If a loved one was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you may be seeking ways to ensure they receive the best possible care and support. This blog provides insights and encouragement as we explore memory care and how to choose the right retirement community where your loved one can live with dignity and experience moments of joy.
A Memory Care Household Serves the Whole Person
At its best, a memory care household in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) provides a pleasant home for residents while keeping them comfortable in apartments and community areas designed with their needs in mind.
With person-centered memory care, residents who live there have a sense of freedom, choice, and purpose. With thoughtful safeguards in place to ensure their well-being, residents can enjoy the opportunity to embrace social connections in ways that feel right for them—finding confidence, joy, and the opportunity to live each day fully.
At Episcopal Church Home’s (ECH) Continuing Care Retirement Community in Louisville's beautiful Graymoor-Devondale neighborhood, memory care is more than just a service. It’s a commitment to providing residents with dignity, respect, and a vibrant community where they can thrive. That dedication is reflected in many ways, including the following practices:
Residents and their families find peace of mind knowing those who live there have an engaging home where of their needs can be met.
The structured routine, the comforting presence of familiar caregivers, and the specialized dementia care create a strong and essential sense of stability.
Staff are specially trained to work with residents with cognitive loss and meet their unique needs. Team members also receive ongoing annual training to keep them updated on developments in the field.
A benefit of a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is that it provides a continuum of care. As residents’ healthcare needs change, they can remain in the same community and receive increasing levels of care, either for memory support or other forms of assistance.
Programs for memory care residents at ECH include music therapy and other research-driven activities that promote fine motor skill, keep the mind active, and create more moments of engagement and joy. They also offer art therapy, word games, and more. Some activities include support from the broader Louisville community, with special guests from local organizations who provide engaging events, presentations and even musical performances.
Socializing When Residents Choose
Allowing memory care residents to live a joyful life is one of the goals at ECH. With secure indoor and outdoor inviting community spaces and cozy living areas, residents can enjoy the comfort of their own apartment or shared spaces as they wish.
“We work to balance being a secure level of care and providing a sense of freedom and ability to move,” said Bryan Berman, ECH household coordinator. "Doors are secured, but the residents can walk freely about the community space.”
A good memory care community is thoughtfully designed to support safe, purposeful wandering. At ECH, our memory care household features well-lit, wide hallways in secure spaces, giving residents the freedom to move with the added benefit of physical exercise and overall well-being.
Memory Care Offers Peace of Mind and Convenience
When someone with cognitive loss enters a memory care community, it allows their care partners to spend less time as caregivers and more time interacting with them in more relaxing and fun ways. With personalized, professional care being provided for them, families enjoy more quality time together.
Dedicated team members help with essential health tasks, such as administering medications and tending to other physical needs. Meals are prepared for them, and housekeeping is provided regularly.
Residents of the memory-support households have their own activity calendars created specifically for them. “We’re intentional with our activities and our life enrichment, and we’re promoting things that allow them to be creative.” Bryan Said. “Our residents enjoy fun activities like bingo for prizes, baking together in the kitchen, arts and crafts, and more.”
Residents also find joy in our programs such as mindful coloring, noodle ball, and afternoon stretch. “We plan a wide variety of group activities to foster gathering,” Bryan explained.
The ECH Not-For-Profit Difference
A Continuing Care Retirement Community like Episcopal Church Home offers residents peace of mind. With a full continuum of care, they can remain in the community they love, even if their care needs change. From memory support assisted living to skilled nursing, our dedicated staff provides person-centered care and support along the way.
As a not-for-profit organization, ECH reinvests back into residents and the community. No resident will ever be asked to leave their home if they outlive their financial resources through no fault of their own. Experience why so many families trust ECH to provide compassionate care in a community that feels like home.
If you or a loved one is exploring memory care options, we invite you to experience the warmth and exceptional care at Episcopal Church Home. To schedule a free tour of our memory care communities, please contact Elizabeth Pace at (502) 736-8043 or email her at epace@erslife.org.
Is it the right time for memory care? Complete our free (and quick) 4–5-minute survey to learn more about which living options may be the best fit for you and your family.
