First Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) Designated Senior Living Provider in Northern California 🥇

We are excited to announce a significant milestone in our commitment to providing exceptional care for individuals living with dementia.

Press Play to Watch ▶ Becoming a Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care® Designated Organization

Carlton Senior Living is proud to have achieved the Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) designation for multiple communities, solidifying our position as leaders in dementia care in Northern California and beyond. Carlton Downtown Pleasant Hill, Davis, Orangevale, Sacramento, San Leandro, and San Jose communities recently joined Elk Grove and Fremont as PAC-aware designated Organizations. This means that eight out of the ten PAC-designated organizations in the Western US are Carlton communities, and Carlton stands alone as the sole PAC-designated senior living provider in Northern California. Staff in all our communities receive training on Teepa Snow’s person-centered approach through Carlton University, ensuring they are equipped with the latest techniques and best practices in dementia care.

At the heart of our achievement is Teepa Snow’s philosophy and teachings. A renowned occupational therapist and dementia care educator, Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care® is a groundbreaking approach that has revolutionized how we understand and support individuals living with dementia.

Carlton Senior Living Is First Positive Approach To Care® (pac) Designated Provider In Northern CaliforniaTeepa Snow: Leader in Dementia Care

Teepa Snow and her approach are a beacon of hope and innovation in dementia care. With more than four decades of experience, Snow has dedicated her life to enhancing the lives of those impacted by dementia. Her expertise, empathy, and unwavering commitment to person-centered care have earned her worldwide recognition as a leading authority in dementia care education. Recently, Snow’s approach has been in the spotlight for her advisory role in supporting actor Bruce Willis and his family in navigating his care after he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.

Understanding Positive Approach to Care®

Positive Approach to Care® is not just a set of techniques but a holistic philosophy that embraces the uniqueness of each person living with dementia. Positive Approach to Care® emphasizes empathy, dignity, and respect in all interactions. It recognizes that every person with dementia has a rich life history, abilities, and preferences that should guide their care journey. 

Key elements of Positive Approach to Care® include: 

  1. Person-Centered Care Tailoring care plans and interactions based on the individual’s needs, preferences, and abilities.
  2. Gems® Model – Understanding the different stages of dementia through Teepa Snow’s Gems® Model helps care partners adjust their approach accordingly.
  3. Positive Communication – Using clear, simple language, maintaining eye contact, and fostering a supportive environment through positive communication techniques.
  4. Skill Building – Equipping care partners with practical skills and strategies to empower seniors, promote independence, and enhance quality of life.

How PAC® Enhances Quality of Life for Carlton Residents and Families  

Positive Approach to Care® brings a host of benefits to residents living with dementia and their families: 

  1. Improved Quality of LifeBy focusing on individual strengths and preferences, residents maintain autonomy and experience a higher quality of life.
  2. Empowered Care Partners Through education and training in the Positive Approach to Care®, care partners feel more confident, competent, and empowered to partner with the resident in completing their care.
  3. Enhanced RelationshipsPositive communication techniques foster deeper connections between residents, care partners, and families, creating a more supportive and harmonious care environment.
  4. Reduced Stress Positive Approach to Care® reduces stress and frustration for residents and care partners by promoting understanding, empathy, and effective coping strategies.

Carlton Is First Positive Approach To Care® (pac) Designated Senior Living Provider In Northern CaliforniaIn achieving the Positive Approach to Care® designation, Carlton reaffirms our commitment to excellence, compassion, and innovation in dementia care. PAC® aligns perfectly with Carlton’s three commitments: Love, Honor, and Provide, which have been our guiding principles since our establishment 40 years ago. We are dedicated to continuously improving our practices, enriching the lives of our residents, and supporting families every step of the way. 

Join us in celebrating this milestone as we continue to elevate the standard of dementia care and make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.

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