Memory Care Is An Important Part Of Life At New Pond Village

Since its opening in March 2023, the Memory Care neighborhood at New Pond Village, a Walpole-based senior living community, has been at the forefront of providing superior services tailored to residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Benchmark Senior Living’s $8 million investment in expanding the community reflects its commitment to offering comprehensive care options, including specialized Memory Care.

At the heart of New Pond Village’s Memory Care philosophy is a dedication to integrating this specialized support seamlessly into the community, making it not only a priority for residents but also for the town of Walpole itself.

Leadership and Programming

Tasha Thomas, resident care director, and Carolyn Roycroft, Memory Care and activities director, talk daily with other residents about Memory Care and how it fits into the community.

Activities that give Memory Care residents an opportunity to engage with other residents are welcomed and encouraged.

Moreover, New Pond Village embraces innovative therapies, such as pet therapy and sensory stimulation activities like herb picking and poetry reading in the garden. These initiatives not only promote cognitive engagement but also encourage social interaction and physical activity, enhancing overall well-being.

Neighborhood Benefits

The goal of Memory Care is to help seniors stay active and engaged. This is accomplished through specialized programs and a neighborhood designed specifically with their needs in mind. Memory Care is led by a dementia care specialist who provides the programming, services and support to help residents feel secure, comfortable, and successful every day.

Additionally, Tasha and Carolyn use research-based programming to help the residents engage in the six dimensions of wellness:

• physical
• social
• intellectual
• emotional
• purposeful
• spiritual wellness

When new residents or prospective residents are oriented to New Pond Village, Memory Care is highlighted about how it enriches the lives of people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s is explained.

“I think it is really important for our residents to understand the benefits of having Memory Care here and how it integrates with the entire community,” said Tasha.

Choosing New Pond Village

A lot of people searching for the right senior living community choose a continuing care retirement community because it has Memory Care. They consider they or their spouse may need that care at some point.

For Phil Sullivan and his wife, Giselle, Memory Care was the key in their decision to move to New Pond Village. Phil’s seven children completely supported their choice and are happy to see their parents thriving and living in Walpole.

Training and Support for Caregivers

In addition to prioritizing resident well-being, New Pond Village invests in comprehensive training for caregivers to ensure they understand dementia and can provide compassionate, effective care.

From a caregiver’s perspective, the ongoing training they receive is aimed at helping all New Pond Village team members understand dementia.

“It is very reflective and helps me realize why certain behaviors happen and how to react or not react,” says Phiona Mugomba, a caregiver in Memory Care.

She says when Independent Living residents visit the Memory Care residents it makes an impact and they have positive reactions.

Community Impact

Residents are happy with the renovations and opening of the Memory Care neighborhood. They are proud to call New Pond Village home. Residents proudly promote New Pond Village to their friends.

There couples who live at New Pond Village where one person lives in Independent Living and the other lives in Memory Care.

The Memory Care neighborhood can accommodate 28 residents. To find out more about Memory Care and the Lifecare Advantage Plan, contact us to arrange a tour.