BCAT® Integration in Senior Living Communities

The BCAT® Approach is an evidence-based cognitive system that can be used by staff, healthcare professionals, residents, and families. The BCAT® system leverages comprehensive assessments, treatment interventions, and resident engagement activities to maximize the cognitive and functional abilities of older adults.  Senior living communities that use the BCAT® Approach focus on cognition as a vital sign with a common goal of supporting optimal brain health and cognitive wellness, enhancing resident and family satisfaction with community services, and improving financial outcomes.

Organizational partners leverage BCAT® tools and programs to meet the cognitive needs of residents living in all levels of care.  The scientifically validated tools found in our senior living packages support residents with normal cognition who are interested in maintaining their brain health, while also supporting residents with mild, moderate, and severe cognitive impairment. Additionally, BCAT® tools and programs are designed to improve staff retention and work satisfaction, as well as provide valuable resources for family members.

BCAT® Memory Care Community offers scientifically validated meaningful engagement activities for persons with cognitive impairment and supports non-pharmacologic management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Key features include:

• BCAT® Test System assessment tools leveraged to inform care planning based on cognitive and functional performance.
• Life Enrichment programming with an emphasis on meaningful engagement for persons with dementia for use in 1:1 and group settings using the MemPics® book series.
• Simple exercise programs appropriate for persons with dementia.
• Meditation series Engage Your Senses used to reduce stress and minimize behaviors such as late day confusion or “sundowning.”
• Great 8 Communication Tips to support successful resident/caregiver communication.
• BCAT® caregiver training video series provides education around approaches for persons with cognitive impairment.
• Access to the Family Matters interview series that highlights topics important to caregivers of persons with cognitive impairment.
• Staff access to stress reduction tools to mitigate turnover and promote retention.
• BCAT® marketing and communication package.

BCAT® Certified Community identifies each resident’s cognitive level and uses this information to predict its impact on overall function and to inform care management. Certified communities offer 1:1 or group activities that challenge residents of all cognitive levels by allowing them to successfully age in place while maximizing independence in activities of daily living. Key features include:

• BCAT® Memory Care Community resources and the following:
• Digital workbook and computer-based cognitive exercises offered to all residents to promote brain health.
• Access to the 15 For Me® Program offers cognitive, cardio, and centered breathing activities for residents and families.
• BCAT® Dementia program resources used to mitigate dementia-related behaviors and promote meaningful engagement.
• ENRICH® Brain Health program access with free Brain Exercise of the Week for residents.
• Brain Health-7 educational series that includes 8 sessions for residents that focuses on key brain health lifestyle choices.

BCAT® Cognitive Center of Excellence is committed to integrating the BCAT® Approach as the standard of care to meet the cognitive needs of the residents in their community, leveraging cognitive status to facilitate appropriate level of care determinations. The BCAT® Approach includes staff training resources, family education, and a variety of cognitive programs to meet the individual needs of the residents in the community. Key features include:

• BCAT® Certified Community resources plus the following:
• Community book package to support residents and families including:

• The Dementia Journey: A Navigation Manual for Family Members book.
• The BrainSharp™ Exercise Book to offer additional cognitive activities provided by the Life enrichment staff.
• The BCAT® Working Memory Exercise Book - Professional Edition and Home Edition
• Basic Understanding to Dementia: The Healthcare Practitioner's Guide
• Brain Health as You Age: A Practical Guide to Maintenance and Prevention

• The BCAT® Cognitive Health and Wellness Program curriculum providing 6 months of educational content and cognitive exercises.
• Quarterly family-based education series with topics related to cognition, brain health, and wellness.

Looking for data to support the 15 For Me® and other BCAT® programs? 

Did you know that for staff who use the BCAT® 15 For Me® program:

• 86% report that it is effective in reducing work-related stress.
• 92% report that they feel their companies prioritize their wellness by making 15 For Me® available to them.
• 94% report that their companies should continue to make 15 For Me® available to them and their families.

Families who use BCAT® resources for their brain health state the following:

• 82% report that they feel that the organization prioritizes their brain health.
• 91% report higher satisfaction with the organization because they are given access to 15 For Me® and other BCAT® programs.

Organizations who partner with BCAT® enjoy the following benefits:

• Access to a comprehensive suite of tools that identify changes in cognition and in functional performance.
• Brain health programming solutions to promote overall well-being for persons across the cognitive continuum.
• Evidenced-based cognitive activities for 1:1 or group settings.
• Access to educational offerings and resources specific to dementia management.
• Support in management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs).
• Scientifically validated clinical outcomes.
• Quarterly analytics reports.
• Enhanced marketing opportunities.

To learn more about our Senior Living options and how each can support your residents, staff, and families download our Senior Living Packages PDF.