When you hear the words “memory care,” what do you think? For decades, this term was associated with clinical settings and a place where those with dementia and memory issues were sent to be medicated and shut off from the world. Knowing this, it’s no wonder that older adults (and their families) sometimes resist the idea of being moved into a “home.”
“I wish I could snap my fingers and let everyone know how much the memory care landscape has changed over the past 40 years,” says Addie Ricci, Executive Director at Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk, located in Norwalk, CT. “Thanks to research and medical advances, we have a much better understanding of the physiology and psychology of memory loss and cognitive diseases like dementia. It seems like every day we are learning new things, which leads to evidence-based treatments designed to help improve the quality of life for those we serve.”
Addie says that perhaps the biggest switch in memory care over the years has been the change of focus from the disease to the person. “These days, we understand that dementia doesn’t define who a person is,” she explains. “It’s a disease, pure and simple, and even though it affects the memories and abilities of the person we love, they are still the same person we know and love. Because of that, they still deserve to be treated with honor and respect while being nurtured, celebrated, fulfilled, validated and loved.”
Breaking Down Memory Care Myths
Our mission at Bridges® by EPOCH is to creatively build Bridges® to cross the gaps that have been left by memory impairments. This starts with breaking down the myths and misunderstandings about memory care and memory loss. Here are just a few of the misconceptions about memory care and those we serve:
Myth: There is nothing that can be done to change the progression of memory loss.
Fact: While there is no cure for dementia, there are many techniques that can be used to help slow or temporarily halt the progression of memory loss. This is particularly true in the early stages of the disease. Even when the disease has progressed, we use best practices and evidence-based research to help our residents live fulfilled lives, which results in fewer symptoms and unwanted behaviors, making for a higher quality of life overall.
Myth: A memory care community is a place of last resort.
Fact: Research has shown that people living with dementia have a better lifestyle, better health and a higher quality of life after moving into a memory care assisted living community. After all, these communities are purposefully designed to support individuals with dementia, so everything within is meant to provide optimal care for residents.
Myth: Memory care communities are depressing places.
Fact: Many of today’s memory care communities – such as Bridges® by EPOCH – are vibrant, engaging and positive. You won’t find residents medicated and parked in front of the TV. Instead, you’ll see them out and about, benefiting from personalized care, engaging in fun activities and events, and getting a great dose of social interaction each and every day.
Myth: People with memory loss are “gone” and can’t interact with the world around them.
Fact: We assure you, people with memory loss are certainly not “gone.” They can still feel love, happiness, fulfilment and enjoyment. They can communicate and interact with others. Even in the very late stages of dementia, there are opportunities to connect and experience joy. It is our honor as caregivers to help them find those moments whenever and wherever possible.
How Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk Is Changing the Landscape of Memory Care
Our parent company, Bridges® by EPOCH, is a groundbreaking organization in the memory care space. Communities such as Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk have been designed with the exclusive purpose of anticipating, meeting and exceeding the needs of individuals with dementia and their families. From our exceptional services and philosophy to our remarkable staff and the purposeful design of our buildings, everything at Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk combines to create the most rewarding, secure and nurturing lifestyle possible.
We focus on what remains, not what’s been lost.
Every day, we celebrate our residents and help create meaningful moments of joy. We care with compassion and provide comfort and security to those who call us home. We celebrate the abilities that remain, and don’t dwell on those that have been lost. We view every resident as a unique, amazing person, and do our best to learn their preferences, stories, hopes and dreams so we can provide support, fulfill independence and offer opportunities for success.
We’re about people, not procedures.
Every person has their own unique dementia journey to experience. That’s why the Bridges® philosophy focuses on creating individualized, personalized care plants that are designed to improve communication, reduce behavioral issues and engage residents in a joyful, meaningful lifestyle that they’ve helped design. For example, if we discover one of our residents loves dogs, we make sure that four-legged “therapists” visit regularly. If a resident was a talented knitter, we provide appropriate tools and projects to help them continue their hobby while celebrating their remaining skills.
Our programming is based on international research.
Our proprietary memory care programming has been developed using insights and research from leading experts on dementia care throughout the world. Our unique programs, groundbreaking approach and purpose-built design has been researched and tested to improve the lives of residents and their families.
Everything we do is designed towards helping our residents.
Everything at Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk – from our beautiful architectural design to our deliberately small households to our innovative programming – has been designed with one purpose: to provide joy and fulfillment to our residents with memory loss. By providing everything they need to live safely and healthily, we’re also able provide meaningful moments and happiness each and every day.
Expert, Life-Enriching Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk 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 promotes a wellness-focused lifestyle that emphasizes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized, ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents.
Inspiring Programs for All Stages
Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk’s 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 personalized attention and programming for residents in every stage of memory loss.
Purposeful Community Design
Within a beautiful residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides everything residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel at home.
Contact us today to learn more.