(The translation is generated by Google Translate and it might contain inaccuracies.)
(The translation is generated by Google Translate and it might contain inaccuracies.)
Below are a few of the questions we often receive about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. For questions about our specific service areas or charitable giving, please see the linked FAQs below
Yes, you may choose to specify the use of your gift. Designations include endowment, annual giving, Caregiver Education, Cole Music Series, or the Senior Day Program.
Gifts may be directed to the West Center either online or via mail. Please consider enclosing a note with the gift to let us know how you would like for us to recognize your gift. All gifts received are recognized with a confirmation letter to the donor and a memorial or honorary gift letter to the family. Gifts may be directed to:
James L. West Center for Dementia Care
Attn: Development Office
1111 Summit Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Many companies will match donations made by employees, retirees and spouses. Check to see if your company has a matching gift program by contacting your HR or benefits department. If your gift is matched, you receive an internal gift credit for the amount of the match in addition to the amount of your gift. Be sure to take advantage of the generosity of your company. It benefits both you and the James L. West Center.
Yes, your gifts are tax–deductible under the applicable sections of the Internal Revenue Code. A receipt for your gift will be sent shortly after the James L. West Center receives your gift. Note: In cases where there are benefits associated with your gift, the value of those benefits is deducted from the gift amount on the receipt.
Planned gifts are gifts that will benefit the James L. West Center in the future and in many cases enable donors to make a larger contribution. There are many ways to make a planned gift, including bequests (gifts through wills), charitable gift annuities, retirement plan gifts, life insurance, charitable trusts and retained life estate. You can learn more about planned giving by visiting the Texas Presbyterian Foundation site. The Texas Presbyterian Foundation is our mission partner for planned giving.
Honoring our founders and the faith inspired founding of James L. West Center, we have partnered with the Texas Presbyterian Foundation to manage James L. West Center’s planned giving program. Funds received to fund many of the Center’s planned giving vehicles will be managed and receipted by the Texas Presbyterian Foundation and held in trust on behalf of the Center. As partners, the James L. West Center for Dementia Care and the Texas Presbyterian Foundation have a greater impact and greater accessibility to donors across the nation who embrace the work that we do.
Staff in the Development Office are available to discuss ways that you can support the mission and vision of the West Center. For information concerning bequests, trusts, charitable annuities, retained life estates and/or any questions you might have about estate planning, please contact the James L. West Center Development Office at 817-877-1199.
While James L. West staff are knowledgeable about the planned giving vehicles available to donors, we encourage our donors to work in partnership with their financial advisors about planned gift vehicles and charitable advantages related to giving.
Codicils may be easily added to your will denoting the the James L. West Center for Dementia Care as a beneficiary of your estate. Codicils may be written by you as an individual wishing to include the James L. West Center for Dementia Care in your estate plans or by an estate attorney.
To ensure that the gift(s) you intend to provide are directed to James L. West Center, please includes the Center’s unique Tax ID number: 75-2404011.
Once you have decided to include the James L.West Center in your will, there are a couple of additional decisions to make: the size of your gift and how you would like the James L. West Center to use your gift. Please contact the Development Office to visit about the process and any questions you might have.
Yes, you may name the James L. West Center for Dementia Care as the owner or a beneficiary of a life insurance policy. You can also name the James L. West Center for Dementia Care as a beneficiary of a retirement account. For additional information about these gifts, please reach out to the Center’s Development Office at 817-877-1199.
The James L. West Center accepts gifts of stocks, bonds and mutual funds. The Center has the ability to receive these gifts in electronic form. To receive transfer instructions, please contact the finance or development office at 817-877-1199 for further details.
Yes, such gifts may provide income and/or estate tax benefits, the opportunity to escape the burden of selling or managing the property and/or avoidance of capital gains tax if the asset has been held for more than one year. The James L. West Center’s ability to accept these gifts is limited by its ability to use the gift in support of the center’s mission and all gifts must be approved by the Center’s Gift Acceptance Committee. For more information please contact 817-877-1199 and ask to speak to either the finance or development office.
James L. West Center’s endowment was started with a gift from Mrs. Eunice West. The endowment comprises the long-term investment assets of the James L. West Center which have been invested in perpetuity. The assets are invested for growth so that only a portion of the total return from the investments will be spent each year. Gifts may be made to the endowment outright or through planned gifts. For more information about ways to invest in the future of the Center, please contact the Development Office at 817-877-1199.
An adult day program provides a structured routine and overall supervision for a person living with dementia who cannot stay alone. It offers a social environment for the participants with activities and interaction geared toward their likes and abilities.
Adult day programs also can help with eating, taking medication (with a doctor’s order), toileting and incontinence care, and ongoing health monitoring (blood pressure, weight, vital signs).
The James L. West Senior Adult Day Program is licensed through the State of Texas Department of Health and Human Services Commission as a Day Activity and Health Services Center.
James L. West’s Day Program follows a daily path, alternating between cognitive and seated activities with movement and physical activity. Participants are encouraged, but never forced to participate.
A typical day starts with a continental breakfast followed by a non-denominational devotion, a review of historical facts for that day, exercise, hydration, and group discussion.
Lunch is served before afternoon activities begin.
Music therapy is a popular activity offered twice a week.
Snacks are served in mid-afternoon, followed by small group table games, puzzles and other activities.
Special attention is paid to providing opportunities for participants to help each other and the staff with activities that provide a sense of purpose and usefulness.
Emphasis is placed on helping participants maintain current abilities as long as possible, which can reduce depression, anxiety, and other behaviors that accompany dementia.
Participants make their own decisions about participation throughout the day.
Participants attend up to five days a week Monday through Friday. Drop-off begins at 7:30 a.m. and pick-up ends at 6 p.m. Set a schedule for your loved one based on your needs and preferences.
Participants should plan to come a minimum of 3 days in a rolling 30 days to stay active in the program.
A day program does not offer overnight care. We offer intermittent respite care for the caregiver during our hours of operation.
Overnight Respite care is 24-hour care offered for a short period of time, usually 7 to 30 days, and is offered based on availability at the James L. West Center for Dementia Care residential location.
If your loved one is in the early to middle stages of dementia, needs assistance with activities of daily living and should not be home alone, the day program may be a good solution.
The typical day participant is unable to prepare their own meals, is confused about time or day, loses items, and needs reminders and encouragement to feel safe. They may wander or exit-seek, exhibit sundowning, depression, loneliness or the inability to initiate activity on their own.
If they can be redirected in a group setting, they are a good candidate for senior day services. If this describes your loved one, James L. West’s Senior Day Program can help.
Depending on the type of adult day program, the costs may be covered through Veterans Affairs benefits, Long Term Care Insurance or private pay. The James L. West Senior Day Program is private pay. If your loved one has long-term care insurance, you may be able to receive reimbursement depending on the terms of the policy.
You are encouraged to visit the James L. West Senior Day Program for a tour and to meet the staff. Bring all your questions and any additional family members who may be helping you with this decision. Have an honest conversation about the care and support your loved one needs.
Request the application and Physician form if it seems like a good fit. Complete the forms and return them to the day program director. Once your application is received and reviewed, day program staff will complete an assessment of your loved one.
Once the paperwork is complete and the application is approved, choose your days and start the program.
James L. West offers several services to support the families of Senior Day Program participants, including:
Dementia is a group of symptoms that affects intellectual and social abilities in someone severely enough that it interferes with their daily living. Some symptoms include memory loss, impaired judgment, and abstract thinking.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia accounting for 60-80% of all cases. Other common forms of dementia include Vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia, and Frontotemporal dementia. Symptoms of dementia can be caused by many conditions like depression and even medication reactions.
It is important to get a complete evaluation if anyone is showing changes in memory or other cognitive abilities.
Not all memory complaints are due to Alzheimer’s or related dementia. Some mild forgetfulness, like a senior moment, or temporarily misplacing your keys can be a part of normal aging. Some memory problems can be related to other health issues that can be treated.
If you suspect someone’s forgetfulness, or another cognitive ability like decreased reasoning skills, or they’re just not acting like themselves is getting in the way of a normal daily routine it is time to see a doctor.
It takes a thorough diagnosis to determine if memory loss is caused by dementia or another condition.
A complete and proper evaluation will obtain medical and family history, including psychiatric history and history of cognitive and behavioral changes.
A physician will conduct cognitive tests, physical and neurologic exams, and will possibly request a brain scan like an MRI.
They should also ask family members or a person close to the individual being tested to provide input.
A diagnosis can come from a primary care physician, geriatrician, neurologist or neurophysiologist.
Please know that no one should be told they have nothing to worry about based on a short screening with a handful of questions.
If you need help in finding a doctor to conduct an evaluation, our staff can refer you to a professional assessment program.
(Diagnosing criteria from Alzheimer’s Association 2013 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.)
Again, not all memory complaints are due to Alzheimer’s or related dementia. Many conditions have the same symptoms as dementia but can be treated or reversed.
A proper diagnosis “rules out” all other possible causes of memory complaints that could be treated. If the diagnosis is dementia, it is important to know which type of dementia because care plans can differ and there are medications on the market that can help with each type of dementia.
Currently, there are no medications that can cure or stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
There are several FDA-approved medications that have been shown to help treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s for a period of time.
Finding the right dosage and combination of medications that is best for your loved one may take some time and close management.
Please note that while these medications can improve the quality of life for some Alzheimer’s patients, they are not a cure and seem to work the best in patients in the early to mid stages of the disease.
The best way to manage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is a healthy approach to services for the individual with dementia and the caregiver.
It is equally important that caregivers take care of themselves and be healthy so they can provide the best care for their loved ones.
There are many services available to individuals with dementia like adult day programs, stimulating activities and medication management.
Keeping the individual engaged, active in their life choices and focusing on what they can do instead of what they cannot do will help them function better and have a better quality of life.
Education, support groups and respite care are some of the most important services the caregiver and family can use throughout their journey.
Please contact us for more information about our respite services, the free caregiver training and support groups.
Our staff can also refer you to other resources throughout the community.
Several techniques help with communication and managing some challenging behaviors.
Some best practices in communicating with someone with dementia are to place more importance on body language and tone of voice than the actual words. Because of the effects on the brain, individuals with dementia will pick up on body language and tone of voice before they can process the words being used.
Individuals with dementia are sensitive to the environment. For example, if a room is too loud, the individual might have increased anxiety, which can make it more difficult for them and the caregiver to communicate with each other. Make the room less noisy or move to a different room to lessen the anxiety and noise and make it easier to communicate.
Evaluating and keeping a simple and safe environment will make communication more effective and help manage some challenging behaviors.
Please contact James L. West’s caregiver education department to learn more about communication and behavioral techniques.
All educational programs and training classes are free of charge for family caregivers. Professional healthcare training can be curated for each organization seeking training. Pricing for professional education programs fluctuates based on organization needs, program length and outcomes.
Classes are offered on-demand, virtually and in-person at the James L. West Center for Dementia Care, and throughout the community. Please click here for our calendar of educational events, locations and times. To request a speaker for your group, please contact Jaime Cobb Tinsley, V.P. of Dementia and Caregiver Education at 817-877-1199.
Many of our programs can be accessed on-demand through James L. West Learn.
Our Senior Day Program is a great option for daytime care while the caregiver seeks respite, education or attends appointments for their own care. See our Senior Day Program page for more information. Reservations must be made in advance and payment provided at the time of the reservation.
Please contact Jaime Cobb Tinsley at caregiver@jameslwest.org or call 817-877-1199 to schedule a time for your group.
Diseases such as Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia are progressive, growing more pronounced over time. In the earliest stages, it may be difficult to recognize the difference between common forgetfulness and memory loss. We recommend seniors have regular visits with a primary care physician and discuss any concerns they have.
For those not yet ready for residential care, our Senior Adult Day Program offers support for the family caregiver Monday through Friday. Click to learn more about the James L. West Senior Day Program.
It is important to remember that you will never stop caring for your loved one. No matter where your loved is, you are still providing them with the best care. There may come a time when your loved one may need more medical or full-time attention than you are physically able to provide. You will know when and if that time comes.
Remember, placing your loved one in a quality care environment doesn't mean you don't love them. It means you do.
Ask, “What is the best option for my loved one?” Please contact our dedicated and caring staff if you would like help talking through some of the emotions, different options and decisions. The James L. West Center is one of a small number of nursing centers with a Director of Family Support Services who can help families process and manage transitioning loved ones into long-term care.
The stress and exhaustion of caregiving can cause its own physical, emotional and mental health concerns. If you are experiencing any physical symptoms like chronic pain, heart problems, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, or insomnia, it is imperative that you see your doctor and treat these symptoms before they become irreversible or chronic problems. Learning how to manage stress and taking advantage of respite services throughout the community will help you be a more effective caregiver. Remember the best way to treat dementia is with a healthy combination of services for the individual with dementia and the caregiver.
Yes. James L. West Center for Dementia Care is a non-profit organization lovingly founded in memory of Mr. James L. West by his widow, Eunice, to support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Our non-profit status means that we are able to focus all of our resources on our mission rather than serving shareholders.
A major study of nursing home quality in the U.S. and Canada found that not-for-profits consistently delivered better outcomes in four key areas relating to quality:
Learn more about the not-for-profit difference.
James L. West Center opened its doors in 1993 to serve the Fort Worth community. Since then, our services have grown to include family caregiver and professional caregiver education, day services, and short-term rehabilitation. The Center’s Senior Day Program began in 1987 as a mission of First Presbyterian Church Fort Worth and became part of today’s James L. West Center for Dementia Care at the building’s opening in 1993.
James L. West Center for Dementia Care is a licensed skilled nursing, Alzheimer’s Certified, facility. Both our license and certification are provided and regulated by Texas Health and Human Services and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The Alzheimer’s Certification requires more stringent dementia education for our staff and higher staffing ratios than other settings. Our campus is divided into 6 home-like environments, which are specifically designed to support our residents as their dementia symptoms progress.
The Brazos and Colorado Houses are home to more independent residents who do well in a group setting and require some redirection and assistance. Both Pecos and Red River House residents require more assistance with daily activities and are in the moderate stage of the disease. Trinity House provides the highest level of care for those farthest along in the disease process. The Wichita House is home to the new short-term rehabilitation for people with dementia.
Medicare will help cover part of a short-term rehabilitation stay after a qualifying hospital stay.
Long-term care is covered by private funds and/or long-term care insurance. While we do not accept LTC insurance directly, we will help you seek reimbursement.
Our fees are all-inclusive of the care and are charged on a per-day rate. Prescription medications and hair care are extra.
Contact Admissions to learn more and take the next step in your journey
The James L. West Center does not participate in the Medicaid program. Because we are a not-for-profit organization, we do have limited charitable care funds to assist some residents who are not able to pay the full rate through no fault of their own.
Additional expenses are minimal. Prescription medications and specialized medical equipment can be an additional expense. Hair care also is an additional expense. Incontinence products are included in the daily rate for care.
PS Salon & Spa is our community salon operator. Through the PS Salon Celebration Account, resident clients earn up to 5% back in rewards toward free services, and families and friends can purchase gifts for residents online.
View the salon offerings here.
Residences come furnished with built-in closets, with drawers and cubbies for personal items, and a hospital style bed. James L. West also provides bed linens and hygiene items. If the resident has a specific brand they prefer to use, the family may provide that item.
The resident and/or their family should provide personal items needed to make the resident comfortable in their new home. While in room televisions are not recommended, families can provide up to a 42-inch television to be mounted to the wall in the resident’s room; television mounts are provided and installed by James L. West.
James L. West Center entrances are controlled access and each residential house is secured for the safety of our residents.
Couples can live at James L. West. Both spouses must have a diagnosis of dementia. Depending on their specific needs, both spouses may or may not reside in the same household. Residents are assessed individually to determine where they best fit within the community. Couples may be able to spend the day together even if they do not live in the same household.
Transportation is provided for those here under Medicare A for short-term rehabilitation. Other transportation is provided by the resident's family.
Yes! You have the peace of mind to know that our trained team members can help you determine whether an outing is appropriate for your loved one or not on a given day.
Many families take their loved ones out for regular outings and for special family events. We also provide group outings to local parks, museums, etc., if appropriate based on each individual's ability.
It is important for the family to help us begin to know their loved one through the admission process. Regular communication is encouraged so that we can provide the best care. On-going Care Conferences are held with the interdisciplinary team and the family caregiver to best provide the needed care and to maintain open lines of communication regarding changes in condition, health status, etc.
The medical care we provide is focused on comfort and quality rather than curative. Through our engagement programs, such as art, music therapy and wellness, we focus on the abilities that remain, rather than those lost through the disease process.
Yes. We have a team of medical directors.
The James L. West Center is licensed for skilled nursing by the state of Texas. We staff with RNs, LPNs and CNAs around the clock. This healthcare staffing model sets us apart from other memory care communities, many of which are licensed as assisted living and operate social models of care.
James L. West Center’s team of medical professionals includes our medical directors, who see residents as patients on site. Because going to the doctor’s office can be traumatic for a person with dementia, we try to provide as much medical care on-site as possible. We also partner with specialists such as podiatrists, optometrists, dentists, psychiatrists, etc. to provide onsite care.
Team members complete 16 hours of computerized training prior to any assignments in the houses. We also provide an additional 16 hours of orientation for all staff members during their first few weeks of employment.
New employees work alongside more experienced staff for their first few days in their home department to become acquainted with our residents, computer systems, and philosophy of care.
Short-term rehabilitation provides therapy for individuals recovering from a surgery, illness or accident. Generally, those needing short-term, in-patient rehabilitation continue their therapy program for as little as a couple of days to several weeks.
Short-term rehabilitation programs help patients achieve their maximum functional capacity and get back to their homes and communities in the shortest time possible. To achieve this goal, patients receive physical, occupational and speech therapy from our caring, highly skilled therapists. Therapists are part of an interdisciplinary team that includes physicians, nurses, social workers and nutritionists, who work with each patient and his or her family members to develop an individualized plan of care.
James L. West’s skilled in-house therapy team provides physical, occupational, orthopedic, and speech therapy to residents and short-term rehabilitation patients.
Our Rehabilitation Services include:
Yes, it does, provided certain conditions are met. These include having a doctor's order for rehabilitative services in place and having spent at least three days in the hospital as an inpatient within the last 30 days. Our admissions staff can help you determine whether your stay will be covered under Medicare – or any other insurance, public or private, that you may carry.
