As Jan Young's needs changed, her family found more than support at Marjorie P. Lee. They found trusted partners to help guide the journey. When Jen Michel, Jan’s daughter, moved from Toronto to Cincinnati to be closer to her mother, she knew her needs were beginning to shift. What she didn’t realize was how much her family would come to rely on the people at Marjorie P. Lee, not only for her mom’s care, but for guidance, reassurance, and help navigating the difficult decisions along the way.
Comfort In a Time of Uncertainty
Like many adult children, Jen could see that changes were happening. Her mother was still engaged in the things she enjoyed and continued to live an active life, but questions about the future were beginning to emerge. What kind of support might she need? When would she need it? And how could their family make decisions that would allow Jan to maintain both her quality of life and her sense of independence?
Those questions led Jen and her family to begin exploring senior living options. They were looking for a community that felt genuine, one where care was centered on residents. Just as importantly, they wanted a place that could adapt as Jan's needs changed over time.That search eventually led them to Marjorie P. Lee.
The community's not-for-profit mission stood out immediately, but what gave Jen the greatest sense of reassurance was the continuum of care available on campus. While Jan initially moved into assisted living, the family knew memory support would likely become part of her future. Knowing that additional care would be available without a move to a different community provided comfort during a time of uncertainty.
At the time, they had no way of knowing just how important that support would become.
A New Home in a Welcoming Community
From the moment Beth arrived at MPL, she felt a sense of belonging. "We all get along," Beth shared warmly about the other residents. She loves sharing meals with neighbors and friends, adding, "It's a community. It really is. I have to say it's a good community, too."
That sense of community extends beyond the residents, but their families too. That warm neighborly feel shows up in everyday moments, like Sunday chapel services where Karin and her daughters can join Beth without leaving the campus.
With the full continuum of care offered at MPL, families are given the gift of time. When the weight of daily caregiving is lifted, they can return to their cherished roles as children, spouses, and grandchildren. With the clinical care thoughtfully handled by a professional team, families can focus on what truly matters: enjoying their time together.
Related Blog: Care Needs Change, Home Doesn’t Have To
More Than Care Providers
The community's not-for-profit mission stood out immediately, but what gave Jen the greatest sense of reassurance was the continuum of care available on campus. While Jan initially moved into assisted living, the family knew memory support would likely become part of her future. Knowing that additional care would be available without a move to a different community provided comfort during a time of uncertainty.
At the time, they had no way of knowing just how important that support would become.
Not long before Jan's move, her husband of 38 years passed away unexpectedly. In addition to the grief of losing a spouse, Jan suddenly lost the daily companionship and support that had helped her navigate life for decades. As Jen watched her mother struggle through that grief, she found herself searching for guidance.
One of the only people she knew to call was a social worker at Marjorie P. Lee.
Jan was not yet a resident, and Jen had only recently begun exploring the community. Still, the social worker spent nearly an hour on the phone with her, listening, answering questions, and helping her understand what she was seeing in her mother.
Looking back, Jen realizes how much that conversation shaped her family's experience.
It was one of the first signs that the people at Marjorie P. Lee would become more than care providers. They would become partners. That partnership continued after Jan moved in.
Person-Centered Care
Over the years, Jen has come to appreciate not only the care her mother receives, but also the way the staff has helped her better understand dementia itself. By observing trained memory care professionals, she has learned how important routine, reassurance, and patience can be. She has watched caregivers gently redirect anxiety, provide comfort during moments of confusion, and support residents in ways that preserve dignity and independence.
Those lessons have changed the way she interacts with her own mother.
"I've learned so much from the staff at Marjorie P. Lee about how to love and care for my mom," Jen shared.
What stands out most to her is the staff's commitment to honoring each resident as an individual. Rather than focusing solely on what someone needs help with, they take the time to learn preferences, routines, and personal histories. They understand that meaningful care is not just about meeting physical needs. It is about preserving identity and helping residents continue to feel like themselves. Jen sees that every time she visits.
Staff members know that Jan enjoys music and lectures. They know she likes bingo. They remember the small details that help her feel comfortable and connected. Even team members who do not work with her every day recognize her and engage with her in meaningful ways.
Those moments may seem small, but together they create something powerful. They create a sense of belonging.
Understanding the Transition
For Jan, that belonging is reflected in the activities and relationships that continue to bring joy to her days. She enjoys attending concerts and lectures and participating in programs that keep her engaged with the community around her. The opportunities available throughout the campus allow her to continue pursuing interests that have always been important to her while building new connections along the way.
As her needs evolved, however, one of the most difficult decisions Jen faced was determining when it was time for Jan to transition to assisted living memory support. Like many family members, she worried about making the decision too early. At the same time, she did not want to wait until a crisis forced the transition. The decision carried emotional weight, and Jen remembers how difficult those conversations were. What made the process manageable was knowing she did not have to make the decision alone.
The staff members who knew Jan best shared their observations, answered questions, and helped Jen understand what they were seeing day to day. Their guidance provided perspective during a time when emotions could easily cloud judgment. More importantly, they created space for honest conversations about what would best support Jan's well-being.
Together, they made a thoughtful decision that prioritized both safety and quality of life.
For Jen, that experience reinforced something she had already begun to understand: dementia is not a journey anyone should have to navigate alone. There will always be uncertainty. There will always be new questions. But having experienced professionals who understand both the clinical and emotional sides of the journey can make all the difference.
Facing the Challenges of Dementia Together
Today, Jan has lived at Marjorie P. Lee for nearly five years. During that time, her needs have changed, but one thing has remained constant. She continues to be surrounded by people who know her, care about her, and want her to thrive.
When Jen describes what makes Marjorie P. Lee feel like home, she doesn't talk about a building or a floor plan.
She talks about relationships and staff members who know her mother's preferences and recognize when something feels different. She talks about the friendships Jan has formed throughout the community. She talks about the comfort of knowing that wherever she is on campus, someone is happy to see her.
For Jen, home is a place where you are known. It is a place where she is supported, engaged, and treated with dignity as her needs evolve.
And for their family, it is a place where they have never had to face the challenges of dementia on their own.
At Marjorie P. Lee, care has always been something they experience together.
Is it the right time for senior living? 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.
