St. Francis Launches Groundbreaking REMEMBER Program for Hospitalized Patients with Dementia

GRAND ISLAND, NE – A hospital stay can be disorienting for those living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Unfamiliar surroundings, changes in routine and new medications can intensify confusion, anxiety and agitation, creating undue distress for patients and their caregivers.

In response, CHI Health St. Francis has launched the REMEMBER program, an innovative, evidence-based initiative designed to improve safety, comfort and personalized care for patients with memory impairment. This program, a first for CHI Health, resulted from a collaborative effort involving hospital personnel, community partners, dementia patients and their families. The acronym REMEMBER signifies the program’s dedication to improving care, with each letter representing a core principle: Recognizing, Educating, Managing, Empowering, Multidisciplinary Approach, Better Experience, Enhancing Safety, and Respect.

“An experience recounted by the spouse of a former hospitalized patient was eye-opening,” said Beth Deida, nurse educator. “We quickly assembled a multidisciplinary team from across the hospital that is passionate about implementing new and better ways to care for the unique needs of this growing population.”

A cornerstone of the REMEMBER program is an intuitive color-coding system–an optional safety measure ensuring the immediate recognition of patients requiring specialized memory care. Patients receive a bright green bracelet upon admission to the hospital and a blue patient gown, which clearly distinguishes them from other patients. A floral marker, specifically a ‘forget me not’ with the same colors, is also placed by patient room doors.

“Dementia can manifest as communication difficulties, behavioral challenges, even wandering, so it’s essential that awareness extends beyond direct bedside caregivers,” Deida says. “Now, staff across every department, from admissions and housekeeping to clergy, maintenance and meal delivery, can instantly identify patients in need of specialized memory care.”

In addition to visual cues, St. Francis is also focusing on advanced skills training including a custom communication tool proven beneficial during shift changes for continuity of care. Staff, in any role, can attend a day-long professional training seminar offered monthly at the hospital. The seminar, the foundation of becoming a certified dementia provider, is made available at no cost to staff through support from CHI Health St. Francis Foundation.

“It’s encouraging to see families more comfortable with taking a break, grabbing a quick bite, or even sleeping at home. They know, in their absence, their loved one is safe and receiving care tailored to their unique memory care needs,” says Deida.

The REMEMBER program is receiving significant positive feedback from patients, families and staff alike, and its success is also drawing the attention of the wider medical community. St. Francis submitted the groundbreaking initiative for presentation at the national American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet & Pathway Conference, in addition to the AMSN’s Journal for manuscript submission in their special issue spotlighting Nurse-Led Healthcare Innovation.

“People are talking about the program and the incredible difference it’s making in the lives of our patients and their families,” Deida says. “We are passionate about setting a new standard for compassionate dementia care at St. Francis and sharing REMEMBER as best practice across our organization and the country.”

Alzheimer’s Disease Stats  www.alz.org

Alzheimer’s disease is a rapidly growing public health crisis, with prevalence doubling every five years after age 65 and cases projected to reach nearly 13.8 million in the U.S. by 2060. Currently, more than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. One in 3 older adults dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Between 2000 and 2021 deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have increased 142%. Alzheimer’s kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. This worldwide campaign, focused on awareness while promoting brain health, offers support to the more than 55 million people living with dementia internationally. Throughout the month, the Alzheimer's Association and other advocates highlight the need for expanded research in the vital pursuit of a cure.