The Difference Memory Care Makes

A couple of friends enjoy the sunshine on the patio while someone else reads a book. Nearby, others sip coffee and talk about the news of the day. It’s a picture-perfect morning at New Pond Village. But this isn’t just any neighborhood—this is our Mind & Memory Care neighborhood in Walpole, Massachusetts, thoughtfully designed for those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Every activity here is part of a purposeful and supportive routine.

The Power of Purposeful Engagement

“Keeping all residents engaged is a very big part of what we do here,” says Carolyn Roycroft, program director at New Pond Village and former head of the Mind & Memory Care neighborhood. “It provides them with structure, purpose and a routine which helps them thrive.”

Dementia can bring rapid changes to both cognitive and physical health. One early sign is social withdrawal. Georgie Hutton and her siblings saw this in their sister Carol, a former Independent Living resident. “She was withdrawing more, not going to meals. It became clear she wasn’t aware of what day it was,” recalls Hutton.

A Positive Change with Memory Care

Carol’s transition to New Pond Village’s Mind & Memory Care neighborhood brought new energy and connection. “A smile started appearing on her face,” says Hutton. “She was making friends, had a place to go eat and the staff incorporated her.” Carol now helps staff arrange flowers each week and sees herself as part of the team. “She’s engaging in activities,” Hutton adds.

A Flexible Resident-Centered Routine

Each day in the Mind & Memory Care neighborhood includes six to eight scheduled activities along with room for spontaneity. “If one thing isn’t engaging residents we move on,” says Roycroft. “Whatever interests a resident that day we focus on.” This flexible structure not only keeps residents involved, it also helps ease transitions during the day—often a difficult time for individuals with dementia.

Roycroft describes the neighborhood as high-functioning and full of purpose. “It’s not just expected that residents are involved. They want to help. They want to have tasks. Carol, for instance, likes to take charge. You would think she works here.”

A Personalized Approach to Memory Care

At New Pond Village, our Mind & Memory approach makes the difference. Everything we provide is based on each resident’s unique needs. No two care plans are alike. Every detail within our Mind & Memory Care is thoughtfully planned, from sensory dining and daily programming to color choices and lighting design.

Residents benefit from:

• Staff specially trained in Memory Care
• Enhanced safety and security
• 24/7 around-the-clock care
• Programs and activities that give residents a sense of purpose and connection
• Ongoing support for the whole family

This personalized approach ensures that each resident feels supported, engaged and empowered to live with purpose every day.

Emotional Connections Remain

Many people describe dementia as a slow disappearance. But Kara Miller, director of Mind and Memory Care here at New Pond Village, emphasizes that emotional awareness remains intact longer than many realize. “The amygdala which controls and perceives emotions is still working until the very advanced stages of dementia,” she says. “That’s why emotional well-being is our top priority.”

Staff are trained to respond to non-verbal cues from residents who may struggle to express themselves. “That emotional part is affecting everything else,” says Miller. “Reading body language and tone helps us support each resident with compassion and care.”

Meeting Residents Where They Are

Dementia is irreversible and the progression looks different for everyone. “When people have a dementia diagnosis there are losses every day,” says Miller. “So we enter their world and meet them where they’re at in the disease process.”

For Carol, her move to the Mind & Memory Care neighborhood has brought peace and joy. “It’s like her decline paused,” says Hutton. “She may not know what day of the week it is but she knows she’s talking with us. She’s giggling, she’s happy. From a family standpoint we’re all thrilled.”