The Senior Gems® are based on the Allen Cognitive Disability Theory. Each gem represents a stage of dementia from normal aging through late-stage dementia. We use the gems to help us understand the changes that are taking place and to know what our clients are still able to do in order to provide the best care possible.
The following series of videos goes through each stage, as depicted by a descriptive gem that has a lot to do with the specific stage.
Recognizing a person can go from one gem level to another in a day, in a morning, in a moment, because Alzheimer’s varies. Our job as care partners is to recognize the indications of the gem-level they are at and provide the right environmental support and right care, right then. Afterwards, re-assess the gem level to offer the best care. That will make everyone happier.