When Mark first noticed the changes in his mother, Betty, he convinced himself they were just a natural part of aging. She would forget small things—where she had placed her keys, a story she had told just moments before—but it all seemed manageable. However, as time passed, the signs became undeniable. The day she fell in her home and couldn’t remember how it happened, Mark knew it was time to seek help.

A Son's Search for the Right Care

The search for a memory care community felt overwhelming. Mark wanted Betty to be safe, but more than anything, he wanted her to be happy. He longed to see her smile again—the warm, genuine smile that had always been a part of who she was.

Having always been familiar with Episcopal Church Home, where Betty had lived in an independent patio home, Mark knew the quality of care was excellent. However, he had little knowledge of their memory care neighborhood until the need arose.

As Mark visited different communities, none of them felt quite right. But he immediately noticed a difference when he walked into Episcopal Church Home’s Memory Care neighborhood.

The staff wasn’t just providing care but engaging, fostering meaningful connections with the residents. It was evident that innovative memory care therapies were being implemented, making a real impact on those living there. Betty felt it, too.

“They’re all so kind,” she told Mark. “It feels like home here.”

At that moment, he knew—this was the place for her.

Related Blog: What Exactly is Memory Care?

Finding Comfort and Connection

Transitioning Betty into her new home was easier than Mark had anticipated, thanks to the compassionate and experienced team at Episcopal Church Home. They helped with every aspect of the move, ensuring Betty’s new space felt familiar and comforting.

Her days became structured in a way that supported her well-being. The daily schedule was thoughtfully designed, balancing engaging activities, quiet moments of relaxation, and personalized care that honored her past. The staff took time to learn who she was before dementia—to understand the music she loved, the hobbies she once enjoyed, and the routines that brought her comfort.

One day, Betty turned to Mark with a peaceful expression. “They take care of all my needs,” she said, the ease in her voice something he hadn’t heard in a long time.

For Mark, these small reassurances made all the difference. Betty was enjoying the little things again—daily exercise, fresh air, and, most importantly, meaningful human connections. And then, there was her smile.

A Mother's Transformation

One afternoon, Mark arrived for a visit, his heart carrying the familiar mix of hope and uncertainty. Would today be a good day? Would she recognize him?

As he stepped into the community, he saw his mom sitting with a caregiver, laughing as they chatted. It was such a simple moment, yet the joy on her face was unmistakable.

“Hi, sweetheart,” she greeted him as he approached.

His heart swelled. Even if only for that moment, she knew him.

Since moving to Episcopal Church Home, Betty had become more engaged than Mark ever imagined. She participated in music therapy, delighting in performances by visiting musicians.

“Oh, my goodness,” she said after a recent guitar session. “He just played and played. I recognized the tunes! He was so fun!”

She had even discovered a newfound love for painting.

“I never thought I could paint,” she had confessed. “But they make it so easy and fun!”

The structured routine, the comforting presence of familiar caregivers, and the specialized dementia care had restored a sense of stability that had once been slipping away. Mark saw his mother come alive in ways he never expected. And always, there was her smile.

Related Blog: Is It Time for Memory Care?

A Team That Feels Like Family

The caregivers at Episcopal Church Home were more than just staff; they had become an extension of Mark’s family. They celebrated the small victories with him—the days when Betty was especially talkative, the times she hummed along to a favorite song, the moments when she still called him by name.

One staff member even bonded with Betty over knitting, a hobby she had always loved.

“She’s teaching me, and I’m teaching her,” Betty had laughed, recounting the connection she had formed. These little moments of kindness and familiarity made all the difference.

The team also ensured Mark was always informed. If there was a change in Betty’s condition, even something small, he received a call. He never had to wonder how she was doing—he always knew. That peace of mind was invaluable.

The Gift of Peace of Mind

Choosing memory care for a loved one is never an easy decision. But each time Mark sees his mother’s smile, he knows he made the right choice. Episcopal Church Home has provided Betty with the care she needs and has given Mark the reassurance and peace of mind he so desperately sought.

For other adult children walking this path, Mark hopes they know they are not alone. Episcopal Church Home is there to offer compassionate, expert care for those facing memory loss, just as they have for Betty.

Because in the end, her smile is everything.

Schedule a complimentary tour of Episcopal Church Home’s Marmion House Memory Care today! Contact Elizabeth Pace at 502.736.8043 or epace@erslife.org. Visit our webpage to learn more.