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Find care details, insights, and insider perspectives gained from 20+ years of helping seniors and families.
What to know about this topic:
- Basic principles of memory care design
- Design features in new memory care homes
- Design with the needs of memory care patients in mind
Ron Possamai and Andrea van der King are two leaders in responding to the needs of Canadians who require memory care in a retirement home setting. Possamai is the Principal Architect with Global Architect Inc., and van der King is Principal Designer at van der King Design Group Inc. At the 2019 Together We Care conference in Toronto, they presented a look at cutting edge architecture and design in memory care facilities they're currently working on.
Several residences across the province are being built "from the ground up" with the needs of dementia patients in mind. Building designs account for the major symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease, including memory loss and disorientation. If designers and architects create spaces with Alzheimer's sufferers in mind, this will make it easier for professional caregivers to ease symptoms, and provide better care. New homes can provide an environment suited to those with dementia, incorporating an up-to-the-minute understanding of the disease and its consequences.
So how do they do that? And what does that look like? Ron and Andrea presented some of their cutting edge designs and ideas at the recent conference from the Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) and the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA), in Toronto.
IN-DEPTH REPORTSMemory care communities
FEATURED
Queens Estate Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
265 Queens Drive, Toronto,
Ontario, M6L 3C6
At Queens Estate, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Sagecare 147 Elder Street
147 Elder Street, North York,
Ontario, M3H5G9
Enlightened dementia care touches more than memory. 147 Elder St. is a place that provides opportunities for the joy and meaning still ahead when wellbeing can no longer be realized at home.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care
FEATURED
Amica Dundas
50 Hatt Street, Dundas,
Ontario, L9H 0A1
This luxurious retirement home in Dundas, a short drive from Hamilton and the Niagara region, offers active living for seniors, with a variety of amenities including fine dining.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
McCowan Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
2881 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1J 0A2
McCowan Retirement Residence is a vibrant and family oriented retirement home located in Scarborough. With team members who have been here since we opened in 2004, you can expect a warm welcome and a feeling of home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
The Dunfield Retirement Residence
77 Dunfield Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario, M4S 2H3
The Dunfield Retirement Residence has established a new standard in senior retirement living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with 177 spacious apartments. Where people come to LIVE!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Greenview Seniors Residence - Metta Lifestyles
880 Lawrence Ave E, North York,
Ontario, M3C1P6
At Greenview Residence, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Governors Walk Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
150 Stanley Avenue, Ottawa,
Ontario, K1M 2J7
A former monastery and friary, Governors Walk is designed to pay respect to the past while featuring a modern touch. Governors Walk is steps away from the picturesque Rideau River and Stanley park.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
One Kenton Place
1 Kenton Drive, North York,
Ontario, M2R 2H6
We offer individualized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s & dementia, by identifying their social, emotional, physical, intellectual & spiritual needs, and are committed to treating residents with dignity & respect.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care
FEATURED
The Briton House
720 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto,
Ontario, M4S 2N7
Family-owned and operated, the Briton House is dedicated to the highest standard service for 50 years. Offering a full continuum of care, rich amenities and suites, home-cooked meals, and a 15,000 sq. ft. indoor garden.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
FEATURED
Amica Unionville
34 Main Street, Unionville,
Ontario, L3R 4Z8
Located on the charming Main Street of historic Unionville, Amica Unionville blends heritage-village ambiance with upscale senior living, providing a backdrop for connection, activity, peace of mind, and relaxation.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Erin Meadows
2930 Erin Centre Boulevard, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5M 7M4
We feature a unique full continuum of care with a vibrant Main Street offering Independent Living, Retirement Apartments, Assisted & Memory Care suites . Our retirement community represents a diverse ethnic population.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Shores of Port Credit - Verve Senior Living
280 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga,
Ontario, L5H 0A5
The Shores is designed for vibrant living with the highest quality of personal care. Amenities include pool, fitness & exercise club, restaurant, bistro & cafe, a golf simulator lounge & wine cellar.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Prince of Peace
300 Prince of Peace Way, Rocky View County,
Alberta, T1X 1G2
Enjoy prairie and mountain views at Prince of Peace Retirement Community, Alberta’s ideal senior living with personalized care from Independent Living to Memory Care in a safe, comfortable setting.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Amica Taunton
85 Taunton Road East, Whitby,
Ontario, L1R 0S4
AMICA Taunton offers a full continuum of care from townhome condos to Memory Care. We have 24/7 nurses and a visiting doctor. Residents choose to dine between 7am-7pm and enjoy special menus created by our Red Seal Chef.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Carp Commons Retirement Village - Verve Senior Living
458 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp,
Ontario, K0A 1L0
One visit to Carp Commons Retirement Village and you’ll see the difference in terms of amenities, food, services, programs, and the little touches that make it feel like home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Holland Gardens - Verve Senior Living
552 Holland St W, Bradford,
Ontario, L3Z 4H3
Located in the heart of Bradford, Holland Gardens offers a luxurious resort lifestyle where you can age gracefully with Independent Living, Independent Supportive Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Winston Park
695 Block Line Road, Kitchener,
Ontario, N2E 3K1
This elegant retirement residence in Kitchener-Waterloo offers a continuum of care from independent living apartments to assisted living, memory care and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Tansley Woods
4100 Upper Middle Road, Burlington,
Ontario, L7W 4W8
At The Village of Tansley Woods, we offer the full continuum of care - Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care all in one village.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Arbour Trails
32 Bayberry Drive, Guelph,
Ontario, N1G 0C9
Guelph retirement home offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Includes 24 hour onsite nursing team and medication support within a Village-like setting. It takes a Village to care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Hawthorn Park Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
867 KLO Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1Y 9G5
Living at Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence means you have choices & can customize the services you need, as you need them. We offer three lifestyle opportunities; supportive living, assisted living & complex care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Wintergreene Estates - Verve Senior Living
4950 Pasqua Street, Regina,
Saskatchewan, S4S 7L2
At Wintergreene, you'll discover a combination of independence, privacy, activities, health and wellness programs & friendly companionship to savour throughout your retirement.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Delmanor Elgin Mills
80 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, L4C 0L3
Award Winning Delmanor Elgin Mills, has proudly served the Richmond Hill community since 2002, offering Independent, Assisted Living, and Memory Care options, you can choose from a variety of well-appointed sized suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Don Mills Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
2 Green Belt Drive, North York,
Ontario, M3C 1L8
A luxury senior living community in the heart of North York. Be inspired by beautifully appointed amenities in our state-of-the-art building offering exceptional care, intelligent technology & exciting life enrichment.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Taunton Mills
3790 Brock Street North, Whitby,
Ontario, L1R 0H2
The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby presents several levels of service from seniors' apartments with full kitchens, retirement apartments with meals and services to memory care, assisted living and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Riverside Glen
60 Woodlawn Road East, Guelph,
Ontario, N1H 8M8
This elegant Guelph retirement home offers a range of care including assisted living and long term care, serviced by a friendly, caring staff.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Glendale Crossing
3030 Singleton Avenue, London,
Ontario, N6L 0B6
A true retirement hub featuring independent Living Apartments with full kitchens, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement suites with walk out patios, Assisted Care, Memory Care and LTC.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Riverwalk Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
528 25 Ave SW, Calgary,
Alberta, V2S 0L5
Riverwalk Retirement Residence is centrally located in the Cliff Bungalow-Mission community of Calgary. We offer a continuum of care including Independent Living, Premium Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Magnolia Gardens
5840 Glover Rd, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A 9K3
An oasis in the heart of Langley City, Magnolia Gardens features bright, spacious suites and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Two choices in senior living: 115 independent living suites, and a 40-suite licensed Care Centre.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village of Humber Heights
2245 Lawrence Avenue West, Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9P 3W3
The Village of Humber Heights is a retirement community that offers various lifestyle options and levels of services ranging from independent living with meals, to assisted living, memory care, and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Amica Little Lake
70 Lakeside Terrace, Barrie,
Ontario, L4M 0J2
Set on the shores of Little Lake in Barrie, Amica Little Lake offers beautiful views, a vibrant community, and a comfortable place to call home, with independent, assisted and memory care, dining, programs, and support.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village at University Gates
250 Laurelwood Drive, Waterloo,
Ontario, N2J 0E2
Now welcoming our Retirement Home Residents to the Village. We offer Waterloo a range of services for today's Senior including Retirement Apartments, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Long Term Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Vineyards Residence
726 Valley Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1V 0E9
The Vineyards approach to assisted living & memory care allows people to go about life as they always have, despite health changes. Beautiful suites & homemade meals. Discover for yourself why we say Life’s Better Here
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Amica Stoney Creek
135 King St. E, Stoney Creek,
Ontario, L8G 0B2
Amica Stoney Creek celebrates its rich heritage on the site of Stoney Creek Dairy, a local treasure from 1929 to 2012. Stroll to shops, pubs, or Olde Town Stoney Creek, or take a trip to nearby Hamilton or Niagara.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
River Ridge Seniors Village
#4 River Ridge Dr. N.W., Medicine Hat,
Alberta, T1A 8V1
A premier Park Place residence in the heart of Medicine Hat offering independent living, supportive living, and long term care options. With spectacular views and services, River Ridge is a warm place to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Village Langley - Verve Senior Living
3920 198th Street, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A1E1
We believe that the desire for fulfillment and living a life with purpose does not diminish with a diagnosis of dementia. We focus on the possibilities of each person, supporting each to live with laughter, love and joy.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care, Long-term care
Amica Pickering
1450 Pickering Parkway, Pickering,
Ontario, L1V 0G2
Amica Pickering offers contemporary senior living in a vibrant lakeside community. Thoughtfully designed and welcoming, it supports your pace of life while offering the assurance of care when you need it.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Parkland Ancaster
558 Golf Links Rd., Hamilton,
Ontario, L9G 4W9
At Parkland Ancaster, we will offer a luxurious, vibrant, social lifestyle in a beautiful safe, premium home. Enjoy upscale amenities, creating a supportive space for you to thrive socially and lead fulfilling lives.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Parkland on Eglinton West
4650 Eglinton Ave. W., Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9A 0E3
Parkland on Eglinton West offers Lifestyle Apartments, All-Inclusive Lifestyle and Supportive Lifestyle options for seniors. Parkland makes it easy for you to do more of what you love!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Wentworth Heights
1620 Upper Wentworth St., Hamilton,
Ontario, L9B 2W3
The Village of Wentworth Heights is a full-service retirement living community offering retirement apartments, full-service suites, assisted living and memory care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Parkland Ajax
3 Rossland Road West, Ajax,
Ontario, L1Z 0V1
Parkland Ajax offers independent and supportive options! Beautifully designed spacious suites, exceptional on site amenities and professional staff on site 24/7, Parkland is where you can live your best life!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
New Horizons Tower
1140 Bloor Street West, Toronto,
Ontario, M6H 4E6
A well-established not-for-profit, NHT is committed to enriching the lives of seniors. Gracious dining & café, the Terrace Garden, daily fitness, vibrant Concert Series - there is plenty for residents to enjoy at NHT!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
IN-DEPTH REPORTSHome care companies
In-Home Assisted Living Inc.
2 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto,
Ontario, M4V 3A1
In-Home Assisted Living offers caregivers & nurses to seniors & others with medical challenges to remain in their home with safety & comfort. Services across the entire GTA. Also ask about our hospital bedside support.
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care
Nurse For Care
2390 Eglinton Avene East, Suite #224, Toronto,
Ontario, M1K 2P5
We offer Caregiver, PSW & RPN services in a Customized, Affordable way to all ages & needs in GTA, Hamilton, Durham, Sudbury or anywhere in Ontario at Home, Hospital, Rehab, Retirement home, & Long-term care facilities.
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care
Basic principles of memory care design
Some basic considerations they work from are as follows:
- Creation of spaces that are home-like (not clinical) in look, feel, layout and scale.
- Facilitation of closer relationships, where residents become familiar with each other in smaller numbers: "personal relationships are supported and stress levels are minimized by households or situations where 10 or 14 residents have a shared living area," says van der King.
- Creation of an environment that minimizes seniors' tendency to disorientation, wandering or elopement.
Van der King presented some of her current projects showing how these considerations are implemented into designs.
Here's a look at some actual design features being implemented in new memory care facilities, notably Birchwood Seniors Living in Peterborough, Ontario.
Design features in new memory care homes
Continuous circulation paths
These are a part of many current memory care facilities. The absence of hallways off to the side, and other dead ends eliminates wrong turns, with the attendant confusion and disorientation that goes along with those.
Accounting for incontinence
Incontinence goes with Alzheimer's Disease, so private suites in Birchwood are designed with the washroom easily accessible, and ideally "in the line of sight" of the senior's bed, to minimize confusion in the middle of the night.
Access to secured outdoor spaces and natural areas
Closed courtyards are part of some traditional retirement homes, certainly, but in memory care designs by van der King, these are created with much more specifications. Circular pathways are one feature seen in current designs like that at Birchwood.
Bright open hallway, opening on an enclosed courtyard, in a dementia care community by van der King Design Group and Global Architects Inc.
Clinical aspects designed as comfortable elements
Birchwood's design tries "as much as possible, to mirror life through the engagement of familiar surroundings" that look like local surroundings. This is most clearly epitomised in the main street and village feel in Birchwood (a design element seen in other contemporary residences, notably Schlegel Villages). Clinical aspects like nursing stations use the facade of a village doctor, which feels more comforting. This is not meant to "trick" those with dementia but guards their safety and security, removing things in their environment that may make them apprehensive or disoriented.
Friendly-looking kiosk in a dementia care community by van der King Design Group and Global Architects Inc.
Biophilic design principles
Features like living walls (also called green walls) are implemented in Birchwood and other contemporary memory care facilities. Birchwood "incorporates natural materials, natural light, vegetation… and other experiences of the natural world into the modern built environment," says van der King. Birchwood's design aims to provide maximal access to daylight and chooses materials close to those found in the natural world.
Layout that encourages family interaction
Spaces are opened up to a degree, but retain just enough privacy to allow families to cocoon during visits, while being able to interact in a way that mutes any acoustic commotion.
Colour coding and texture orientation
Aspects of hallway design are focused on minimizing resident's need to remember where they are or where they were going. Designs employ elements like colours and textures that orient clients and reinforce that they are on a path that leads somewhere. This has been shown to be very effective in helping dementia sufferers with short term memory loss.
Muted acoustics
According to van der King, "residents often feel overwhelmed when there is too much activity in any setting. Rather than simply reducing all forms of stimulation, we try to focus on minimizing sources of stimulation that have a negative impact on residents."
Entrances and exits that optimize safety and security, preventing anxiety and disorientation
Exiting and elopement tendencies are one of the greatest dangers in older "nursing homes" etc. If it's too easy to find the exit, dementia patients can wander off. One feature that van der King adds is interactive diversions posted at exit points, that help redirect the attention of residents in a more positive manner. This can include colourful flower boxes, for example. When family or others leave the residence through a regular exit door, the resident is diverted from exiting or elopement.
Design with the needs of memory care patients in mind
The promise in all this is that we will create environments that apply our full understanding of the needs of Alzheimer's patients. These cutting edge memory care designs are a helpful, more compassionate response to the needs of those with dementia. Our understanding of dementia is increasing all the time, and these designs use an understanding of how dementia sufferers see the world around them. The promise in these is that we can create environments that are built with their needs in mind, not one to which they are expected (unrealistically) to adjust to.
