You’ve probably already thought about how to care for your loved one when their dementia progresses to a point where they require a higher level of assistance than you can provide. You may have even started looking at memory care communities with this in mind. As you look over the brochures and read the descriptions, you start to get an idea of what the community is all about. But what is daily life really like at a memory care community? How do residents really live, and what types of activities, services and opportunities are available to them?
“At the heart of the Bridges® by EPOCH philosophy is the truth that individuals living with dementia still have endless opportunities for a meaningful, fulfilling life,” says Cindy Wirth, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury, a memory care assisted living community in Sudbury, MA. “Our unique community was designed to be beautiful and fulfill this philosophy to its fullest extent. We don’t think of ourselves as a memory care facility. Instead, we’re a home where caring, professional dementia caregivers help our residents live more joyful lives and create meaningful moments with their families and loved ones.”
From the research-based design of the community to the services and amenities offered to the activities and events available, everything at Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury is designed to empower residents to live with confidence. Although the dementia journey is unique and personal to every individual, here is what a sample day might look like for your loved one.
A Day in the Life: Early-Stage Dementia
Evelyn wakes up in her private suite in our Weston household. She made the choice to move to Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury fairly quickly after she was diagnosed with dementia. She decided she wanted to be in a place she could call home, where she could make friends with residents and staff and build a life for herself so that Bridges® will always feel like “home” – no matter how her health needs change.
Evelyn is fairly independent, but she needs a little help on a regular basis. She has problems with dressing and can become confused in unfamiliar situations and places. Cooking and cleaning was a big problem for her before she moved to Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury. She appreciates how easy life is for her now: her private suite has weekly housekeeping and linen services, and meals are served three times a day in a restaurant-style dining room. She likes how her household feels like a “family” – she is fond of her neighbors, and has started viewing the familiar, friendly staff as “her adopted children.”
Although learning or doing new things can be stressful or difficult for Evelyn, she’s able to participate in activities and events that allow her to exercise her existing skills, stay physically active and have new experiences in a safe and comfortable environment. One of Evelyn’s favorite things to do is spend time outdoors in Bridges’ secure courtyard, walking through the sensory gardens and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Being in a comfortable and familiar location, having as much independence as possible and the difficult tasks of daily life taken care of for her have given Evelyn and her family a sunny outlook and optimism for the journey ahead.
A Day in the Life: Mid-Stage Dementia
Arthur moved to Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury a few years after he was diagnosed with dementia. His daughter had been caring for him with the support of home health aides. His needs started getting more and more severe, causing the family more and more stress. Fortunately for Arthur, he had planned ahead when he was first diagnosed and had stipulated that he wished to move to Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury when his disease progressed to a certain point.
These days, Arthur’s life is fairly structured. He wakes up and dresses himself (although there’s always a friendly caregiver available to help if he needs it) and then eats breakfast at 7 a.m. sharp. Afterwards, he sits in one of the spacious living areas and watches the news. Then, he participates in a morning activity like chair yoga or doing a craft.
As Arthur’s dementia has progressed, the Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury team has continued to tweak and adjust his lifestyle program in order to meet his physical, cognitive and emotional needs. It’s all about respecting his individual preferences and continuing to exercise the abilities that still remain. His caregiving staff receives ongoing, specialized training in order to learn more about dementia, which they use to help Arthur design a life of independence and individuality.
Since Arthur moved to Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury, his dementia symptoms have somewhat stabilized and some have even gotten better. When living with his daughter, Arthur was often bored and even became depressed because he wasn’t able to get out of the house and socialize as much as he should have. At Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury, he’s interacting most of the day with other residents, staff members and his family who come to visit. Although he doesn’t always remember everyone’s name and sometimes gets confused as to who’s speaking with him, he always knows who the person is and that’s reflected in the smiles and sassiness he can display. Having a daily routine, a regular structure and many social and entertainment options help Arthur live life to the fullest and gives his family peace of mind, knowing he’s cared for in a safe, secure environment.
A Day in the Life: Late-Stage Dementia
Although Gloria is in the late stages of dementia and has progressed to the point where communication is difficult or non-existent, family members can see that she is happy and enjoys her life. With assistance, she participates in many of the programs available at Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury. She particularly enjoys art and music therapy, and of course enjoys getting massages on a regular basis. Pet therapy days are always a joy for Gloria, and staff members love seeing how caring she acts towards the dogs and cats who are brought in.
Gloria does require around-the-clock care and supervision, and her family is relieved and thankful for the safety, security and care offered by Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury. Although this journey is not always easy, her children have peace when they see her clapping along to music or simply enjoying a sunny day on the porch. They are making the most of their time with her and creating happy memories they can carry with them for years to come.
If you would like more information about what daily life looks like at Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury, contact us at 978.261.7007.
Engaging Lifestyle.
Now open! Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury provides exceptional memory care in a comfortable, upbeat and engaging environment. Designed specifically to support people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Bridges® by EPOCH creates a wellness-focused lifestyle that respects individual preferences. Our teams receive ongoing, specialized training so they may help residents to safely exercise their independence and individuality in a secure, calm environment.
Dedicated Memory Care
We provide complete peace of mind for families and residents experiencing early-, mid- or late-stage memory loss. Our expert dementia care, Personalized Services and personalized programs are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident wherever they are on their journey, allowing them to age in place safely, comfortably and with respect.
Welcoming, Purpose-Built Design
Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury is more than a safe, beautiful place to live; it’s truly a home, where compassionate, dementia-educated caregivers help people with memory loss live more joyful lives and where families enjoy spending time together again. Our research-based design features soft lighting and colors, non-glare flooring, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life-enrichment stations that empower residents to comfortably move about their homes with confidence.
Call us today at 978.261.7007 to learn more about Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury or to schedule a personal tour.