The purpose of the Social Life Template™ is to ensure that residents of Helen’s Place are engaged in life, have a feeling of belonging to a community, have a sense of purpose, have access to meaningful activity and social roles, and can have a sense of control and independence.

Using the concepts and practices researched by Dr. Cameron Camp, an internationally recognized expert on memory care, the staff of Helen’s Place is trained to develop a sense of community and relationships that may have been lost because of cognitive impairment. A collaborative effort between Dr. Camp and Stone Gardens Assisted Living staff led to the creation of the Social Life Template™.

Staff members are viewed as facilitators and have been trained to create resident-led task forces to formulate life enrichment programs, such as a welcoming committee, visitor center, social action programs, social events and a governance council. For example, resident groups will select group outing destinations and activities or invite entertainers, lecturers, and other professionals to give presentations or performances. These facilitated programs are imbedded in a daily routine to ensure a reassuring and structured environment.

Here are some examples of how professional staff will facilitate our approach at the highest standards:

Current Approach: One activity at a time provided
Helen's Place Approach: Multiple activities available at a time

Current Approach: Topics of outside speakers determined by staff
Helen's Place Approach: Outside speakers chosen and invited by residents

Current Approach: New residents welcomed by staff
Helen's Place Approach: New residents welcomed by residents

Current Approach: Staff provide entertainment
Helen's Place Approach: Residents select entertainment, and can provide their own entertainment

Current Approach: Focus on the facility
Helen's Place Approach: Opportunities to engage with a larger social network and the world

Current Approach: Provide care for the residents
Helen's Place Approach: Allow residents to take care of themselves as much as possible

Current Approach: A hotel model
Helen's Place Approach: A community model

Helen’s Place residents will also be able to fully participate in ongoing programs in the Stone Gardens Assisted Living Residence and on the Menorah Park Campus.