Arden Courts of Parma fosters independence in the memory care community for residents with Alzheimer’s and related dementias

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Arden Courts’ unique design of four small “houses” centered around a living area includes an outdoor courtyard with a secure walking path offering residents the room to roam.

By Mary Malik

Arden Courts memory care communities combine unique services and one-of-a-kind building design to provide effective management of and treatment for residents with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Serving only individuals with memory issues allows staff to focus on the distinctive physical, mental and social needs of the residents and guide and educate their families.

Dementia is a broad term encompassing many diseases and impairments that Arden Courts’ staff has the expertise and training to address. Residents are navigating Alzheimer’s disease, early onset dementia, frontal temporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s dementia, mild cognitive impairments and vascular dementia.

“Each presents unique challenges and our staff is trained to approach residents in the best possible way in order to be successful in their care,” says Business Development Specialist April Suva. “We go beyond the state mandated training and educate our caregivers so they can recognize changes in residents and manage care accordingly.”

Each building is designed to create familiar and safe surroundings that allow residents to stay oriented and calm. The unique design of four small “houses” centered around a living area includes an outdoor courtyard with a secure walking path offering residents the room to roam.

“Our courtyards are designed so residents can easily access the outdoors while still remaining safe,” says April.

Every resident at Arden Courts has an individual daily routine designed for them by staff and family based on their capabilities. The plan addresses the health, behavioral, recreational, social and dietary needs of each person.

Ron, an Arden Courts resident

“Ron was struggling with the quarantine regulations at his assisted living community,” says Sean Grandage, memory care advisor at Arden Courts of Parma. “Ron’s professional life revolved around music as a college music director and professional musician. Remaining isolated in his room was difficult for him, so his daughter called us.”

The staff at Arden embraced Ron’s talents, moved his electric piano right into his room, and now he plays whenever he wants. Not only that, they put wheels on it, so they can easily move it to the community center for the choir practices Ron leads, or impromptu performances.”

Since Arden Courts residents have not been required to isolate in their rooms throughout Covid-19, life has remained pretty normal around here. In-person family visits are still not allowed, but residents like Ron are staying busy and even making some new friends.

Randi, an Arden Courts resident

“The fact that Ron remains social and has a purpose every day making people happy with his music makes all the difference for him,” says Sean. “And Randi, another resident who came to us from Indiana, is an artist, photographer, professional ballroom dancer and guitarist. Randi and Ron do duets for the entire community. They are both flourishing here.”

Ron and Randi’s stories are just a few of so many at Arden Courts where this secure, independent environment fosters a sense of calm confidence that allows residents to thrive.

“Our programming is designed to enhance each individual’s developmental and emotional needs,” says April. “Our residents have options here to go outside, walk throughout the building, and do things they are capable of doing in a safe environment that sets them up for success. That’s the difference at Arden Courts.”

“Arden Courts has been providing specialized memory care for over 25 years,” she adds. “We recognize and address residents’ needs and care for them in a secure environment that fosters independence.”

Every resident at Arden Courts has an individual daily routine designed for them by staff and family based on their capabilities. The plan addresses the health, behavioral, recreational, social and dietary needs of each person.

Arden Courts also educates residents’ families, with monthly virtual support groups, online educational tools and events and a free resource library.

“Knowledge is power,” says April. “The more we all understand, the better our residents, and your loved ones, will do each and every day.”

Arden Courts of Parma is located at 9205 West Sprague Road, in Cleveland. For more information, call 440-886-5858. The website is Arden-Courts.com.

Categories: Westside Smart Living