Memory Care at New Pond Village

Compassionate, Evidence-Based Memory Care

Caring for a loved one with memory loss is an emotional journey, and finding the right environment can make all the difference. In Walpole, MA, New Pond Village’s innovative Mind & Memory Care neighborhood offers a warm and supportive community where residents and families feel understood and valued. Nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Memory Care communities in the country, this dedicated neighborhood has set a new standard since opening in March 2023, providing specialized care and meaningful connections at every step.

Leadership and Programming: Compassion in Action

The exceptional care in our Mind & Memory Care neighborhood is guided by a team of dedicated leaders who bring compassion and expertise to every resident interaction. “Our associates are passionate about the environment we create for our residents and their families. These awards are a testament to their dedication,” says Executive Director Adam Manchester. Under this inspiring leadership, every aspect of care and programming is carefully designed to support residents living with memory loss and provide comfort and peace of mind to their families.

Tasha Thomas, Associate Executive Director of Assisted Living and Memory Care, oversees resident care, problem-solving, and clinical support. With a lifelong passion for working with seniors, she ensures every resident is treated with dignity and respect.

Kara Miller, Mind & Memory Care Director, ensures the highest quality of services and offers coaching to caregivers, so they feel confident and supported.

Riley Finnegan, Assisted Living and Memory Care Programming Director, develops a monthly calendar of activities tailored to each resident’s unique interests and abilities. Her approach focuses on Benchmark’s six dimensions of engagement—physical, emotional, social, sense of purpose, intellectual and sensory—creating a nurturing environment where residents thrive.

This compassionate leadership creates the foundation for the wide array of activities and programs that bring purpose, joy and connection to our residents.

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

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

“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.

Additionally, innovative therapies like pet therapy and sensory stimulation activities such as herb picking and poetry reading in the garden encourage social interaction, cognitive engagement and physical activity.

Nutrition and Memory Care Dining

Nutrition plays a vital role in memory care, supporting cognitive health and overall well-being. At New Pond Village, our culinary team, led by Chef Lacey, prepares fresh, high-quality meals that nourish both body and soul. Dining here goes beyond food — it’s about fostering connection, comfort and dignity.

Our dedicated dining program is designed specifically for Mind & Memory Care residents, with:

• Professional chefs and servers trained in dementia care
• Plating strategies that stimulate appetite
• A warm, supportive environment that feels like home
• Special holiday meals that create memorable dining experiences

A Nationally Recognized Best Memory Care Community

New Pond Village’s Mind & Memory Care neighborhood has earned national recognition from U.S. News & World Report for excellence in:

• Care Services
• Staff & Management
• Food & Dining
• Safety
• Activities & Enrichment
• Value
• Creating a Home-Like Environment

From skilled leadership to personalized activities and a supportive dining environment, every detail is designed to nurture residents’ well-being and enrich their daily lives. Families can find comfort knowing their loved ones are embraced by a community that honors their individuality and fosters connection, purpose, and joy every step of the way.