Arden Courts memory care community of Westlake fosters independence for residents with Alzheimer’s and related dementias
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.
Sr. Mary had a guardian angel in her friend who wasn’t willing to accept Sr. Mary’s decline after a brain tumor was discovered and subsequent treatments rendered her confined to a wheelchair, physically and mentally inactive and losing her mobility, speech and other cognitive abilities.
“Sr. Mary’s friend wanted to give her another chance at life, so she brought her here to us,” says Lisa Anthony, memory care advisor at Arden Courts of Westlake. “Sr. Mary always loved to sing, dance, and especially play golf. Today, she’s doing all of those things again. And she also really makes us laugh.”
Lisa credits the routine and structure at Arden Courts with Sr. Mary’s progress.
“She needs to be in a place where she is cared for by a staff dedicated to continuously working with her to regain her speech and other lost functions,” says Lisa. “We believed there was much more life left for Sr. Mary. And now she does, too.”
Sr. Mary’s story is just one of many at Arden Courts, where this secure, independent environment fosters a sense of calm and 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.”
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 Westlake is located at 28400 Center Ridge Road, in Westlake. For more information, call 440-808-9275. The website is Arden-Courts.com.