Memory Care

Memory Care at Heritage Senior Living

Heritage Senior Living’s Memory Care communities in Wisconsin provide specialized attention and care for those experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Each prospective resident receives a thorough assessment upon admission, ensuring their unique needs are met. Specially trained staff members are on-hand 24/7 to provide compassionate, individualized dementia care.

All Heritage Memory Care communities offer:

• Full-time licensed nurses
• Medication monitoring
• Caregivers who work closely with nurses and residents’ physicians
• Ongoing staff training in memory care
• Three meals a day
• Personalized nutrition and dining programs
• Health and wellness programs
• Coordinated activities
• Secured building access for resident safety
• Sensory alarms for prompt assistance
• An uncomplicated design that eliminates dead-ends
• Interior garden courtyards

Our Unique Memory Care Approach

Heritage Senior Living’s unique multidisciplinary memory care approach is known as Toddy’s Touch, and was named after our founder’s mother, Deloris “Toddy” Pinkterton, whose experience with Alzheimer’s inspired her son to create the heartfelt approach. The approach uses a variety of activities and therapies – including sensory therapies, reminiscence, physical activity, arts and recreation, social events, and memory-focused games and activities – to enrich and enhance residents’ lives and to help them engage with the world.

A Measure in Time

Music has the power to tap into long-lost memories, evoke positive feels and provide a sense of comfort and calm to those that may be easily agitated. It can also encourage movement and a sense of fun. That’s why Heritage has developed its own Music and Memory program, called A Measure in Time, to provide Wisconsin memory care residents with personalized playlists made up of music that means something to them, be it classic ballads or rock ‘n’ roll. These playlists enable many residents to converse and socialize again and to regain a sense of self.

Multisensory Rooms

Multisensory rooms – also known as Snoezelen rooms – date back to the 1970s, when Dutch therapists used sensory experiences to help those with intellectual disabilities. Since then, the concept has been used in a variety of settings, most notably memory care.

Heritage’s Snoezelen rooms use light, sound, scents and music to initiate sensory stimulation in the brain. These rooms are intended to be a calming and soothing environment, especially for those with late-stage dementia, those who wander and residents who experience sundowning or agitation.

Multisensory stimulation rooms can:

• Enhance feelings of comfort and well-being in people experiencing memory loss
• Relieve stress and relaxes the mind and body
• Encourage vocal attempts and physical movement
• Improve attention span and memory recall

Alternative, Non Medication Therapies

Heritage’s life enrichment staff lead activities that can lessen the need for medications, such as pet therapy, art and aroma therapies, in addition to our Music in Time program.

Innovative Techniques

Heritage Senior Living staff members utilize nationally known dementia methods to bond with and help our Wisconsin Memory Care residents. Our staff members receive regular dementia training from leaders who are Best Friends™ certified, with consultation and support from Best Friends Approach co-founder David Troxel. They also utilize Teepa Snow techniques, which can help our caregivers connect with and comfort residents on a personal level.

Monthly Activities Calendar

One much-loved aspect of our Toddy’s Touch program is the Wisconsin Heritage Monthly Calendar, which provides themed months during which our memory care residents can participate in different Wisconsin-focused activities. Each week, Heritage offers new activities for both residents and their loved ones to enjoy. Engaging in these activities not only allows our residents to experience a sense of togetherness, but allows them the chance to learn, thrive and grow.

Honoring Life Stories

When a new resident joins one of Heritage’s Memory Care communities, a life enrichment specialist interviews family members to create the resident’s “life story,” which includes memories and preferences about the resident. These key life details – including likes, dislikes, past interests and names of important people and family members – are then woven into the resident’s individualized care plan.

Intergenerational Programming

Heritage is dedicated to providing opportunities for our memory care residents to interact with the next generation. Whether it’s an intergenerational play group with area moms and tots or a craft project with local students, Heritage’s Wisconsin Memory Care communities regularly welcome kids into the community to interact and enjoy time with our residents.

State-of-the-Art Memory Games

Heritage’s Memory Care communities are committed to providing the most state-of-the-art programming for our residents, and incorporating iPad-based brain training games is an exciting part of this. These app-based games can actually help slow the onset and progression of dementia, while also allowing us a way to measure residents’ day-to-day functioning. Our brain fitness app, which can be played one-on-one with residents and caregivers or as a larger group on a big screen, offers an array of topics and games so everyone can find something they love.

Heritage Hounds

Through our unique Heritage Hounds program, our Wisconsin Memory Care residents can participate in making and packaging dog biscuits. Making these biscuits allows our residents to engage with each other, while also fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. The program creates an atmosphere of ability and a feeling of confidence in our residents.

Memory Cafés

Memory Cafés provide a safe and supportive place where people with memory loss and their caregivers can connect, learn and engage with others like them. Memory Cafés are an environment for learning, support and social engagement. It’s a place to talk with others who understand what you are going through, to forget about limitations and focus on strengths, to enjoy each other’s company and to explore something new.

This regular event may include structured activities – like music or art projects – or educational events like guest speakers, along with fresh snacks and refreshments. To learn more about our upcoming Memory Cafés, please call 844-658-4475.