Memory Support

For that time in life when memory, communications and the habits and activities of everyday life become burdensome to individuals of present concerns to families, Ascension Living is the choice. Our Memory Support communities provide compassionate care for our residents, and comfort for their families.

Memory Support centered around each family’s needs

At Ascension Living, we use a research-based approach to ensure your loved ones receive the best support and care, all while maintaining their dignity and respect. This method helps us tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each individual, fostering an environment where they feel valued and cared for.

Person-centered care
In our care, we go beyond the "golden rule" of treating others as they want to be treated; we embrace the "platinum rule" of person-centered care. By connecting with our residents on a personal level, we understand their unique responses and unmet needs, allowing us to provide consistent and personalized daily routines. 

Unique programs and training tools
Life Story: Using a resident's Life Story helps us understand their unique, personal history, allowing our team to form meaningful connections and provide personalized support.

Dementia Live®: This training helps our associates develop empathy by experiencing what it's like to live with dementia.

Compassionate Touch®: This training teaches associates how to use touch to reduce stress and ease agitation, promoting comfort and care.

Six Dimensions of Wellness: Our robust Life Enrichment program is built upon the foundation of the Six Dimensions of Wellness—physical, cognitive, occupational, spiritual, social, and emotional. This comprehensive approach empowers residents and their families with diverse choices, moving beyond singular daily activities and into purpose-centered care, preserving each resident's identity, functions, and dignity.
Creating a safe and supportive environment
A safe and supportive environment in dementia care is not just about preventing harm. It’s about balancing safety with independence, reducing stressors that worsen symptoms, and fostering dignity, familiarity, and connection.

When the environment supports both physical safety and emotional well-being, residents experience better outcomes in quality of life, cognition, and functional ability.

How we support brain health
Social engagement: By implementing a daily schedule of social opportunities, our residents are able to build meaningful relationships with staff and fellow residents to better support their mood and cognition.

Cognitive stimulation: Cognitive stimulation aids those with memory challenges by engaging long-term memory through reminiscence therapy, using personal photos and music to maintain identity and connection. Meanwhile, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) enhances both short- and long-term memory, problem-solving, and social interaction. Together, these methods preserve meaningful memories and boost cognitive function and quality of life.

Physical activity: Regular exercise, aiming for 150 minutes a week, can significantly slow cognitive decline and lower the risk of falls. Incorporating mind-body activities like yoga, tai chi, and dance not only improves coordination but also reduces stress, enhances mood, maintains strength, and further reduces the risk of falls. These activities support overall well-being and keep your loved ones active and healthy.

Nutrition: Our unique dining program features healthy meals with fresh ingredients including vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, reducing processed foods. Studies have shown that healthier diets can improve overall brain functionality.
 
Considering a respite stay? A short-term stay is a great option if:​
  • You need personal time away or a break from caregiving
  • You want to preview a Memory Support community
  • How is Memory Support different from Assisted Living?
    Memory loss, whether from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, affects more than just one person. Our communities work with individuals, family members and care partners, searching for the right balance of respect and care. Our thoughtful layout and design reduces confusion and provides complete security 24/7. With special programs designed for those with memory loss, we help enable pleasant and peaceful days.
  • What is the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia?

    Dementia refers to the loss of cognitive functions (thinking, reasoning, the ability to remember) that are severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily functioning. This group of symptoms is not a disease per se, but may accompany certain diseases or conditions. Dementia is irreversible when caused by disease or certain injuries. It may be partially or fully reversible when caused by drugs, alcohol, depression or imbalances in certain substances, such as hormones or vitamins.

    Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, characterized by loss of function and death of nerve cells in several brain areas, leading to loss of recent memories and new learning first, and eventually old memories, too.

  • What is Compassionate Touch®?

    At Ascension Living, care is more than a word. It’s getting to know each of our residents and delivering personalized care that respects individual needs. We believe that touch is a vital element of human connection – and so easily overlooked.

    In our Memory Support residences, we combine compassion with simple, effective, skilled touch and communication techniques that respect our resident’s dignity and let them know they are valued. Using the Compassionate Touch® program, our caregivers have been specially trained to use touch to connect with calm and comfort; decrease anxiety, promote sleep; ease pain; and reduce unnecessary use of certain medications.

  • What is Dementia Live®?

    The Dementia Live® program is a unique tool that helps provide our care teams with a real-life simulation of what it’s like to live with dementia. Gaining this awareness assists our team members with connecting to their residents and family members on a more personal level.

    We offer these programs hoping that our associates gain the knowledge, compassion, and sensitivity to help deliver the care that is right for you and your loved ones.

Our goal is to keep your loved one where they are most comfortable and familiar; however, as care needs change, a transition to a long-term care community may be needed. In order to provide uninterrupted support, we will work with you to make their transition from one level of care to the next as smooth as possible.
Memory Support Communities
Ascension Living Memory Support communities provide  compassionate, personalized care in a safe, secure security setting, with respect for human dignity and attention to the considerations of loving families.
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Learn more about Ascension Living communities and services

We’ve only begun to tell you our communities, services and residents’ stories. There’s much more to Ascension Living, and what you and your family may want to understand about:

  • Our residences and accommodations
  • Our inclusive and innovative culture
  • Our local community presence and national network leverage
  • Our professional, compassionate, devoted caregivers
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At Ascension Living, your work will have purpose. Inspirational leadership will support your growth and career path. And your service will be deeply appreciated by the individuals and families you encounter every day.
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