The Hearthstone Institute's training programs and materials are based on over 25 years of research and field study conducted by the Hearthstone Research Division. That body of provides solid evidence-base for the "I'm Still Here® approach". Involving premier thought leaders in dementia care, the Hearthstone Research Division can be a world-wide pioneer in field of non-pharmacological interventions and is a leading non-pharmacological research organization successfully executed publishable research related to: *Techniques used to effectively communicate with those living with dementia * Behavioral changes observed in cognitively impaired adults taking part in I'm Still Here® programs. * Long-term outcomes of innovative I'm Still Here® interventions. Hearthstone Institute uses evidence from the Research Division's federally- and privately-funded research studies to determine which activities and approaches are most beneficial to persons living with dementia. Standardized measures are used to determine the effects of different activities and interventions. Study results are published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences. Research successfully translated into practice at the Hearthstone Residences on daily basis. Trained by the Hearthstone Institute, memory care staff who implement the "I'm Still Here®" approach experience the satisfaction and professionalism of witnessing the meaningful and measurable impact on persons in their care.
