“As a community dedicated exclusively to caring for those with memory challenges like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, we understand firsthand how community design can impact quality of life for our residents,” says Reshma Nair, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, a memory care assisted living community in Andover, MA. “Our community is characterized by a beautiful residential design that addresses everything our residents need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. When you step into our community, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a real home, because that’s what we strive to be.”
Perhaps not surprisingly, the design and layout of a memory care community plays a huge role in the well-being and happiness of someone with a cognitive disease like dementia. This is because these types of diseases affect the brain in unique ways and cause the individual to misinterpret visual cues (among other things). This leads to confusion, anxiety, agitation and other unwanted behaviors that can be difficult for caregivers, family members – and the seniors themselves.
On the other hand, a memory care community that has been purposefully designed, like Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, takes into consideration how those with dementia view the world and adapt the community to best meet their needs. For example, says Reshma, people with dementia have difficulty with spatial awareness, meaning that when items are low contrast, it causes disorientation and confusion. “One way we help navigate this need is by making sure that we use high-contrast colors in order to help residents move safely through the building. We keep a continuous floor color so that our residents don’t perceive something that’s not there, like a step or a hole in the floor. We’re also cautious about where we place mirrors, because they can be frightening to someone with dementia who has lost the ability to distinguish faces or recognize themselves in a mirror.”
The importance of … a homelike environment.
One of the most important aspects of Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover is its homelike design. For many years, memory care communities were clinical facilities with harsh, fluorescent lighting, tile floors and an institutionalized feel. That’s not a great environment for anyone to be in long term, particularly those with dementia. In order to craft an environment that feels safe, familiar and comfortable, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover has been designed with your loved one’s happiness in mind. Everywhere you look, you’ll find comfortable seating, residential-style lighting, warmth – and sometimes even community pets.
The community itself is divided into four distinct residential “neighborhoods” or “households.” In each of these households, a small group of residents live with private suites and shared common spaces. The households are designed with an open plan that offers complete visibility, allowing the care team to easily take stock of the entire household with just one glance. At the same time, privacy panels are scattered throughout to help minimize distractions so that residents can relax and feel comfortable. Meals are served in a family-style dining room, and there’s even a secure outdoor courtyard that allows residents to enjoy nature without the possibility of wandering.
The importance of … color differentiation.
High-contrast environments are incredibly important for those with dementia, particularly as the disease progresses. This even extends to how meals are served – for example, plates and utensils are easily visible against the table so the individual doesn’t become confused. At Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, our safety and navigational features are well-defined, such as handrails that are painted to stand out from the walls, contrasts between important items (such as the bathroom floor and the toilet) and visual cues that allow easy navigation and familiarity.
The importance of … life enrichment.
As dementia progresses, an individual’s short-term memory becomes worse and worse and eventually goes away completely. However, long-term memory – reminiscences from long ago – can often be recalled with startling clarity. Our memory care community features a dedicated life enrichment team that creates activity calendars complete with activities that truly engage residents in a meaningful way. Our community is designed to encourage participation in activities and daily life.
The importance of … familiar faces.
“People” may not be the first thing you think about when it comes to the design of a community. But we’ve found that it’s the people – the care staff, leadership team and those who are there day by day – that can truly make a community into a home. Each household in our community has a dedicated group of staff members that remains consistent. This allows our staff to form relationships with our residents, and our residents have the comfort of familiar faces each and every day.
“We know how important the comfort and safety of your loved one is to you, and it’s our honor to provide that familiarity, security and comfort at our unique memory care community,” says Reshma. “We’d love to invite you for a virtual tour to see our purposefully built design yourself and see how everything has been crafted with the comfort and happiness of our residents in mind.”
Exceptional Care. Engaging Lifestyle.
Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover provides specialized memory care in an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive and welcoming. Built solely to care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover creates a wellness-focused, engaging lifestyle that respects individual preferences, focuses on residents’ abilities and creates meaning in daily life.
Dedicated Memory Care.
Through every stage of memory loss, residents and their families have complete peace of mind. Our compassionate dementia care and unique programs are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident wherever they are on their own journey, allowing them to age in place safely, comfortably and with dignity.
Supportive, Purpose-Built Design.
Featuring a stunning residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover is much more than a beautiful place to live; it’s a community where residents’ lives are enriched and families enjoy meaningful moments together. Our research-based design features soft colors and lighting, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life-enrichment stations that empower residents to explore their homes with confidence.
Contact us today to learn more.