Garden House

Memory Care at Spiritwood at Pine Lake

At Spiritwood, Our team is committed to providing care for the heart and spirit. It is the core of our promise to create joyful, fulfilling experiences for elders and an environment that allows many to remain at Garden House - our Spiritwood Memory Care wing - throughout their lives. Our staff, elders, and families are joined together through heartfelt emotions. Caring for and loving one another leads to a sense of well-being and understanding that reduces anxiety and enriches emotional life and memories. At Spiritwood we believe the best thing we can give the family of a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or related memory disorders is peace of mind. We do that by providing amazing, compassionate service; and creating an environment where moments of joy, independence, and wellness are the focus each and every day. Garden House is a secure wing within Spiritwood, where our team receives continuous training from skilled and experienced professionals. Compassion, combined with the positive attitudes of staff, drives the success of our programs. We carry out our daily mission by employing quality, dedicated people, and developing innovative programs; creating extraordinary value for elders, families and employees.

Family environment

Our community provides a family atmosphere where elders can enjoy themselves in an intimate dementia friendly setting. Garden House employees care for elders with mid to late stage dementia and we offer a variety of life enrichment programs to help each person enjoy life and maintain a sense of well-being.

Loved ones are invited to join us for meals, and to celebrate holidays and special events with us at any time. Our secure outdoor areas allow elders and families to enjoy the patio and courtyard without restrictions. The open space and well-lit rooms promote a sense of freedom in the community. Our alarmed doors promote elder safety. We encourage families to visit often, and to decorate apartments with favorite and loved belongings to encourage a familiar setting.

Life Enrichment Programs

We are designed to promote time outside for gardening and enjoying nature in our secure patio area. Often, music groups and certain other social functions will be appropriate for many persons with Alzheimer's disease. We recognize the importance of spiritual enrichment and welcome the presence of local religious leaders.

Our community practices person-centered, individualized care, allowing a sense of purpose by including a variety of opportunities for the elders to feel independent and helpful. Our small community groupings encourage a home-like atmosphere with elders helping out with setting tables, care of their own clothes and personal areas. Our Life Enrichment program includes:

Despite the progressive nature of Alzheimer's and other dementias, a person's independence, ability to function, and quality of life may be improved through the person-centered care approach. The specialized programs, designed and implemented by the Life Enrichment Team, include creative care techniques and a special physical environment that promotes optimum functioning, and meaningful 'moments of joy', where we custom design life-enriching activities to fit the needs of each elder.

'Life Story' and Service Plan

It is imperative that the life story of each individual be honored and documented. We encourage family to partner with us to create a 'life story' so that our staff can truly understand and better enrich the life of each elder.

The life stories help us develop service plans and individualized care; giving us the opportunity to fully recognize the contribution each person has made.

Our mission is complete when families experience the happiness of seeing their loved ones flourish. A radiant smile, a warm hug, and a gentle touch communicate our love and respect for elders through their stories, while honoring their lives. Our team connects with the emotional center of people through each person's life story.

Medication Administration

Our Garden House team, which includes licensed nursing staff, assists elders with medications ordered by the physician. A written physician's order must be received before a medication may be given to the elder. This includes over the counter medications.

Personal Care

Team members assist with personal care such as dressing, bathing, grooming and oral hygiene, as needed. Elders will be encouraged to participate in personal grooming as necessary. Sometimes individuals may wish to postpone or reschedule personal grooming. Staff will accommodate elder choices, and reasonably make adjustments.

Wellness / Nutrition / Hydration

Our team is specifically trained to be alert to assure the wellness of each elder. Meal times and snack times are important times for staff interaction with the elders, where they observe eating and drinking patterns. Any decrease in appetite or liquid intake is noted and reported to the Registered Nurse. Nurses and Resident Assistants are constantly vigilant for the slightest discomfort or change in function in each elder.

Coordination with other agencies

Our staff works closely with Alzheimer-capable physicians, hospitals, rehabilitation professionals, hospice programs, dentists, Physical therapists, and others to obtain the best available health care. We use medications, exercise, good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle to prevent and resolve medical problems. Our treatment environment is so effective that many elders are able to reduce their medications.

For those loved ones that are in late stage dementia, our care includes a wide range of options, which bring them comfort. We are here to utilize and complement physician ordered hospice and home-health services as necessary.

Family Support

We understand that Alzheimer's disease presents many challenges for family members. Our staff is always available for consultation. Families and friends are invited to our monthly support group which meets at Spiritwood on the third Thursday of each month. The purpose of the meetings is to provide education for families and also help them connect with others who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Educational resources are also available in our Library to support family member relationships with loved ones.

Our monthly Elder Council provides an open forum for elders and their family members to voice concerns, praise, and suggestions to the programs and services in Garden House . Those with memory loss flourish in an environment where they feel involved with the support of their family and friends.

Spiritwood at Pine Lake has created a world in Garden House where elders can succeed and achieve; where they are encouraged to function at their highest level, and where they may find a sense of belonging, companionship, and self esteem.

• The Garden House Memory Care and Additional Care Services
• Frequently Asked Questions

Back to main page