Prestige Care "Expressions" Memory Care Program Recognized with a 2012 ICAA Innovators Award

VANCOUVER, Wash. --(Business Wire)--

Prestige Care, a leader in providing quality senior living and rehabilitative and skilled nursing care, has been recognized with a 2012 Innovators Award from the International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA), for its Expressions memory care program.

Expressions is a life-affirming, activity-rich residential program for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia who seek community-based care to help alleviate the effects of the disease for patients and their families.

ICAA is a national association that advocates an approach to aging that helps older adults live as fully as possible within all dimensions of wellness. Its annual Innovators Award program spotlights creativity and excellence in active aging, and it recognizes Prestige as an organization that is leading the way, setting new standards, and making a difference in the lives of older adults through its Expressions memory care programming.

Prestige's Expressions memory care program uses innovative care techniques and treatment approaches that turn daily activities into memorable and meaningful events for residents with dementia. The program is rooted in the philosophy that memory care activities should mirror the same planned or spontaneous, simple or elaborate activities of everyday life.

The program's approach nurtures body, heart, soul and mind through key activities that encompass several facets of everyday living - exercise, healthy eating, creative and educational activities and spiritual life.

"Expressions is based on the compassionate care philosophy that we extend to every resident across our family of care communities," said Prestige Care President and CEO Harold Delamarter. "Our caregivers know each resident's personal life story, which allows them to integrate individualized care and activities into our memory care treatment programs. The result is fewer challenging behaviors and enhanced happiness and well-being for those living with dementia."

Prestige developed the Expressions person-centered approach to memory care in collaboration with David Troxel, MPH, a nationally recognized expert on dementia disease car.

"As we developed Expressions we wanted to challenge traditional approaches to memory care and explore new philosophies and advancements in treating the disease," said Hollie Fowler, senior director of product and brand development for Prestige. "As researchers continue to uncover treatment breakthroughs, we're committed to updating and improving our programs to ensure the best care for our residents and their families."

The ICAA award-winners target any or all of the seven dimensions of wellness promoted by the association-social, emotional, vocational, spiritual, intellectual, physical and environmental-to support age 50-plus adults in living well. The Innovators Award, one of three award categories, specifically highlights programs and concepts that advance active aging.

"Older adults today are transforming outdated concepts about aging and later life," says Colin Milner, ICAA's founder and CEO. "Increasingly, people realize that they don't have to accept society's stereotypical views of later life as a time of decline and diminished worth; they can continue to grow and learn, contribute to society, and live well and fully despite any health challenges they may face. For many, having opportunities and support for active living can make all the difference to their quality of life."

Milner notes that active-aging organizations "provide programs and environments that encourage older adults to optimize health and well-being throughout their lives. Prestige's Expressions program is an inspiring example," he adds. "This initiative engages older adults in programming that enriches people's lives and enhances their overall wellness. On behalf of ICAA, I congratulate Prestige Care on their efforts."

As an ICAA award-winner, Prestige Care will be featured with an in-depth profile of Expressions that will appear in ICAA's flagship publication, the Journal on Active Aging®, in 2013.

Prestige Care was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Wash. It operates more than 70 senior living communities and skilled nursing care centers throughout the Western United States.

To learn more about Prestige's Expressions program and the communities where it is offered, visit www.prestigecare.com/expressions.

About the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)

ICAA, an association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry, supports professionals who develop wellness facilities, programs and services for adults over 50. The association is focused on active aging-an approach to aging that helps older adults live as fully as possible within all dimensions of wellness-and provides its members with education, information, resources and tools. As an active-aging educator and advocate, ICAA has advised numerous organizations and governmental bodies, including the US Administration on Aging, the National Institute on Aging (one of the US National Institutes of Health), the US Department of Health and Human Services, Canada's Special Senate Committee on Aging, and the British Columbia ministries of Health, and Healthy Living and Sport. www.icaa.cc

About Prestige Care, Inc.

Prestige owns, operates, and manages independent, assisted living and memory care communities as well as nursing and rehabilitation centers in Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. It is the company's mission to provide quality care guided by a compassionate heart with values based on respect, integrity, commitment and trust. Visit us online at www.prestigecare.com or call (360) 735-7155 for more information.