Structured Yet Comfortable Memory Care

In 2016, a study by the US Department of Health and Human Services found that about half of the Americans turning 65 today will be in need of long term care. It notes that most of these won’t be looking for medical care. Instead, they’ll be needing some assistance with their day-to-day personal tasks.

In the residential care community, more than one in three have been diagnosed with a type of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

“When I speak with families, I often hear ‘Well, mom used to do that, but she just can’t anymore,’ ” says Gabrielle Swafford, program director at The Sheridan at Mason. “We understand that memory loss is difficult for both the family and the resident to navigate, but we work to greatly improve the quality of life of each and every resident.”

Swafford and her Memory Care team individualize their care for residents by researching their history, preferences and challenges. Caregivers are then able to provide personalized care to ensure each resident is comfortable and engaged so as to continue to develop new skills while retaining those already developed.  Support groups, presentations and focused readings are also provided onsite to teach family members how to better interact with their loved ones.

“As routine is very important to those with memory loss, The Sheridan at Mason’s structured Memory Care schedule encourages calming behaviors,” says Swafford. “Residents will identify familiar faces and be able to associate what comes next in their day by what they are doing then at that moment.  We look at all aspects of their lives and establish a routine that they are familiar with and can thrive in while remaining consistent.”

The Sheridan at Mason’s attention to detail doesn’t stop at the high levels of personalized care residents receive. The Memory Care Neighborhood is outfitted in luxurious amenities like their Serenity Room equipped with aroma therapy, essential oils, dim lighting and nature sounds to decrease stimulation.  There are also a number of areas that offer privacy for loved ones to comfortably visit.

“We offer a spa for our Memory Care residents where they can be pampered with a therapeutic bath or massage,” says Swafford. “There’s Mom’s Kitchen, which is a great room where residents can cook, clean, dine and prepare snacks and meals.  We have an all-season room that is quite popular where the residents enjoy a 180-degree window view of nature while participating in any number of activities such as working at gardening tables.

“Of course, our professional and licensed nursing staff are there 24 hours a day.  Our team cares and serves our residents while empowering them to continue to grow, connect, move and create at their own pace.”

The Sheridan at Mason is located at 5373 Merten Drive, Mason, OH 45040. For more information, call 513.898.0621 or visit www.seniorlifestyle.com.