The Garden Memory Care

The Garden Memory Care

At the Chateau at River’s Edge, seniors with memory loss as a result of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, heart attacks or other causes will find a life-enriching program for memory care in The Garden.

The program was developed with a resident-centered approach, which helps ensure that memory loss or cognitive impairment is no barrier to a quality life.

Those residing in The Garden enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment, which also provides added security with entrances and exits that are secured and alarmed. Entrances and exits are provide delayed egress. Additionally, an emergency call system is monitored 24-hours each day.

The “Life Enhancement” activities program has been adapted to engage memory care residents and give them opportunities to connect with others and maintain social skills.

Enriching individual and group activities are tailored to residents’ preferences and include such things as exercise; nature walks; gardening; art, singing and music; classes and demonstrations; structured reminiscence; on-site entertainment and celebrations as well as off-site outings and excursions.

Educational seminars and facilitated family support groups are held. Family involvement in all aspects of community life is strongly encouraged.

There is careful monitoring of residents’ whereabouts and well-being. A higher than usual staff-to-resident ratio helps ensure responsive care.

A wide spectrum of personal assistance is offered, including help with clothing selection, dressing, grooming and standby or full assistance for bathing or showering. Residents are escorted to meals or activities, if needed. Administration of medications is managed for all residents and continence care is available.

Staff who have a “gift for caring” promote positive relationships with gentle words and touch. They understand and respond compassionately if residents exhibit challenging behaviors, such as agitation, repetitive questions, pacing, mood or personality changes, difficulty with language, inability to perform once–familiar tasks or disorientation to time and place.

This capable and professional staff receives on-going training in “best dementia care practices.”

They use appropriate, progressive techniques, memory cues and verbal and non-verbal communications to re-direct and re-orient residents as well as ensure that everyday tasks do not produce undue frustration or a sense of helplessness.

The Garden Memory Care provided at the Chateau at River’s Edge recognizes each residents’ strengths, allows them to maintain existing abilities, and fills any gaps in life skills with appropriate assistance.

Staff respects residents’ dignity and individuality. They also address resident’s desire for a sense of belonging and provide them many opportunities for gratifying interactions with others.

Adorning The Garden's backyard are whimsical, ceramic rabbit statues by local artist Eric Dahlin.