Lists of reports on this page:
Find care details, insights, and insider perspectives gained from 20+ years of helping seniors and families.
What to know about this topic:
- Ongoing education of care staff
- Spaces that promote calmness
- Creation of a more homelike feel
- Encouraging memory and social interaction
- Use of latest technology
“We focus on the person, not the disease,” says Maggie Beckett, Director of Memory Care for Alavida Lifestyles. It’s an attitude echoed in many care communities, one that sparks personalization and constant innovation in treatment and care available. Alzheimer’s and dementia care in Canada undergo continued improvement, seen in emerging trends like the following:
- Improved education of care staff to provide more sympathetic care
- The creation of intimate spaces that promote social familiarity and calmness
- Masking clinical aspects to create an environment free of confusing distractions
- Programs that encourage memory and social interaction
- Use of the latest technology to protect the safety and security of those with dementia
Read our guide to Alzheimer's care homes, including listings and a full look at memory care.
IN-DEPTH REPORTSMemory care
FEATURED
Baycrest Terraces
55 Ameer Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario, M6A 2Z1
We are Toronto's Finest Kosher Retirement Residence located on the Baycrest campus. We offer Independent & Assisted Living and Memory Care. Baycrest Terraces, "Where Life Thrives". Call us today for more information.
Lifestyle Options: 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
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
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 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 Manor Village at Fish Creek Park
22 Shawnee Hill S.W., Calgary,
Alberta, T2Y 0P8
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
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
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
Garrison Green by United Active Living
3028 Don Ethell Boulevard SW, Calgary,
Alberta, T3E 0C9
At Garrison Green by United Active Living, we offer memory care, independent, and assisted living. Enjoy spacious suites, in-suite laundry, fitness studio, art studio, flexible dining, underground parking and much more!
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
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
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: Independent Living, 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
FEATURED
Aspira Kensington Place Retirement Living
866 Sheppard Avenue West, Toronto,
Ontario, M3H 2T5
A resort-like retirement residence in Toronto featuring a fitness centre, beauty salon and a variety of other luxuries, including a private dining room and more.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory 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
Garneau Hall Seniors Community
10923 82 Ave NW, Edmonton,
Alberta, T6G 2N9
Located in the heart of the Garneau district of Edmonton, Garneau Hall offers seniors a caring environment with the added comforts of home and the opportunity for an enriched new life.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory 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
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
Chartwell Wescott Retirement Residence
3841 Allan Drive SW, Edmonton,
Alberta, T6W 4B8
An upscale retirement community with art studio, pool, yoga room and more. Located in Ambleside (Windermere) in south Edmonton with convenient access to coffee shops, grocery stores, restaurants and shopping.
Lifestyle Options: Independent 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: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term 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
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
Promenade Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
110 & 150 Rossignol Drive, Orleans,
Ontario, K4A 0N2
Located in Orleans, Promenade is surrounded by walking paths. From Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care, we offer a vibrant community focused on exceeding your expectations. Contact us today 613-229-7973.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, 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
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
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
Wintergreene Estates - Verve Senior Living
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
Parkland Ajax
3 Rossland Road West, Ajax,
Ontario, L1Z 0V1
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, 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
Credit River - Verve Senior Living
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
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
Park Place Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
110 & 120 Central Park Dr, Ottawa,
Ontario, K2C 4G3
Located in Central Park, Independent Seniors will find a home in our Seniors' Suites. Those needing more care find comfort in our Retirement Residence. We're focused on exceeding expectations. Call today 613-266-1354.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, 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
The Village Langley - Verve Senior Living
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, Long-term 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, 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
Ravines Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence
626 & 636 Prado Private, Ottawa,
Ontario, K2E 0B3
Located in Citiplace, Ravines is surrounded by walking paths. From Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care, we offer a vibrant community focused on exceeding your expectations. Contact us today 613-223-8506.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, 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
Parkland Ancaster
558 Golf Links Rd., Hamilton,
Ontario, L9G 4W9
At Parkland Ancaster, we will offer a luxurious, vibrant, social lifestyle in a beautiful safe, premium home. Enjoy upscale amenities, creating a supportive space for you to thrive socially and lead fulfilling lives.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Don Mills Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
2 Green Belt Drive, North York,
Ontario, M3C 1L8
A luxury senior living community in the heart of North York. Be inspired by beautifully appointed amenities in our state-of-the-art building offering exceptional care, intelligent technology & exciting life enrichment.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Shores of Port Credit - Verve Senior Living
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
New Horizons Tower
1140 Bloor Street West, Toronto,
Ontario, M6H 4E6
A well-established not-for-profit, NHT is committed to enriching the lives of seniors. Gracious dining & café, a terrace garden, daily fitness, a vibrant Concert Series - there is plenty for residents to enjoy at NHT!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Holland Gardens - Verve Senior Living
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
Hawthorn Park Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
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
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, offering Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care options, you can choose from a variety of well-appointed sized suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Trico LivingWell
7670 4A St SW #100, Calgary,
Alberta, T2V 4S3
Trico LivingWell is designed to empower older adults to live their best lives by facilitating inclusivity and togetherness through a holistic health, empathetic and personalized approach to aging.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
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, Memory Care
The Waterford
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
Carp Commons Retirement Village - Verve Senior Living
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
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
Amica Stoney Creek
135 King St. E, Stoney Creek,
Ontario, L8G 0B2
Amica Stoney Creek celebrates its rich heritage on the site of Stoney Creek Dairy, a local treasure from 1929 to 2012. Stroll to shops, pubs, or Olde Town Stoney Creek, or take a trip to nearby Hamilton or Niagara.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Riverwalk Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
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
IN-DEPTH REPORTSHome care companies
Take It Easy Care Inc.
Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge, Whitby, Oshawa,
Ontario, .
Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in tailoring our services to meet their unique needs, recognizing that no two individuals are the same. Whether it's medical care, companionship, or assistance
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory 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
Richmond Heights Health Clinic and Home Care
10520 Yonge Street, Unit 4, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, L4C 3C7
Richmond Heights Health Clinic & Home Care, 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
Nurse For Care
2390 Eglinton Avene East, Suite #224, Toronto,
Ontario, M1K 2P5
Nurse for All offers medical and non-medical care support for people of all ages & needs in the GTA, Ontario, Alberta, BC, Nova Scotia at home, hospital, retirement home or long-term care facility.
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care
Ongoing education of care staff
Rachelle Vroom is proud of Symphony Senior Living Orleans’ recent training in virtual dementia. “A few months ago we ran sessions at all four of our Ottawa locations, holding it open to the public, family members, anyone who wanted to take part and kind of ‘walk a mile in their shoes,’ to find out what a difference dementia makes to their loved ones' lives.” This training program for staff was also open to family members and others who wanted to get a sense of what it is like to live with dementia.
In the virtual dementia program, people were suited up with various equipment and placed into a mockup of a resident’s room. They were asked to complete five tasks, but in a VR context that simulated symptoms of someone living with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
The effect of the exercise was phenomenal. “Trying to understand and complete tasks was completely different for people. The virtual dementia program allowed them to understand how someone with dementia would go about trying to understand a task. It really helped everyone, including family members and our staff to understand the frustrations of dementia. It gave them a better understanding of the confusion the resident may face.”
“After the program,” says Vroom, “staff was better able to understand and relate to the resident. For example, they would now focus on giving visual cues to the resident, visual cues that avoided confusing the resident, instead of just a verbal cue. They might now lay clothing on the bed and give the resident a visual choice what they might wear today.”
Staff was better able to understand and relate to residents. We saw a 30 percent improvement in our DACE scores.
That wasn’t just a vague feeling but a quantifiable improvement in staff’s ability to understand care needs. “In our DACE* scoring system,” explains Vroom, “we scored all of our employees prior to the training, then after they went through the training, and we saw a 30 percent improvement in scores.”
This impacted family members who took part in the program as well. “Now family understands why they have to repeat the same thing five times. Now they understand why their loved one gets impatient or responds differently to lights and sounds. It helped them understand their loved one and how to live with the disease as well.”
Relationship-centered care, by professionally trained care staff
Other retirement communities also use the virtual dementia program, including staff at Alavida Lifestyles and elsewhere. Training and support, says Beckett, "is deeply rooted in relationship centered care and wellbeing – to ensure that our residents feel belonging." Coupled with training in Gentle Persuasion, care staff in these communities are exceptionally well-trained in patience and empathy with dementia sufferers.
Ratios of care staff to residents are also kept to a minimum at many communities, to maximize care given to each resident. For example, at Credit River in Mississauga, this ratio is kept to six to one, says Bobbie Seaton, supervisor of Memory Care. "Everything is very tailored to person-centered care here," she adds. "We take information from families and customize it for each individual. In the end, we're able to appeal to each resident's uniqueness."
"That's really what makes our community special and unique," echoes Jennifer Beninato, MemoryPlus Manager at Delmanor Elgin Mills. "Our kind, dedicated team members. Each team member was carefully chosen, and each and every one comes with a rich history in dementia care. Time and time again, our families express their gratitude and how it’s clear to them how genuinely our team cares."
Spaces that promote calmness
The centerpiece of **Davenhill Senior Living’s memory care floor is the simulated beachside quiet room. The “ocean room” features Muskoka chairs, an aquarium full of fish, seaside sounds played over speakers (including waves and calling gulls) and even sand for people to sink their toes into. “It’s perfect for those times where people feel the need for a quiet spot to calm down. They come here and they hear the sounds of the ocean and you can just see them lighten up,” says Janice Pitts, the community's Executive Director.
It’s a solution that works for people experiencing the anxiety and agitation that are symptomatic of dementia, especially sundowning. No matter who you are, it’s hard not to feel calmer when you are in the beachside room at Davenhill Senior Living.
At Schlegel Villages, you’ll also find intimacy created in “neighbourhoods” following from the village concept to Schlegel, but every Schlegel community has a neighbourhood dedicated to people with Alzheimers’ and other forms of dementia. Its memory care neighbourhoods, found in its Villages across Ontario, are ideal as a stopgap for families waiting for a long term bed in that province. As Barb Sutcliffe of the Village of Winston Park in Kitchener says, “this affords people the opportunity to get the support they need as an interim step.” Emma’s Neighbourhood is the name of the memory care neighbourhood at Winston Park. Sutcliffe says, “It’s a safe, secured environment, where there are registered staff on duty 24 hours a day.”
Creation of a more homelike feel
The intimacy and peace found in these spaces is part of an effort by designers like Toronto’s Andrea vander King to "as much as possible, mirror life through the creation of familiar surroundings." Schlegel Villages remain a superior example of this, with the layout of every community mimicking a village, with a main street, town square and shops to create a pervasively familiar, small town feel.
A “homelike feel” is critical to memory care at Carp Commons, one of many Verve Senior Living properties across Canada. One of the features of this community, just outside Ottawa, is its “Household Suites.” Here, a minimum number of residents live in a quiet, comfortable environment that includes a private family style dining area. We don't take a "one-size-fits-all approach," says Sales & Marketing Manager Rebekah Gunning, but instead, "focus on reducing anxiety for residents and their families."
“At our communities," says Elaine Wood, Vice President of Delmanor, "we have a life skills area, where we have an office set up, everything is there for them to be able to go to work and for them it’s about being able to continue doing a job. But Life Skills is only one component of our MemoryCare Plus neighbourhood…Our dementia design expert has helped guide us in others. One of the important design elements seen in our communities is the indoor porch.”
Similarly, Annette Polasek is proud of “Personal Care Households” at Wintergreene Estates in Regina. 12 units are "designed in a circle" to eliminate dead ends and wrong turns that can easily cause disorientation for dementia sufferers. As she says, "The resident always end up back at their room." It’s a wonderful instance of continuous circulation paths, an important component of many of the best memory care communities.
The layout of Credit River's memory care floor is also circular, "really more like two households in a kind of figure 8," says Jill Somerville, the community's Senior Sales and Marketing Manager. "Inside, there's a very bright and happy feel. The suites, too, are very relaxing. One family member has called our suites a 'zen zone,' where it's so easy to decompress and relax."
One of the design features you’ll immediately notice on Davenhill Senior Living’s memory care floor is closets and doors wallpapered with the appearance of a bookshelf. This is also in line with a principle of minimizing seniors’ tendency to confusion, wandering or elopement. Memory care residents are discouraged from opening a door that may only confuse them.
As much as possible, we try to mirror normal life through the creation of familiar surroundings.
These design innovations are not meant to "trick" those with dementia but to guard safety and security and remove things in their environment that may make them apprehensive or disoriented. This softened feel supports better personal relationships among everyone (staff and senior residents) "and stress levels are minimized."
Encouraging memory and social interaction
Many communities offer brain games and other programs that facilitate and improve memory. One exceptional example is The Healthy Minds Program at Ravines, Promenade and Park Place in Ottawa (all owned by Alavida Lifestyles). Maggie Beckett, Alavida Lifestyles' dedicated Director of Memory Care and Clinical Services, focuses on helping all family members through their journey with Alzheimer’s. Music Therapy is a critical component of this program, also. You’ll find a certified Music Therapist regularly visiting any Alavida community, facilitating its Music & Memory Program. "The program gives our residents a renewed meaning and connection in their lives through the gift of personalized music," says Beckett. Music is demonstrated to stimulate memory and exercises specific parts of the brain.
Carp Commons ensures “research-based, professionally directed, and completely customizable activities” for those in memory care, according to Gunning. “This includes brain fitness, cueing and reminder exercises. These help bring out the best in our residents and support a positive outlook and overall mental health.”
The Music and Memory program at Schlegel supports residents living with dementia, using music that helps bring a sense of wellbeing, improves mood and soothes any negative stress they may be feeling.
The Java Music Program is another noted program found at memory care communities across the country, including McCowan Retirement Residence in Scarborough. Here, the Memory Lane (its dedicated memory care floor) activity calendar includes Java Music Club twice per month. This program encourages social interaction through music, helping to alleviate the isolation inherent to dementia while also encouraging memory retention through music.
And in a unique take on social interaction, Credit River encourages internal residents to work with those in memory care. "Residents from independent living come in for reading programs and baking programs," says Seaton. "It's really a very homey communal environment here."
Use of latest technology
Innovations in technology are at the forefront in memory care as well.
Call badges. At Symphony Senior Living communities throughout Ottawa, the security of dementia residents is safeguarded through the use of pendants equipped with GPS tracking. Under this system, used with the enthusiastic consent of family members, dementia patients who have a tendency to wander are given a Momentum Badge. The Badge is used to call for help if they need it.
Real time location systems are a simple way of tracking the whereabouts of those suffering from dementia and the tendency to wander, and inobtrusive use of GPS is found in an increasing number of memory care communities across the country.
WanderGuard is another similar technology used in communties such as Credit River (see above). "It looks like a watch," says Seaton, "but it signals to staff and beeps to staff's phones, so that staff can respond when a resident needs direction."
Snoezelen rooms create a “soothing, stimulating environment” for Alzheimer’s Disease sufferers, as noted by Kolasek. Other memory care communities including many Schlegel Villages are also equipped with Snoezelen rooms.
Circadian lighting. Harsh or overstimulating lighting is known to exacerbate the effects of sundowning, a syndrome strongly associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. Davenhill Senior Living is one of the first communities in Canada where the lighting mimics circadian rhythms. This has a calming effect on residents here.
Every room in the Davenhill is equipped with a Google Home unit, as well. Residents adapt well to this simple, unobtrusive technology, understanding they can control music and other environmental elements. One senior at the Davenhill likes to speak in the Spanish of her childhood and Google Home is an easily accessible help with this. “Sometimes she’ll go back to her Spanish and it helps us translate,” says Janice Pitts of the Davenhill.
One senior at the Davenhill likes to speak the Spanish of her childhood and Google Home helps staff easily translate.
The residents adapt easily to the availability of Google Home in every room. “They love it that they can find and play old music,” she adds, “things like Cole Porter and the old standards. They can play anything that suits them.”
Resident-centered care
“It’s really important that we look at everything through the lens of our residents,” says Elaine Wood of Delmanor. "MemoryPlus is about looking at dementia through a different lens. It’s about saying to people that, although I have dementia, I’m still here.”
It's an ideal held by many in the memory care field. And as, Bobbie Seaton of Credit River says, "just because there's memory loss, doesn't mean that we can't make life amazing and make every day enjoyable."
*Dementia Awareness Competency Evaluation
**Closing as of summer 2019.
- Jim Huinink
