Frequently Asked Questions

Assisted living and memory care have similarities such as providing amenities like activities, meals, housekeeping and assistance with daily living (e.g. showers, dressing, medication management, and incontinence care).

However, Memory Care is more specialized care for those with memory loss of varying degrees and causes from Alzheimer's disease to other forms of dementia. There is a difference in how the care is provided. Memory care requires a shorter sequence of steps to follow, paced verbal cuing reminders, and guidance to ensure success and safety throughout the day. Routine in getting ready for the day, enjoying breakfast and getting engaged into a morning activity for instance occurs with personalized guidance, offering just the right amount of support and independence.

We request a physician's report from the primary care doctor, as well as complete our own assessment to recommend the level of care most fitting. In some situations, individuals may participate in day programing in assisted living fully supported by staff, but may need more help in the evening due to sundowning and reside in the memory care.

We focus on the process not the outcome of say painting or participating in a game, verses being the winner of the game. We cultivate a sense of community and creating meaning and positive emotions around our programing. Activities such as trivia help to jog memories. Our daily morning exercise incorporates music and coordination in a creative and fun way. Activities provide stimulation of the whole person mentally, physically, socially, spiritually and emotionally in a safe environment.

Memory care plans speak to the need for guidance, cuing, and reminders. Care plans factor in the time that it takes to assist in performing the activities of daily living allowing the individual to be as independent as they are able to be.

The memory care is completely secure to prevent residents from wandering out. A code is required and the door is alarmed. The memory care is staffed 24/7 with caring, attentive staff. 

Each individual is different and so is their journey with memory loss. Some individuals have a tendency to rummage through their belongings or pack-up their things thinking they have to get home or to work. We understand this and for that reason try to redirect those who enjoy folding or sorting to come to our Life Skills Laundry station to assist in folding our beautiful blankets and towels. We also adopt the less is more philosophy when it comes to furnishing your loved one's unit. We want each resident to feel comfortable and at home with familiar items, but not overwhelmed with too many belongings to navigate. 

Yes, our care staff have years of experience and receive on-going training to include sensitivity training to ensure each resident is understood. During our assessment we ask the preference on the time of day your loved one prefers to shower and how often you prefer they shower. This ensures the schedule matches the preferences. Everyone is different and thus they connect with each care staff differently. If a resident gravitates toward a particular caregiver, we will have that caregiver provide the care.

For many residents in memory care the sensation of the water falling down in the shower can cause avoidance, but bringing that same individual to the in-house salon turns a chore into a relaxing experience. This allows the care staff to wash, dry and even style the individual's hair. 

Absolutely as this is an important part of how we seek to evolve our offerings to allow your loved one to age in place within the community. We offer softer foods, chopped, pureed, and finger foods to assist with aphasia that can occur with dementia and or if the individual has suffered a stroke.

We do offer transportation for medical appointments and have a wheelchair accessible van. We can provide a caregiver to attend the appointment for an extra fee. However, we have a visiting primary care doctor and other medical practitioners who visit to minimize stress and confusion for the individual, as well as ensure efficient communication from practitioner to our wellness staff and directors. We also offer lab services and x-rays in house.

When care is provided in the home even when outside help is brought in the caregiver is never fully given a break from the equation and often times adequate rest is not possible. Community living provides safe, consistent, reliable care 24-7 with the ability of loved ones to visit anytime. Companionship with one's peers is abundant at senior living communities, and that is something that can be difficult or impossible to recreate in the home.

We offer both private and companion units to offer options for personal preference. However, research shows that many individuals are calmed with the presence of a roommate especially if they wake in the night and see their roommate sleeping. This can reorient them to knowing it is night and time to rest. We see each day how having companionship can bring a sense of purpose.