Three Features of Memory Care Facilities

Experienced senior housing executive Ryan Novaczyk serves as the president and CFO of New Perspective Senior Living. For more than a decade, Ryan Novaczyk has guided New Perspective Senior Living, a company that offers specialized senior care facilities ranging from independent living to memory care.

Memory care facilities combine secure infrastructure with highly-specialized staff to provide a safe and engaging experience for seniors with neurodegenerative disorders. Some characteristics that distinguish memory care from other types of senior living facilities include:

Staffing 24/7: Wandering and disorientation are common symptoms of cognitive disorders. For this reason, all memory care facilities are supervised by trained staff members at all times. Additionally, these units usually feature simple layouts that patients can navigate easily and secured entryways that prevent residents from accidentally leaving the facility.

Science-based activities: In addition to the typical social activities held at most senior living facilities, memory care units also offer programs that have been shown to hinder cognitive decline. For example, residents may participate in brain games, music therapy, or occupational therapy.

Increased support: Since people with advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s may have difficulty remembering to eat or perform other daily tasks, memory care staff are trained to monitor each resident closely and ensure that his or her everyday needs are met. Residents may also adhere to a more structured schedule in a memory care facility.

The National Investment Centre’s Spring and Fall Conferences

A resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ryan Novaczyk oversees the operations at New Perspective Senior Living as president and CFO. In this role, Ryan Novaczyk directs the organization’s growth initiatives in 22 communities across the states of Wisconsin, North Dakota, Illinois, and Minnesota. He also belongs to several organizations including the American Seniors Housing Association, Wisconsin Assisted Living Association, and the National Investment Centre (NIC).

Each year the NIC holds two conferences including the Spring Conference and the Fall Conference. These conferences are significant events in the seniors care and housing industry and designed to provide education and networking opportunities for attendees.

The NIC’s conferences are ideal for senior executives working in the home health, healthcare, seniors housing, and skilled nursing sectors of industry. Institutional investors, private equity firms, and regional and national banks are also welcomed to attend.

Conference attendees meet to learn about emerging industry trends, share ideas, and explore investment and finance possibilities. The proceeds earned from each of the conferences are invested into research being conducted to learn about important issues affecting the industry.

Brain Training Supports Cognitive Heath

 

Ryan Novaczyk

As the president and CFO of New Perspective Senior Living, Ryan Novaczyk stays on the forefront of innovative prevention techniques that improve senior health and well being. Under Ryan Novaczyk’s tenure, New Perspective Senior Living established a brain fitness training center for all of its residents as part of its 4 Pillars of Living Life on Purpose initiative.

Brain training activities, such as puzzles or memory challenges, are specially designed to stimulate cognitive functions. Researchers across the globe are examining how brain training exercises can improve health outcomes for people with mild cognitive impairments (MCI). In order to be effective, brain training exercises should be challenging and provide visual and auditory stimulation.

A recent study following a small group of seniors with cognitive impairments found that a consistent brain training routine resulted in positive brain changes in all participants. A Harvard study also found that brain training can significantly improve memory skills for people with MCI.

A Look at LeadingAge Minnesota’s 50 for the Next 50 Program

LeadingAge Minnesota
Image: leadingagemn.org

A graduate of the University of St. Thomas and UMBC Erickson School, Ryan Novaczyk serves as the president and CFO of New Perspective Senior Living in Minnesota. Also an active member of the local community, Ryan Novaczyk was named to the “50 for the Next 50” list in 2017.

The annual listing is administered by LeadingAge Minnesota, a nonprofit association that advocates for organizations that serve older adults in Minnesota. The organization currently represents more than 50,000 caregivers who serve 70,000 older adults every day.

The “50 for the Next 50” award, which is open to LeadingAge members and business partners, recognizes innovative and influential leaders who are transforming elderly adult services in the state. The award relies on nominations to identify candidates, who are then reviewed by a selection committee. The committee assesses whether each candidate meets four criteria: an innovative leader, a change agent, an influencer, and a person making forward-thinking changes within their organization.

For additional information on LeadingAge Minnesota and 50 for the Next 50, visit www.leadingagemn.org.