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The Terraces at Tuckerman Lane Introduces Journeys Memory Care Model

Innovative Program Sets a New Standard in Person-Centric Care

PHOTO (L-R): Dr. Ramani Nokku, MD (left) and Paige Salao
PHOTO (L-R): Dr. Ramani Nokku, MD (left) and Paige Salao

The Terraces at Tuckerman Lane has introduced Journeys Memory Care, a person-centered, comprehensive memory care neighborhood model. Dr. Ramani Nokku, MD is overseeing the new program at the continuing care campus located at 5550 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda.

The Journeys Memory Care model is available to clients of Marquis Health Consulting Services, which supports The Terraces at Tuckerman Lane. Designed by memory care experts, Journeys features a standardized approach to care delivery, practice and management.

The Journeys-designated memory care neighborhood at The Terraces at Tuckerman Lane meets the new care model’s rigorous set of standards and criteria, which includes benchmarks for the physical plant, evidence-based care delivery, caregiver experience and education, stage-specific life enrichment programming and dining, among others.

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Under the leadership of Dr. Nokku, the Journeys program at The Terraces at Tuckerman Lane supports residents’ physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs, enabling them to maintain the highest level of function and independence in a safe and secure environment. Dedicated teams are trained and educated to communicate through validation, showing understanding, compassion and support as they join residents through the journey of each day.

Board certified in internal medicine, Dr. Nokku specializes in geriatric medicine, palliative and hospice care, and pain management – with a focus on providing comprehensive care for residents in both rehabilitation centers and assisted living facilities. Dr. Nokku possesses nearly 20 years of industry experience. She previously practiced as a hospitalist at Washington Adventist Hospital, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital and Frederick Memorial Hospital.

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“With Journeys, The Terraces at Tuckerman Lane is taking its secure memory care neighborhood to the next level, while meeting the growing area demand for this type of programming,” said Paige Salao, executive director of The Terraces at Tuckerman Lane. “Dr. Nokku is regarded for her compassion and personalized approach that actively engages families in the decision-making process. We are fortunate to have her leading this progressive new offering.”

A Collaborative Effort

Enhanced training for all Journeys staff members at The Terraces at Tuckerman Lane – from housekeeping and maintenance to culinary staff, and others who interact in any way with residents – includes a 12-part Dementia Basics Education series, which meets or exceeds state and federal regulations. The training incorporates experiential virtual dementia training to further educate team members on how to best provide care to those living with the disease.

Modern and bright, The Terraces at Tuckerman Lane’s Journeys-designated neighborhood boasts a comfortable, home-like feel with dementia-friendly décor. The secure environment features separate living, dining and recreation spaces. Memory care residents at Tuckerman benefit from psychology and psychiatry services, family support services, and rehabilitation and cognitive therapies. The robust life enrichment offering – featuring a range of therapeutic activities such as art, music, sensory activities, reminiscence therapy and intergenerational programming in indoor and outdoor settings – operates seven days per week.

Signature Programs Engage Residents

The Terraces at Tuckerman Lane offers a wide range of signature programs for all residents to enjoy. These include EverGreen, a year-round gardening and sensory engagement program designed to support wellness and connection to nature; and iN2L (It’s Never 2 Late), an easy-to-use touchscreen technology that brings personalized engagement through music, games, photos and activities tailored to each resident’s interests and abilities.

The senior living community also has implemented LifeLoop, a comprehensive technology platform that sparks a connection between family members and staff, elevates resident engagement, and fosters seamless and reliable communication between residents and their families.

Residents of The Terraces at Tuckerman Lane enjoy a worry-free lifestyle featuring beautifully appointed apartments, gourmet dining and an engaging mix of programming and activities. They also have access to the services they need, when they need them, including on-site rehabilitation at Tuckerman Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center. Call (301) 897-8566 or visit tuckermanterraces.com for more information.

Brick, N.J.-based Marquis Health Consulting Services provides administrative consulting services to skilled nursing facilities and senior living communities along the Eastern Seaboard. The company’s “Care, Anew” philosophy supports its mission to help clients transform industry processes, mindsets and outcomes. Marquis-supported senior living communities have access to tools, technologies and experience models designed to provide an engaging lifestyle that inspires residents to embrace each day with purpose and live life to its fullest.

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