Memory Care Services at The Cedars of Austin
At The Cedars of Austin, we’re dedicated to providing personalized and forward-thinking Memory Care services.
Our approach to caring for those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia involves collaborative care-planning meetings that include nursing staff, recreation staff, management, and, significantly, resident families. We prioritize our residents by introducing Companion Memory Care and investing in technology that fosters resident engagement. At the heart of everything we do is the belief that a memory impairment diagnosis should not equate to a decline in quality of life.
In our intimate neighborhood environment, we strive to create a safe and secure setting that encourages meaningful one-on-one connections between staff and residents. This personalized attention allows us to provide care that elicits positive responses from our residents, enhancing their comfort, enjoyment, and serenity.
Cathy serves as our Recreation and Wellness Director and Dementia Care Counselor.
About our Memory Care program
The Cedars is dedicated to supporting the diverse needs of our residents, especially those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, at every stage of life.
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The cornerstone of any successful Memory Care program is knowing each individual’s life story – their family, career, hobbies, and likes and dislikes- and utilizing it in all care provided. We created “Joining My Journey,” a program that helps us learn more about our Memory Care residents’ past and present, giving us a deeper understanding of who they are as people.
Joining My Journey is a comprehensive program that addresses each resident’s unique needs. It allows us to create an environment that nurtures each resident’s well-being, ensuring their daily physical and dietary needs are taken care of, and they are engaging in activities they enjoy. Understanding each resident this way means staff know how to make them comfortable and anticipate their needs. For example, our team knows when to offer residents their favorite cup of tea, soothe and comfort them by holding their hand, and engage them in pleasant activities before boredom and loneliness set in. Staff knows what they can do to make them feel happy, comfortable, safe, and loved.
Your loved one has their own road to travel, and we support them in exploring it fully. We don’t correct them if they do not remember a moment from their past or can’t remember what day it is. This approach removes the stress of what residents cannot remember or cannot do and helps them discover the joy of living in the moment.
Our activities are meaningful because they are linked to the hobbies and interests our residents enjoyed before they were diagnosed with memory loss. One of the best ways to connect with those with memory loss is through their five senses: taste, touch, sight, smell, and hearing. The scent of warm apple pie, the taste of a favorite meal, or the sound of familiar hymns can tap into long-term memories. The memories can recreate pleasant sensations in the present. Musical entertainment and activities that promote reminiscing are enjoyed almost daily.
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Cathy Ehley, our Dementia Care Counselor, is well-versed in the world of Alzheimer’s and dementia. She and her team create special programming designed specifically for those with memory loss. Staff members engage residents in meaningful activities and leisure opportunities in our nurturing environment. Our leadership memory care team and nurses are passionately committed to providing the best care possible for our residents and the best support for their families and caregivers.
Cathy is a dementia care counselor who brings memory care support to a new level for residents and their families. “When caring for a loved one with memory loss, no family journey is the same. That’s why we share the journey with you, taking time to get to know your loved one and your family, fostering a lasting relationship that supports everyone involved.”
Everyone, not just the health care staff working in our Memory Care neighborhoods, considers themselves a caregiver to our residents. Staff do not see caring for our residents as tasks to be accomplished quickly. Instead, they see every interaction as an opportunity to encourage independence and to engage in a relationship. Our staff are trained in techniques to care for those with memory loss and ways to promote communication, decrease frustration, and foster a sense of trust and security. Our Memory Care staff are trained to pay special attention to each resident and provide personalized care. They take the time to learn about each resident’s likes and dislikes, past life experiences, and favorite activities.
Our nurses closely monitor each resident’s care, allowing for frequent interaction and deep understanding of each resident’s healthcare needs, making it easier to detect and monitor any subtle changes and ensure their health and well-being. Healthcare staff trained in caring for those with dementia can provide care 24 hours a day and do multiple daily personal wellness checks of each resident.
Our health care, activities, and dietary staff work together to take a well-rounded approach to creating a comprehensive care plan for each Memory Care resident. Our staff will help put you at ease by knowing that we understand and that your loved one is receiving the necessary assistance with daily living tasks and encouragement and support in a loving and secure environment.
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At The Cedars, our base Memory Care package is comprehensive. Our RN will conduct a personal assessment for each resident before moving in to develop an individual care plan that meets their needs and preferences.
The personal care plan will include all the services a resident may need, such as dressing, grooming, behavior management, ambulation/mobility, continence care, medication management, and meal and activity escorts/reminders.
The monthly rate includes the rent for your choice of room in our secured neighborhood setting, housekeeping, trash removal, laundry, all utilities except phone and cable, a weekly shower, and three delicious, well-balanced meals with various menu choices, snacks, and beverages.
There is daily programming specific to the needs of those with memory loss designed to maintain your loved one’s vitality and dignity, including scheduled group outings and outside entertainment, all of which are included.
Family
We view you as a true partner in caring for your loved one. You know them completely and can give us the valuable information we need to customize their care. You are encouraged to communicate openly with our staff so we can address any questions and concerns. Our goal is to provide the best possible care and achieve the highest quality of life for our residents; their friends and family are crucial in helping us achieve that goal.
The journey through memory loss is different for everyone and every family, each with unique challenges, difficulties, and rewards. That’s why we share the journey with you, taking time to get to know your loved one and your family and fostering a lasting relationship supporting everyone involved.
Caring for someone with dementia is time-consuming and stressful for families. Often, family relationships improve when the stress of caregiving is removed, and the person with memory loss is in a place where all their needs are met. We understand the challenges you may face, no matter where you are in your journey with memory loss. From the moment of a diagnosis of memory loss, we are here to help. Our Memory Care staff is experienced in caring for those with memory loss and has helped hundreds of residents and their families cope with the difficulties of memory loss.
Helping families cope with their loved ones’ new circumstances can take a great deal of stress from everyone, so we believe providing as much support as possible is so important. Our Memory Care specialist is a professional dementia care counselor certified through the Alzheimer’s Association and LeadingAge Minnesota.
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For those of you with a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, our Companion Memory Care Program combines a homelike family atmosphere with specialized care that will allow you to continue to live with your spouse. Research has proven that a loving, structured, and intimate home environment successfully fulfills the needs of both the individual affected by Alzheimer’s and their spouse. Companion Memory Care offers a high staff-to-resident ratio and gives time to respond to requests. Our team is specially designated to monitor each resident’s care. Our Memory Care Specialist regularly educates our healthcare staff to ensure the highest level of care. Our dietary team designs well-balanced meals and features a variety of choices. Residential activities revolve around daily life that enriches a Memory Care resident’s quality of life.
Having fun with our Memory Care residents.
Memory Care music therapy.
Resident and family sitting room.
Events & activities bring our communities together.
Resident & Family Experiences
Many years ago, I agreed to help my mother after she retired so she could live at home as long as she possibly could. Our agreement was that when she could no longer take care of herself, we would look for other assistance. For a short time, I found people to come in and help at home, but it just wasn’t enough.
I started touring assisted care places and was disappointed most of the time, both by the lack of assistance I saw and the lack of staff. I was frustrated, and through some people I met, I was introduced to someone called a locator. She talked with me about what Mom needed and gave me information on a few places, but she was especially excited about The Cedars of Austin. I had never heard of them.
Through her, we set up an appointment with a staff member at The Cedars. I took a friend with me because, at that point, I was so disillusioned and so lost for lack of information that I needed a fresh view. Once we were introduced, everybody seemed so great. We looked around the building and met many staff members. Many residents were more than willing to speak with us about their experience.
All our questions were answered without any stress. If someone didn’t know an answer, they didn’t hesitate to go find out. They listened. By the time we were done, my friend and I looked at each other and basically said at the same time, “When can we move in?” Everybody laughed, and I relaxed. I knew this was where my mom would be happy.
Since she moved in, I’ve seen personal growth in her and in the rest of my family. When I told my siblings where I had agreed Mom should go, they were a little hesitant because it’s far from where our everyday lives are. But when they helped me move her furniture and personal belongings, they met many of the people there. People walked up and introduced themselves. The first thing my brother said to me when we were getting ready to leave was, “This place is awesome!”
Since she’s been at The Cedars of Austin, Mom has been very happy and content. She’s receiving what she had looked forward to during retirement: someone there to do things for her and with her, and people to care for her physically because she can’t do everything herself anymore. She’s going to activities I never would have imagined, since she had stopped wanting to go to them. Now she’s going out more again.
I’m extremely happy with that, and with all the people who work there. They offer support and listen to things they don’t really need to listen to, but they do, and they’re patient.
I’ve suggested to a few friends and acquaintances with elderly parents that they check out The Cedars of Austin to see if it’s a fit. As far as I’m concerned, they should be the gold standard for assisted care across the nation. Yes, this is my one and only experience, but from what I’ve observed throughout my lifetime, I’ve never seen anything like it. This is the way human beings should be taken care of. Thank you so much Cedars of Austin.
— KATHY B., DAUGHTER OF MEMORY CARE RESIDENT
“I want to thank our Cedars family for the wonderful care you all gave my Dad over the past five-plus years. It meant so much to us to know that he was loved and cared for, especially since we lived so far away from him. The Cedars will always have a special place in our hearts as you cared for both of my parents.”
— MICHAEL M., SON OF FORMER RESIDENTS
“I was very pleased with the care that my husband received while at the Cedars of Austin. The staff was very kind and met all his needs. Every day, he had an activity that he would enjoy, from weekly bus trips, bingo, art projects, musical entertainment, ice cream socials, and gathering times with other residents. The facility is very nice and has a beautiful courtyard, allowing the residents to enjoy the outdoors. The Cedars also offered church services for the residents, inviting ministers to come and conduct services. Cedars of Austin gave my husband 15 months of quality of life that I could not have given him at home. I am very grateful for the care and love that they gave my husband.”
— MARY L., WIFE OF FORMER MEMORY CARE RESIDENT
“From the very first phone call with The Cedars telling me that they were able to help my Dad, I knew we would be well taken care of. Every staff member is so caring and professional. I am able to talk with them about any concerns, and they are always so supportive. I love the care of the nurses, the variety of activities they offer, the support for the family, and the relationship-building throughout. Whenever I go visit with my Dad, I am also visiting with a whole new family. I truly love the staff and residents of The Cedars of Austin!”
— JILL M., DAUGHTER OF MEMORY CARE RESIDENT
“Thank you to The Cedars of Austin for opening its doors to Aunt Garnet during her last days with us. From the administration staff to the nurses in the Memory Care unit, thank you for caring for our loved one during her final days and for the easy transition into your facility.”
— THE BUTLER FAMILY
