At Symphony at Mentor, caring for seniors is about creating an environment of peace

By Mary Malik

Being at peace with your decisions is a good feeling, especially when those decisions involve the health and welfare of loved ones. Coincidentally, peace was the word used most often by the residents and families of Symphony at Mentor, when asked about the care received at the memory care community.

Exclusively a memory care facility, the staff at Symphony at Mentor focuses all of its attention on the security and well-being of the residents. Every aspect of the day, from activities and meals to personal care, is centered around the individual needs of each resident.

“Everyone here is dealing with some level of memory loss and the challenges that go along with that,” says Wayne Louis, executive director.

“Some residents are in the early stages, and some are more advanced. Our job is to determine their needs and step in when necessary without taking over completely.”

Symphony at Mentor focuses on each resident’s unique journey and creates moments each day where all are active and engaged. Activities are designed to address a resident’s physical, intellectual and spiritual interests.

Exercise classes, monthly theme parties and outings to the beach, movies and other community locations are all a part of daily life at Symphony at Mentor. And staff considers the residents’ personal interests when planning activities. Creating a home environment while accommodating the changing needs of residents is the goal here.

“Mom started to need a lot of assistance, wasn’t driving anymore and life was becoming difficult for all of us,” says Pat, whose mother, Dorothy, is a resident. “She needed more help than even we could give her.”

Pat and her two sisters, Lisa and Joanne, were taking turns caring for Dorothy between working and caring for their own families.

“This is a very common scenario,” says Wayne. “And with any kind of memory issues, staying at home, even with constant help, isn’t always the safest option. We make that transition as smooth as possible.”

For Dorothy, the transition to Symphony at Mentor came after she had been the resident of an assisted living community for over five years.

“Mom needed more supervision than assisted living could offer,” says Lisa. “We were so impressed by the people at Symphony and especially by the longevity of the staff members. The caregivers are not hired through agencies, they are employees of Symphony. They get to know, and truly care about, the residents. Mom is well cared for and we couldn’t be happier.”

Dorothy’s daughters describe her as a “put together lady” whose appearance has always been important to her. Since becoming a resident at Symphony at Mentor, Dorothy is looking more like her old self and has even stopped needing many of her medications.

“She’s happy and bright eyed again,” says Joanne. “All of her personal needs are taken care of, she’s eating well and is cared for properly. Between the three of us, someone is here nearly every day at all different times. We see Wayne here day and night. And when we have questions or concerns, help is always available.”

Dorothy’s daughters also credit the activities at Symphony at Mentor with keeping Dorothy social and active as her condition advances.

“Activities are appropriate for where the residents are in their journey,” says Lisa.

“Mom never feels frustrated. She’s having fun and smiling and we don’t have that constant, overwhelming worry anymore. We’re at peace with our choice.”

Symphony at Mentor is located at 8155 Mentor Hills Dr. in Mentor. For more information and to schedule a tour, call 440-290-4140 or check the website SymphonyAtMentor.com.