Symphony at Mentor takes the stress and worry out of Alzheimer’s and dementia care
By Mary Malik
For all of us, no matter our stage of life, feeling needed, safe and secure is essential to our well-being. For those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, these feelings can diminish and loneliness and isolation can set in. After several months of dealing with the fear and worry that comes along with caring for a loved one with dementia, Patti Lombardo found the answers she and her family were searching for at Symphony at Mentor, a memory care community.
“After my father passed away last May, we discovered that his sister, Aunt Lilly, was suffering from dementia,” says Patti. “A successful career woman, Aunt Lilly never married and lived in the same apartment for 53 years. She was barely getting by on her own and certainly not thriving.”
Patti tells the frightening story of how her aunt got lost for several hours, was found wandering on her own and ended up hospitalized and unable to return to her home.
“As is often the case with dementia, decisions needed to be made quickly to ensure the safety of Aunt Lilly,” says Patti. “The hospital staff handed me a two-page list of places to consider and I had less than two days to decide where she should be cared for. The minute I walked into Symphony at Mentor and met with the staff, I knew this was Aunt Lilly’s new home.”
Patti describes the atmosphere at Symphony at Mentor as comforting and caring—not only for her aunt, but for her whole family.
“Symphony at Mentor was the light at the end of a very dark tunnel,” says Patti. “Aunt Lilly was failing on her own. Here she is taken care of, has her hair done, goes to all of the entertainment and interacts with the staff and other residents. We honestly believe she is finally living her best life.”
Patti says it’s those feelings of safety and security, and the friendships she has made at Symphony at Mentor, that have allowed her aunt to thrive in her new home. Patti credits the staff for making Aunt Lilly so comfortable and their efforts began even before she arrived.
“We do all we can before our new residents arrive to ensure a smooth transition,” says Symphony’s executive director, Jamie Cohen. “We have an incredible team of medical professionals and support staff. ‘Community’ is what we are in every sense of that word. We all work together, care for each other and have everyone’s best interests in mind in everything we do.”
The staff at Symphony at Mentor includes medical director Dr. Stephen Baum and his certified nurse practitioner (CNP) Amy Livingston, psychiatrist Dr. Maboob Ahmed, his CNP, nurse practitioner Michele Pirc, and other specialists as needed. The availability of medical personnel cuts down on and even eliminates emergency room visits, which can be extremely upsetting and even dangerous for anyone experiencing dementia.
“Our medical team gives us the ability to admit patients directly from their homes in emergency situations, avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations,” says Jamie. “We have the capability to care for the whole person and keep them safe at the same time. Families can go back to being family.”
As an exclusive memory care community, the staff at Symphony at Mentor is trained to deal with all of the specific needs and behaviors that may go along with a dementia diagnosis.
“We employ several different approaches to navigate whatever may arise,” says Jamie.
Symphony at Mentor believes that an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis doesn’t have to mean the end of a happy and productive life.
“Aunt Lilly is settled here,” says Patti. “The staff makes sure of that every day. They take her to crafts and entertainment, make sure she’s busy and engaged throughout the day, and keep her healthy and safe. It’s been a blessing.”
Patti’s family is also happy to know that Lilly can remain in her own room at Symphony at Mentor until the end of her life.
“I learned in my search that this is not always the case,” says Patti. “Hospice will come right to her here when the time comes.”
Everyone caring for someone with memory loss encounters different daily challenges. Symphony at Mentor provides 24-hour experts, and the team is available to walk you through the challenges you may be experiencing.
“We know it’s not easy and we want to offer support for the residents of this community,” says Jamie.
For Patti and her family, the fear and worry about their aunt’s care and safety are over.
“I want to call the doctors who gave me that long list and say there’s only one name you should be giving people and that’s Symphony at Mentor.”
Symphony at Mentor is located at 8155 Mentor Hills Dr. in Mentor. For more information and to schedule a tour, call 440-256-8320 or check the website SymphonyAtMentor.com.