Memory Care at The Cedars

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.

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.

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.

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 Memory Care Nurse is specially designated to monitor each resident’s care. Our Memory Care Specialist regularly educates our Health care staff to ensure the highest level of care. Chef Jason’s 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.

At The Cedars of Austin, we now offer all-male housing to specifically address the needs of men diagnosed with dementia. We understand the unique needs and preferences of men facing memory challenges. Our all-male environment can alleviate situations that would otherwise become unmanageable or inappropriate in a mixed-gender memory care community. Our dedicated team of compassionate professionals creates a tailored environment where camaraderie and understanding flourish. From engaging activities to stimulating social interactions, we prioritize the comfort and well-being of our male residents while fostering a sense of belonging.