditions and enable these residents to stay engaged in their surroundings based on their cognitive abilities and to function at the highest level possible for as long as possible, according to the press release.

Aegis Living Kent, 10421 SE 248th St., is the first memory care community in Washington to receive this accreditation.

"When it comes to caring for residents, exceeding standards is deeply rooted in Aegis' mission and obtaining this certification underscores the Kent team's unwavering dedication to delivering the highest quality memory care services possible," said Julie Ambachew, vice president of Clinical Services at Aegis Living.

To qualify, Aegis Living Kent underwent a rigorous onsite survey with a Joint Commission surveyor who evaluated compliance with related certification standards, including staff knowledge and competency, medication management process, observation of the staff in coordination with residents, and a safe and supportive physical environment.

"Memory care certification recognizes Aegis Living's commitment to fostering continuous improvement in patient and resident safety and quality of care," said Ken Grubbs, executive vice president, Accreditation and Certification Operations, for Illinois-based The Joint Commission. "We commend Aegis Living Kent for achieving this certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias."

These certification standards were created with input from the Alzheimer's Association, health care experts and providers, residents and caregivers, in accordance with Joint Commission guidelines.

Aegis Living Kent is a specialized senior assisted living community that offers memory care services for individuals with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia.

Aegis Living Kent prioritizes creating a supportive environment where residents can feel comfortable and cared for while also engaging in activities and programs designed to stimulate their cognitive abilities and promote social interaction, according to the press release. The emphasis on providing nutritious food and a range of amenities is a holistic approach to memory care that focuses on both physical and emotional well-being.