What Life Enrichment Looks Like in a Memory Care Community

By Andrew Wilson

Families who need assistance with the care of a loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia are relying on memory care communities for support.

Anthology of McCandless in Pittsburgh, PA, designed its Virtue Memory Care Neighborhood to help residents thrive in mind, body and spirit. Daily programming is customized around each resident, offering flexible schedules and activities designed to instill meaning, assurance and purpose. Families are welcome to visit and join in activities in the memory care neighborhood. Caregivers engage with you and your loved one to learn all they can about family history, careers, hobbies and values, playing a key role in helping ensure that residents’ lives remain vibrant and meaningful.

Anthology of McCandless provides social, cultural and recreational activities, including art and music programs for memory recall through musical events, self-expression and a personalized digital jukebox. A multitude of on-site activities, such as yoga classes, crafts and mindfulness programs, are all part of the robust calendar of events. With on-site amenities like a fitness center and an enrichment program for relaxation through essential oils, aromatherapy, healing touch and pet therapy, residents feel relaxed and happy.

Even the dining experience is designed for familiarity by creating the residents’ favorite foods in an appealing way. Three daily gourmet meals supervised by a registered dietitian and prepared by in-house chefs are a highlight of residents’ days. The social interaction that takes place in the community’s restaurant-style dining room fosters a sense of belonging and encourages residents to engage with their neighbors, which helps improve emotional health.

Highly certified caregivers at Anthology of McCandless receive rigorous, specialized training in dementia care, plus additional mandatory training each year. Families feel peace of mind knowing their loved ones are receiving seamless care for moderate to late-stage dementia, including care for behaviors such as wandering and exit-seeking.

Offering both personal care and memory care, Anthology of McCandless is continually evolving to deliver an aspirational lifestyle.

For more information, call Anthology of McCandless at (412) 336-8371 or visit AnthologyMcCandless.com.