Where She Needs To Be: How Memory Care Made All the Difference

When Suzanne Osterbrock first toured Marjorie P. Lee (MPL) with her mother, Sallie Lyons, she wasn’t looking for an immediate solution. It was 2022, and Sallie was still living independently. But Suzanne knew that time has a way of changing things. So, when the time came for additional support like memory care and assisted living, they were ready—and they knew exactly where Sallie wanted to go

We toured for years before my mom needed to move. When the time came, we knew Marjorie P. Lee was where she needed to be," Suzanne said.

Now, just months into her new life at MPL, Sallie is thriving.

A Sense of Community Replaces Loneliness

Sallie had a lovely home and a friendly neighborhood, but it wasn’t enough. Her neighbors were younger, living busy lives, and while they were kind, Sallie often felt isolated.

“It was lonely,” she admits. “They were wonderfully interested in me and my life, but it wasn’t on the same level.”

At MPL, everything changed for the better. “Now she sees more people before noon than she used to in an entire week,” Suzanne shared. The environment is vibrant, friendly, and engaging. “Every time she walks down the hall, people are calling out, ‘Hi Sallie!’ and that just makes her feel very included.”

This sense of belonging was one of the first things that impressed Suzanne and Sallie during their initial tour. “The staff knew every resident’s name,” Suzanne recalls. “The familiarity and respect were obvious.”

The Power of Preparation

Sallie’s transition to MPL was eased by early planning. The family toured the community years before Sallie needed to move, giving her time to become familiar with the environment and the staff. When it became clear that she needed more support in the fall of 2023, the move felt natural and comfortable.

Sallie wasn’t unfamiliar with MPL either—she had visited the community before, accompanying a friend who had already decided to move in. That friend helped Sallie notice the little things—the thoughtful design, the quality of care, the attention to detail—that might otherwise be overlooked.

“When I came with my friend, she pointed out things I might’ve missed. It made a big difference when I came back knowing what to expect,” Sallie explains.

A Healthier Life—and a Smarter Choice

Like many older adults, Sallie was hesitant about receiving care at home. Efforts to bring in physical and occupational therapists to her house met resistance. But at MPL, something shifted. “Here, she accepted the care and support willingly. She’s been through occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy—and now she has a personal trainer,” Suzanne shared. “I never would have dreamed of that before,” Sallie shared with a smile.

Today, Sallie is stronger, healthier, and more active than she’s been in years. “Her posture is better, her walking is more confident, and she hasn’t been sick once since she moved in,” Suzanne mentioned. “At home, she was sick a lot. Here, she’s thriving.” For Sallie, the wide-ranging benefits of assisted living memory care included consistent care, timely therapy, social engagement, nutritious meal support, medication management, and a staff trained specifically to support older adults who may need memory support-related care. In Sallie’s case, the move to MPL improved her quality of life.

Related Blog: It’s All Right Here If She Needs It: Care That Brings Peace of Mind

Support That Evolves With You

One of the most reassuring aspects of life at MPL for Suzanne is knowing that her mother’s memory care and assisted living support will evolve with her needs. From in-house doctor visits to expertly trained staff, MPL’s care model is holistic and responsive. 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 all who lived there, including Sallie.

This kind of convenience isn’t just about saving time—it’s about ensuring consistent, attentive care that can prevent small issues from becoming big ones. And it gives family members like Suzanne peace of mind, especially if they don’t live nearby.

From Worry to Quality Time

Before the move, Suzanne found herself constantly worrying. “My mom lived alone, and while she had great neighbors, the lack of daily interaction was concerning. I live in another state, and that made things even harder.”

Now, their time together is no longer clouded by concern. “We get to enjoy our visits. We go shopping, out to lunch, to the conservatory—now, we can just ‘play’ and have fun as mother and daughter,” Suzanne said.

Suzanne’s lifelong best friend, who also feels like family, regularly takes Sallie on adventures, out to eat, and accompanies her to appointments. Suzanne’s two sisters also visit, and even MPL staff like move-in coordinator Michelle Cole are all part of the larger support network. Michelle even recognized one of Sallie’s old friends and helped arrange for them to have lunch together.

“Michelle didn’t have to do that—but it meant the world to us. That kind of care and initiative makes such a difference.”

A Comfortable, Familiar Place

Sallie’s transition to MPL was also eased by its location. The community is in Hyde Park, where her husband’s family grew up—a neighborhood Sallie visited often over the years. She was able to bring many of her belongings to personalize her new apartment. “It looks like my house inside,” she shared. “That made it feel like home.”

And MPL has become a true home, not just a place to live. Whether it’s the familiar neighborhood, the dedicated care team, or the consistent schedule of meals, medications, and memory-focused activities—everything Sallie needs is right here. 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.

“I have my own apartment, I make my own choices, but if I need anything, it’s right here,” said Sallie.

Related Blog: Seven Activities to Engage Memory Care Residents

Advice for Families Starting the Journey

If there’s one thing Suzanne and Sallie want other families to know when planning for memory care and/or assisted living, it’s this: Start early and ask questions.

“Do your research before you really need it,” Suzanne said. “We toured three years before my mom moved in. When the time came, we were ready.” And for those starting their search? “Bring someone with you who will ask questions you may not think of.”

Sallie also encourages talking to current residents or families who have experience with the community. “Ask someone to be honest with you. That honesty makes all the difference when you’re making a big decision.”