Arden Courts, a memory care community in Chagrin Falls, helps foster independence for their residents with Alzheimer’s and related dementias

By Mary Malik

Arden Courts memory care communities combine unique services and one-of-a-kind building design to provide effective management of and treatment for residents with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Serving only individuals with memory issues allows staff to focus on the distinctive physical, mental and social needs of the residents and guide and educate their families.

Dementia is a broad term encompassing many diseases and impairments that Arden Courts’ staff has the expertise and training to address. Residents are navigating Alzheimer’s disease, early onset dementia, frontal temporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s dementia, mild cognitive impairments and vascular dementia.

“Each presents unique challenges and our staff is trained to approach residents in the best possible way in order to be successful in their care,” says Business Development Specialist April Suva. “We go beyond the state mandated training and educate our caregivers so they can recognize changes in residents and manage care accordingly.”

Each building is designed to create familiar and safe surroundings that allow residents to stay oriented and calm. The unique design of four small “houses” centered around a living area includes an outdoor courtyard with a secure walking path offering residents the room to roam.

“Our courtyards are designed so residents can easily access the outdoors while still remaining safe,” says April.

Every resident at Arden Courts has an individual daily routine designed for them by staff and family based on their capabilities. The plan addresses the health, behavioral, recreational, social and dietary needs of each person.

Meg has a Ph.D. in archaeology, two master’s degrees and is an accomplished gardener. This past February, she became a resident at Arden Courts of Chagrin Falls and is thriving in her new environment.

“Meg came to us in a wheelchair weighing 90 pounds,” says Laura Chernauskas, memory care advisor. “She was living alone, suffering from dementia and unable to manage. Meg is now walking on her own and enjoying activities designed just for her.”

As soon as the staff at Arden Courts discovered Meg’s background, they got to work on planning her new life at her new home.

“Here we don’t focus on what people can’t do, we discover what they can do and run with it,” says Laura. “We never want to overwhelm residents, so we started by helping Meg plant an herb garden. Soon the plants were flourishing, and so was Meg.”

When the cook heard about Meg’s herbs, he immediately got on board and they planted tomatoes, green beans and even sunflower seeds together.

“Meg gets outside every day, tends to her plants and loves every minute of it,” says Laura. “She has a purpose, a new family and a new life. Watching her and her garden blossom every day is a joy.”

Meg’s story is just one of many at Arden Courts, where this secure, independent environment fosters a sense of calm and confidence that allows residents to thrive.

“Our programming is designed to enhance each individual’s developmental and emotional needs,” says April. “Our residents have options here to go outside, walk throughout the building, and do things they are capable of doing in a safe environment that sets them up for success. That’s the difference at Arden Courts.”

“Arden Courts has been providing specialized memory care for over 25 years,” she adds. “We recognize and address residents’ needs and care for them in a secure environment that fosters independence.”

Arden Courts also educates residents’ families, with monthly virtual support groups, online educational tools and events and a free resource library.

“Knowledge is power,” says April. “The more we all understand, the better our residents, and your loved ones, will do each and every day.”

Arden Courts of Chagrin Falls is located at 8100 East Washington St. in Chagrin Falls. For more information, call 440-543-6766. The website is Arden-Courts.com.