Is there an ideal time of year to consider a memory care community? If you ask Barbara Harrison, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood, a memory care assisted living community in Westwood, MA, the answer is simple: spring.
“Spring is the perfect time to check out what Bridges by EPOCH at Westwood has to offer because there’s so much going on during this season,” she says. “As you’ve experienced over the years, spring is simply a great time to change up our routines and put plans into place that will make the year ahead exceptional. Plus, after a long, cold winter, spring just helps to put us in a mood that’s ripe for renewal.”
People generally feel more motivated during the spring because it feels like time for a fresh start, Barbara says. “The weather is warmer, the days are longer and everyone is in a better mood,” she says.
The real estate industry has long known that spring is a great time to put your home on the market because it’s a chance for you to show everything off at its best. The same is true for memory care communities – making spring a great time to visit (even if just virtually for now!) Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood.
“Massachusetts winters can be brutal, so everything naturally looks better and brighter in spring,” says Barbara. “Looking into a memory care community can be a hard thing to do emotionally, and we understand that. However, the reality of dementias like Alzheimer’s disease is that the individual diagnosed will eventually require around-the-clock care. This can mean hiring a team of caregivers or making the move into a memory care community like Bridges.”
Barbara says that the evidence-based design – including the beautiful, secure outdoor courtyard – and fulfilling activities are even more visible in the springtime. “One thing we’re very proud of is our enclosed courtyard and outdoor activities,” she says. “There is so much evidence showing why being outside helps those with dementia enjoy a high quality of life. Being outside stimulates all the senses – sight, smell, hearing, touch and even taste – which can help keep the brain active and potentially slow down the decline of cognitive impairment.
“Gardening is one of the most engaging and enjoyable activities we do at Bridges by EPOCH at Westwood, and it should come as no surprise that springtime is when we’re really able to start gardening in earnest. If you check out our memory care community in the springtime, you’ll be able to see our residents enjoying the sensory experience of gardening while also seeing how gorgeous our grounds are at this time of year.”
Spring is also a good time because there are so many outdoor exercises and physical activities that are available. “During springtime, many of our residents walk throughout our courtyard, doing exercises in the sunlight or simply sitting on the patio, enjoying the weather,” she says. “Because the weather is nicer and it’s easier to drive, we also generally plan a lot more outings to nearby attractions – including parks and outdoor venues. These trips, of course, have temporarily been put on hold due to social distancing, but we’ll have so many great places to experience once we can get back out into the community again!”
Here are some other reasons why Barbara recommends considering Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood during the spring months:
It can make changing a routine a positive experience. Routine is very important for those with dementia. However, when the seasons change, routines end up changing naturally – which can make it easier to try new things or see how a new approach can provide a higher quality of life for a loved one.
The chef-prepared food features delicious seasonal selections. Barbara says that the spring menus feature spring produce and seasonal items, making the food that is always excellent even better. “Winter has a lot of excellent comfort food, but springtime brings fresh vegetables and fruits, lighter fare and delicious options – all of which make our taste buds sing after a winter of heavy dishes. Our chefs do magnificent work as they use the freshest and most delicious ingredients available.”
Spring is a time of change and fresh starts, and that holds true for communities like Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood, as well. “This is the time of year when we take a look through our programming and activities and make plans for a great year ahead for our residents,” says Barbara. “We invite you to take a virtual visit with us this spring – and see everything our amazing community has to offer.”
Exceptional Care & Fulfilling Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community offers a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – enriching the lives of our residents every day.
Inspiring Programs for All Stages
No matter what level of care or service is needed, residents and families can rest assured that our care and life enrichment programs address the various stages of memory decline, allowing residents the opportunity to age in place.
Dedicated Memory Care
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood, our services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide a high level of personalized attention for residents in various stages of memory loss.
Contact us today to learn more.