Design for Memory Care: New Trends
How architects and designers create spaces with the needs of Alzheimer's patients in mind
Find a list of outstanding memory care homes
Ron Possamai and Andrea van der King are two leaders in responding to the needs of Canadians who require memory care in a retirement home setting. Possamai is the Principal Architect with Global Architect Inc., and van der King is Principal Designer at van der King Design Group Inc. At this year's Together We Care conference in Toronto, they presented a look at cutting edge architecture and design in memory care facilities they're currently working on.
Several residences across the province are being built "from the ground up" with the needs of dementia patients in mind. Building designs account for the major symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease, including memory loss and disorientation. If designers and architects create spaces with Alzheimer's sufferers in mind, this will make it easier for professional caregivers to ease symptoms, and provide better care. New homes can provide an environment suited to those with dementia, incorporating an up-to-the-minute understanding of the disease and its consequences. [Continued below]
Exceptional memory care homes
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FEATURED
The Briton House
720 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto,
Ontario, M4S 2N7
Family-owned and operated, the Briton House is dedicated to the highest standards of service. Offering a full continuum of care, a variety of amenities and suites, home-cooked meals, and a 15,000 sq. ft. indoor garden.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
The Dunfield Retirement Residence
77 Dunfield Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario, M4S 2H3
The Dunfield Retirement Residence has established a new standard in senior retirement living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with 177 spacious apartments. Where people come to LIVE!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
The Manor Villages StayWell Manor
174 Ypres Green SW, Calgary,
Alberta, T2T 6M2
Staywell Manor Village offers elegant retirement living in the heart of Calgary. Whether you are looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care, we have lifestyle options to meet your needs.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
FEATURED
The Village of Glendale Crossing
3030 Singleton Avenue, London,
Ontario, N6L 0B6
A true retirement hub featuring independent Living Apartments with full kitchens, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement suites with walk out patios, Assisted Care, Memory Care and LTC.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
FEATURED
OPAL by Element
438 West King Edward Ave, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V5Y 05M
438 West King Edward Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Y 0M5 Opal offers a full continuum of support from Independent Living, Assisted living all the way to Complex Care, allowing the opportunity for aging in place.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
FEATURED
Aster Gardens
7 Brower Drive, Sherwood Park,
Alberta, T8H 1Y7
Aster Gardens, an Optima Living community, opened in March 2021, we are transforming Senior's living. You are going to love living here....Let Us Welcome You Home!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
The Manor Village at Fish Creek Park
22 Shawnee Hill S.W., Calgary,
Alberta, T2Y 0P8
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
McCowan Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
2881 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1J 0A2
McCowan Retirement Residence is a vibrant and family oriented retirement home located in Scarborough. With team members who have been here since we opened in 2004, you can expect a warm welcome and a feeling of home.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Sagecare 147 Elder Street
147 Elder Street, North York,
Ontario, M3H5G9
Enlightened dementia care touches more than memory. 147 Elder St. is a place that provides opportunities for the joy and meaning still ahead when wellbeing can no longer be realized at home.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care
FEATURED
Governors Walk Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
150 Stanley Avenue, Ottawa,
Ontario, K1M 2J7
A former monastery and friary, Governors Walk is designed to pay respect to the past while featuring a modern touch. Governors Walk is steps away from the picturesque Rideau River and Stanley park.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
The Village of Erin Meadows
2930 Erin Centre Boulevard, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5M 7M4
Mississauga's unique continuum of care featuring a vibrant Main Street with Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Baycrest Terraces
55 Ameer Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario, M6A 2Z1
We are Toronto's Finest Kosher Retirement Residence. Located on the Baycrest campus in the heart of North York's Jewish community. Baycrest Terraces, "Where Life Thrives". Call us today for more information.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Garrison Green by United Active Living
3028 Don Ethell Boulevard SW, Calgary,
Alberta, T3E 0C9
At Garrison Green by UAL, we offer memory care, independent and assisted living. Enjoy spacious suites, in-suite laundry, fitness studio, art studio, a la carte dining, underground parking and so much more!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Queens Estate Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
265 Queens Drive, Toronto,
Ontario, M6L 3C6
At Queens Estate, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Greenview Seniors Residence - Metta Lifestyles
880 Lawrence Ave E, North York,
Ontario, M3C1P6
At Greenview Residence, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Humber Heights
2245 Lawrence Avenue West, Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9P 3W3
The Village of Humber Heights in Etobicoke offers different levels of service from independent apartments with meals to assisted living to long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Winston Park
695 Block Line Road, Kitchener,
Ontario, N2E 3K1
This elegant retirement residence in Kitchener-Waterloo offers a continuum of care from independent living apartments to assisted living, memory care and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village at University Gates
250 Laurelwood Drive, Waterloo,
Ontario, N2J 0E2
Now welcoming our Retirement Home Residents to the Village. We offer Waterloo a range of services for today's Senior including Retirement Apartments, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Long Term Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Wentworth Heights
1620 Upper Wentworth St., Hamilton,
Ontario, L9B 2W3
The Village of Wentworth Heights is a full-service retirement living community offering retirement apartments, full-service suites, assisted living and memory care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Promenade Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
110 & 150 Rossignol Drive, Orleans,
Ontario, K4A 0N2
With so much to do nearby, it’s easy to forget why you might want to stay home, but with its exceptional dining, impeccable design, and fun activities, you’ll find Promenade has many attractions of its own!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Riverside Glen
60 Woodlawn Road East, Guelph,
Ontario, N1H 8M8
This elegant Guelph retirement home offers a range of care including assisted living and long term care, serviced by a friendly, caring staff.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Taunton Mills
3790 Brock Street North, Whitby,
Ontario, L1R 0H2
The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby presents several levels of service from seniors' apartments with full kitchens, retirement apartments with meals and services to memory care, assisted living and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Tansley Woods
4100 Upper Middle Road, Burlington,
Ontario, L7W 4W8
At The Village of Tansley Woods, we offer the full continuum of care - Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care all in one village.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Park Place Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
110 & 120 Central Park Dr, Ottawa,
Ontario, K2C 4G3
Whether you're looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care, you can access them all in one location at Park Place. We are a vibrant, social community surrounded by parks and close to many amenities.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Arbour Trails
32 Bayberry Drive, Guelph,
Ontario, N1G 0C9
Guelph retirement home offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Includes 24 hour onsite nursing team and medication support within a Village-like setting. It takes a Village to care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Vineyards Residence
726 Valley Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1V 0E9
The Vineyards approach to assisted living & memory care allows people to go about life as they always have, despite health changes. Beautiful suites & homemade meals. Discover for yourself why we say Life’s Better Here
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Magnolia Gardens
5840 Glover Rd, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A 9K3
An oasis in the heart of Langley City, Magnolia Gardens features bright, spacious suites and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Two choices in senior living: 115 independent living suites, and a 40 suite licensed Care Centre.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Waterford, The
1345 56th Street, Tsawwassen,
British Columbia, V4L 2P9
Featuring bright suites surrounded by pedestrian pathways, and a two-acre water feature in Tsawwassen town-centre. Two choices in all-inclusive senior housing: independent living and a licensed Care Centre suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Delmanor Elgin Mills
80 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, L4C 0L3
Award Winning Delmanor Elgin Mills, has proudly served the Richmond Hill community since 2002.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Richmond Care Home
27 Nixon Farm Drive, Richmond,
Ontario, K0A 2Z0
Richmond Care Home is a unique 16-unit retirement home specifically designed for women living with dementia. We offer cutting-edge exceptional memory care, that's very reasonably priced in an intimate home-like setting.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care
Credit River
175 Rutledge Rd., Mississauga,
Ontario, L5M 0X7
Credit River is a 6-storey condo style residence, with an array of well-appointed suite styles to choose from and our highly-skilled health care professionals are available around the clock if you need them.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Forest Valley Terrace By Symphony
1510 St. Joseph Boulevard, Orleans,
Ontario, K1C 7L1
Forest Valley Terrace is proud to be the only community that is specifically designed & dedicated to the unique needs of seniors with all stages of Alzheimer’s, dementia or other forms of memory impairment in Ottawa.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Prince of Peace
300 Prince of Peace Way, Rocky View County,
Alberta, T1X 1G2
Prince of Peace a variety of suites styles with kitchenettes and incredible mountain views. It's the perfect residence for seniors who are active, require some assistance, or have memory care needs.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
New Horizons Tower
1140 Bloor Street West, Toronto,
Ontario, M6H 4E6
From gracious dining to new suites and lounges, residents are enjoying the new management and upgrades found at 1140 Bloor Street West, in the Heart of Bloordale Village.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Holland Gardens
552 Holland St W, Bradford,
Ontario, L3Z 4H3
Located in the heart of a vibrant community, Holland Gardens is the perfect place to live, laugh and enjoy life. An exciting community offering a luxurious resort lifestyle, an ideal place for inspired senior living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Symphony Senior Living Kanata
27 Weaver Crescent, Kanata,
Ontario, K2K 2Z8
Enjoy the natural setting of the surrounding Kanata Lakes with access to shopping, parks and churches at Symphony Senior Living Kanata. This pet friendly community offers a variety of service packages and suites to fulfill your unique needs.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Ravines Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
626 & 636 Prado Private, Ottawa,
Ontario, K2E 0B3
Ravines offers you tranquility in one of Ottawa’s most scenic neighbourhoods, Prince of Wales. A social, carefree lifestyle awaits you in a friendly community staffed with individuals who truly care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
River Ridge Seniors Village
#4 River Ridge Dr. N.W., Medicine Hat,
Alberta, T1A 8V1
A premier Park Place residence in the heart of Medicine Hat offering independent living, supportive living, and long term care options. With spectacular views and services, River Ridge is a warm place to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Shores of Port Credit
280 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga,
Ontario, L5H 0A5
The Shores is designed for vibrant living with the highest quality of personal care. Amenities include pool, fitness & exercise club, restaurant, bistro & cafe, a golf simulator lounge & wine cellar.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Wintergreene Estates
4950 Pasqua Street, Regina,
Saskatchewan, S4S 7L2
At Wintergreene you'll discover a combination of independence, privacy, activities, health and wellness programs & friendly companionship to savour throughout your retirement.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Don Mills Retirement Residence
2 Green Belt Drive, North York,
Ontario, M3C 1L8
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
WaterView Estates by Estates of Niagara
518 Queenston St, St. Catharines,
Ontario, L2R 7K6
At WaterView Estates & Wellness Suites, we offer a luxurious upscale retirement community along the Welland Canal, steps from walk/bike trails, world class amenities and living options designed to create your best life!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village Langley
3920 198th Street, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A1E1
We believe that the desire for fulfillment and living a life with purpose does not diminish with a diagnosis of dementia. We focus on the possibilities of each person, supporting each to live with laughter, love and joy.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care
Carp Commons Retirement Village
458 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp,
Ontario, K0A 1L0
One visit to Carp Commons Retirement Village and you’ll see the difference in terms of amenities, food, services, programs, and the little touches that make it feel like home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Riverwalk Retirement Residence
528 25 Ave SW, Calgary,
Alberta, V2S 0L5
Riverwalk Retirement Residence is centrally located in the Cliff Bungalow-Mission community of Calgary. We offer a continuum of care including Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Parkland Ajax
3 Rossland Road West, Ajax,
Ontario, L1Z 1Z2
Parkland Ajax offers independent and supportive options! Beautifully designed spacious suites, exceptional on site amenities and professional staff on site 24/7, Parkland is where you can live your best life!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Hawthorn Park Retirement Community
867 KLO Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1Y 9G5
Living at Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence means you have choices & can customize the services you need, as you need them. We offer three lifestyle opportunities; supportive living, assisted living & complex care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Parkland on Eglinton West
4650 Eglinton Ave. W., Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9A 0E3
Parkland on Eglinton West offers Lifestyle Apartments, All-Inclusive Lifestyle and Supportive Lifestyle options for seniors. Parkland makes it easy for you to do more of what you love!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Carleton Place Terrace by Symphony
6 Arthur Street, Carleton Place,
Ontario, K7C 4S4
We offer a truly all inclusive plan. We welcome pets: offer residents accommodation options .Our array of activities & chef-prepared meals keep our residents healthy & active. Offering beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Chartwell Deerview Crossing Retirement Residence
460 Rymal Road West, Hamilton,
Ontario, L9B 0B2
A safe and rewarding lifestyle in a Hamilton seniors housing community you're proud to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care
Chartwell Willow Retirement Community
12275-224th Street, Maple Ridge,
British Columbia, V2X 6H5
A safe and rewarding lifestyle in a Maple Ridge seniors housing community you're proud to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Chartwell Georgian Traditions Retirement Residence
57 Trott Blvd., Collingwood,
Ontario, L9Y 0A3
A safe and rewarding lifestyle in a Collingwood seniors housing community you're proud to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care
Chartwell Eau Claire Care Residence
301 7th Street SW, Calgary,
Alberta, T2P 1Y6
A safe and rewarding lifestyle in a Calgary seniors housing community you're proud to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Assisted Living
Chartwell Empress Kanata Retirement Residence
170 McGibbon Drive, Kanata,
Ontario, K2L 4H5
A safe and rewarding lifestyle in a Kanata seniors housing community you're proud to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Chartwell Scarlett Heights Retirement Residence
4005 Eglinton Ave West, Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9A 5H3
A safe and rewarding lifestyle in a Etobicoke seniors housing community you're proud to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care
Home Care companies in all and area.
Nurse Next Door Toronto Beaches
1 Concorde Gate, Toronto,
Ontario, M3C 3N6
Nurse Next Door Toronto Beaches provides compassionate 24 hour personalized senior care services with bonded, registered & licensed Nurses / RPN's, in your home, hospital, rehab, LTC & retirement communities.
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care
In-Home Assisted Living Inc.
2 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto,
Ontario, M4V 3A1
In-Home Assisted Living offers caregivers and nurses to help seniors and people with medical challenges to remain living in their own home with safety and comfort. Also ask about our hospital bedside support.
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care
So how do they do that? And what does that look like? Ron and Andrea presented some of their cutting edge designs and ideas at the recent conference from the Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) and the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA), in Toronto.
Basic principles
Some basic considerations they work from are as follows:
- Creation of spaces that are home-like (not clinical) in look, feel, layout and scale.
- Facilitation of closer relationships, where residents become familiar with each other in smaller numbers: "personal relationships are supported and stress levels are minimized by households or situations where 10 or 14 residents have a shared living area," says van der King.
- Creation of an environment that minimizes seniors' tendency to disorientation, wandering or elopement.
Van der King presented some of her current projects showing how these considerations are implemented into designs.
Here's a look at some actual design features being implemented in new memory care facilities, notably Birchwood Seniors Living in Peterborough, Ontario.
Design features in new memory care homes
Continuous circulation paths
These are a part of many current memory care facilities. The absence of hallways off to the side, and other dead ends eliminates wrong turns, with the attendant confusion and disorientation that goes along with those.
Accounting for incontinence
Incontinence goes with Alzheimer's Disease, so private suites in Birchwood are designed with the washroom easily accessible, and ideally "in the line of sight" of the senior's bed, to minimize confusion in the middle of the night.
Access to secured outdoor spaces and natural areas
Closed courtyards are part of some traditional retirement homes, certainly, but in memory care designs by van der King, these are created with much more specifications. Circular pathways are one feature seen in current designs like that at Birchwood.
Bright open hallway, opening on an enclosed courtyard, in a dementia care community by van der King Design Group and Global Architects Inc.
Clinical aspects designed as comfortable elements
Birchwood's design tries "as much as possible, to mirror life through the engagement of familiar surroundings" that look like local surroundings. This is most clearly epitomised in the main street and village feel in Birchwood (a design element seen in other contemporary residences, notably Schlegel Villages). Clinical aspects like nursing stations use the facade of a village doctor, which feels more comforting. This is not meant to "trick" those with dementia but guards their safety and security, removing things in their environment that may make them apprehensive or disoriented.
Friendly-looking kiosk in a dementia care community by van der King Design Group and Global Architects Inc.
Biophilic design principles
Features like living walls (also called green walls) are implemented in Birchwood and other contemporary memory care facilities. Birchwood "incorporates natural materials, natural light, vegetation… and other experiences of the natural world into the modern built environment," says van der King. Birchwood's design aims to provide maximal access to daylight and chooses materials close to those found in the natural world.
Layout that encourages family interaction
Spaces are opened up to a degree, but retain just enough privacy to allow families to cocoon during visits, while being able to interact in a way that mutes any acoustic commotion.
Colour coding and texture orientation
Aspects of hallway design are focused on minimizing resident's need to remember where they are or where they were going. Designs employ elements like colours and textures that orient clients and reinforce that they are on a path that leads somewhere. This has been shown to be very effective in helping dementia sufferers with short term memory loss.
Muted acoustics
According to van der King, "residents often feel overwhelmed when there is too much activity in any setting. Rather than simply reducing all forms of stimulation, we try to focus on minimizing sources of stimulation that have a negative impact on residents."
Entrances and exits that optimize safety and security, preventing anxiety and disorientation
Exiting and elopement tendencies are one of the greatest dangers in older "nursing homes" etc. If it's too easy to find the exit, dementia patients can wander off. One feature that van der King adds is interactive diversions posted at exit points, that help redirect the attention of residents in a more positive manner. This can include colourful flower boxes, for example. When family or others leave the residence through a regular exit door, the resident is diverted from exiting or elopement.
Design with the needs of memory care patients in mind
The promise in all this is that we will create environments that apply our full understanding of the needs of Alzheimer's patients. These cutting edge memory care designs are a helpful, more compassionate response to the needs of those with dementia. Our understanding of dementia is increasing all the time, and these designs use an understanding of how dementia sufferers see the world around them. The promise in these is that we can create environments that are built with their needs in mind, not one to which they are expected (unrealistically) to adjust to.
