Troy Regional’s Senior Behavioral Care Unit (SBCU) has been named a “Dementia Friendly Alabama” facility. The distinction follows staff training provided in June by Dementia Friendly Alabama partners, with formal recognition received this month.
Dementia Friendly Alabama is a statewide initiative aimed at increasing awareness and support for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. The organization works to build partnerships that create communities where those living with dementia can live and thrive.
The hospital staff training focuses on improving dementia awareness, enhancing patient care and increasing caregiver confidence. It emphasizes effective communication, customer service and the creation of dementia-friendly environments. Notably, the training completed by the SBCU team included a virtual reality component simulating the experience of living with dementia—helping caregivers gain deeper empathy and understanding.
“We are very proud of this achievement for our team and the facility,” said Amy Minor, Troy Regional’s chief clinical officer (CCO). “Many of our senior patients are admitted due to high-risk behaviors related to dementia and related psychiatric symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily life.”
Minor said this designation represents the hospital’s commitment to meet the needs of current patients as well as prepare for the projected rise in dementia cases. “According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is expected to rise from 7 million-plus to nearly 13 million by 2050,” she said. “And Alzheimer’s is just one form of dementia.” A dementia-friendly community is one in which people living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia—and their care partners—feel respected, supported and included in everyday activities. Such communities help individuals remain engaged and independent for as long as possible.
Troy Regional’s SBCU is an 18-bed acute inpatient geropsychiatric unit designed to serve adults ages 55 and older. The unit specializes in short-term (7–14 day) acute stabilization for individuals experiencing behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with mental illness and dementia.
“We aim to equip our patients with the tools to return to their communities and function safely,” said Minor. “The training from Dementia Friendly Alabama has expanded our staff’s understanding of dementia-specific care. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive and compassionate environment for every individual we serve.”
The Troy Regional SBCU provides a comprehensive treatment program that includes:
- Individual and group therapy
- Recreational activities
- Coping skills education
- Medication management and training
- Health awareness groups
- Family education
- Evaluation of treatment effectiveness
- Discharge planning and transition support
One innovative aspect of the SBCU’s dementia care program is the use of robotic companion pets—realistic, interactive animals designed to provide comfort and emotional connection. “These life-like pets have shown remarkable effects in calming seniors with dementia,” said MJ Melton, Troy Regional social worker. “They create soothing feelings and help individuals reconnect with a sense of purpose and emotional well-being.”
For more information about Troy Regional’s Senior Behavioral Care Unit, visit www.troymedicalcenter.com/
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