Memory Care: A Supportive and Caring Environment for All

At Lutheran SeniorLife, we understand the importance of providing a nurturing and supportive environment for individuals with memory impairments. One of the distinguishing features of our memory care services is its emphasis on creating an engaging environment to promote cognitive stimulation and foster a sense of purpose and belonging. From specially curated activities, therapeutic programs and shadow boxes of momentous to thoughtfully designed living spaces, residents are surrounded by opportunities for meaningful interaction and personal fulfillment.

Within our communities – St. John and Passavant – we have the capacity to serve residents with cognitive and physical ailments including personal care, skilled nursing and long-term care.

St. John Community: Resident & Family Support

“At St. John Community, we embrace the journey of memory care with compassion, dignity, and personalized support,” explained Samantha Rapuk, Executive Director of the St. John. “Our commitment goes beyond memory – it’s about fostering moments of joy, connection, and empowerment for every individual; enriching their lives and honoring their unique legacy.”

That commitment is demonstrated through the memory support services available at the St. John Specialty Care Center’s Creekside Path (nursing facility care) and Edgewood Grove (personal care). In addition, the St. John Community also features a standalone assisted living with memory care facility – RoseCrest — offering 30 private rooms and state-of-the-art memory care with daily activities designed to promote creativity, socialization and self-esteem.

“Here at RoseCrest we treat the residents like family,” said Dana Bradley, PCHA, ALA Director of Residential Living “We treat them as if they were our mother, grandmother, father, uncle, or aunt and take the time to spend with them to understand what they are feeling… what they need… and how we can best provide the care they need.”

“I can’t say enough about the staff,” said Cherri Smith, daughter of resident, 92-year-old, Margie Kennedy.  “The nurses are great. The aides are fantastic. My mother loves these people, and they love her.”

“We strive to maintain as much independence for our residents as possible,” said Bradley.  “For those that are unable to dress themselves, we encourage them to choose their own clothing, allowing them to make these choices helps maintain their independence while slowing the decline in cognitive function.”

Supporting the families is also important, noted Bradley. “Family support often involves simply being there to talk… Being supportive, having conversations, and helping them understand the progression of the disease is crucial.”

“It’s just a nice place. If anything happens, they call immediately. Any time anything changes, I get a phone call,” explained Smith. “They just go above and beyond. I can’t say enough…”

Passavant Community Embraces Montessori Philosophy

At Passavant Community, memory support through the lens of the Montessori philosophy fosters an environment where residents are empowered to engage with their surroundings in meaningful ways. Grounded in the belief that each individual possesses unique abilities and deserves respect, the Montessori approach emphasizes independence, choice, and purposeful activities. Residents are encouraged to participate in tasks that align with their interests and abilities, promoting cognitive stimulation and a sense of fulfillment. Through personalized activities and a supportive atmosphere, Passavant Community ensures that residents with memory challenges can maintain their dignity and autonomy while receiving the care and attention they need.

“Our commitment to memory care extends beyond providing support – it’s about empowering every individual to live a life rich with dignity, purpose, and cherished moments,” explained Laura Roy, Executive Director of Passavant.

Depending on need, Passavant provides memory support through three households: memory care for residents with personal care needs receive services in the Shenandoah household (personal care); while residents in need of long-term care are served through Allegheny and Larkspur households.

Central to the success of the memory care program is the team of compassionate professionals who are trained to understand the unique needs of individuals living with memory loss. With expertise in dementia care, they provide round-the-clock support, ensuring that residents feel safe, secure, and valued every step of the way. Their dedication not only enriches the lives of residents but also brings peace of mind to their families, knowing their loved ones are in capable hands.

In essence, Lutheran SeniorLife’s memory care services embody a profound dedication to enhancing the quality of life for those living with memory loss. By nurturing the mind, body, and spirit, the organization empowers individuals to live with dignity, purpose, and joy, creating a legacy of compassion and excellence that resonates throughout the community.