“While our situation was not that different from the thousands of families that deal with this, it seemed different to us,” said Paul Radliff.
It’s a sentiment that is echoed frequently by family and friends whose loved ones are affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s. Despite the staggering number (5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s) the fact is when it’s your loved one, you may feel overwhelmed by care demands, and alone in your desire to provide care and quality of life for your loved one.
That’s why MBK Senior Living is dedicated to providing seniors and their families with memory care resources, knowledge and support. After all, at MBK we believe that when a person has Alzheimer’s or dementia it does not just affect the person but the entire family.
“You’re not alone – we’re here for you,” said Alberto Maldonado, Executive Director at MBK Senior Living’s The Commons at Dallas Ranch community in Antioch, California. “In addition to offering specialized care for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias through our Connections for Living by MBKTM memory care program, families find the support and resources here to stay connected to their loved ones.”
According to Paul, his mother-in-law Esther was diagnosed with dementia in 2017. After much consideration, Paul and his wife decided to move Esther in with them.
“We did the best we could for almost a year and after searching long and hard, decided to place her at The Commons at Dallas Ranch. From the onset, our experience was amazing,” said Paul. “No matter how stressed my wife and I were, no matter how sideways Esther was as she battled her illness, they were there and available to us.”
“Our compassionate caregivers understand the unique needs of those living with memory loss,” said Jamie Gralund, Executive Director of MBK Senior Living’s MuirWoods Memory Care community. “Helping residents and their families navigate the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia is what we do.”
“We had a very difficult situation with my uncle and knew that transitioning him [to a memory care community] would be difficult. In fact, he was kicked out of the place he had been previously in less than 3 hours,” said Jennifer Neller. “From the day we met Jamie at MuirWoods Memory Care she assured us that ‘this is what they do’ and that ‘they would make it work.’ And make it work they did!”
According to Jennifer, her uncle settled easier than anticipated, and within the first week he was meeting the care plan goals. His ability to make MuirWoods Memory Care home is a result of MBK Senior Living’s signature Connections for Living by MBKTM memory care program. The program focuses on four key areas including: physical wellness, stimulating environment, resident enrichment and family involvement.
To best support residents and their families, we start developing our connection during an in-depth interview to learn about the resident's life history, preferences, needs and passions. This information is then shared with all the team members who interact with the resident so we can stay connected – even if the resident may not be able to clearly communicate their needs.
We continue connecting throughout the day by recognizing that behavior equals communication and we validate the resident's reality, further helping them to feel engaged and secure. Our team members are specially trained in the Connections for Living care and interaction processes.
What’s more, every aspect of our memory care communities are thoughtfully designed to encourage resident independence, connectivity and wellness. Strategically placed inspiration stations, enrichment programming, and exceptional care services provide residents with a greater sense of independence and exploration.
“My husband's mother is in memory care at MBK’s Crystal Terrace community, and she has blossomed so nice, she's more active with the games, attends the music concerts, and she's even reading again! It's like one big family there,” said Lori Lewis.
After 30 years of service, MBK Senior Living has a solid reputation for providing families with the programs and services that truly enhance the lives of residents, and provide their families with on-going support and encouragement.
If you’re faced with how to care for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s, let us be of help. Visit our website to find a community near you.
