Living with dementia can be a cruel destiny. It can slowly, insidiously upend a person’s life. No one is ever prepared for a life without memories, without access to their past. For their families, it’s a new reality of confusion, uncertainty, and a daunting world of round-the-clock care ahead.
Thankfully, there’s a team right here in Wayne that’s committed to providing a place for people to live and succeed. Arden Courts ProMedica Memory Care is the only 100% dementia/Alzheimer’s facility in Passaic County, where adaptability for each person’s reality is paramount, with activities and programs geared towards their previous lifestyles and preferences to help them thrive.
With the holidays approaching, we wanted to speak to the dedicated people at Arden Courts to find out how they make the season special for their residents, and we found that they aim far higher than just making the holidays bright for those in their care.
“We’re guests in their home,” offers Kathey Harrison, the Executive Director for Arden Courts. “It’s not just the holidays. Every day matters.”
Yes, they do go to great lengths to make sure that, like everything, the holidays are “normal” for their residents. Thanksgivings include a traditional home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner, football, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV, and family.
“It’s what they would get at home because this is their home,” Kathey explains.
All holidays are celebrated with the same care, because to them, everyone there is family.
Most residents are there for years, yet much of the staff has been there for far longer. Kathey’s been there for 20 years, Administration Service Coordinator, Diane Andes, has been there 18, and Resident Caregiver, Yoconda Porchea, has been there for 24 years. And these are just a few of the dedicated people who have literally made it their life’s work to ensure that people living with a dementia diagnosis can have the quality of life they deserve.
“We’re all thankful for working with our residents,” offers Kathey. “We get to know them well through the quality time we share.”
“Everybody’s different, everyone’s an individual,” says Diane. “We adjust our care to them, not the other way around.”
The Arden Courts team never loses sight of each person’s history and how to keep it relevant and special. One woman had a baby-blue Corvette that she loved. They’re taking her to a local ‘Vette show. Another was part of a special pilot’s organization for NASA, “The 99’ers”. They arranged for the 99’ers to come to the community for a meeting – coincidentally on Amelia Earhart’s birthday. Amelia Earhart was the first 99’er. The resident was, appropriately, over the moon.
Going the extra mile is all part of life here. It can be as simple as their Veteran’s Wall – pictures of residents who have served in the Armed Forces. One man would salute his picture every day.
Or it can be as simple as a trip to a minor league baseball game. Everyone has a special something that makes their heart sing – and lights up their eyes again.
“We nurture each golden moment as often as we can because we know life still blooms for those living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Connecting meaningful moments is what we do,” explains Kathey.
Families know how far the people at Arden Courts will go to help their loved ones. They’re always welcome, day or night. For the celebrations, for the everyday, for the events.
“We worry about the families. It can be difficult for them to not only deal with the disease, but also with their loved one moving into a care facility. There’s always a sense of guilt on top of the exhaustion of having been a 24-hour caregiver, usually for a very extended period. Our concern extends to the loved ones on the outside and how they’re coping. ‘Are they sleeping enough? Are they eating well?’” says Kathey. “Once they see their loved one is getting the care they deserve, you can see their tension going down. You can see the difference in them. Once you see that their needs are being met, then it’s just different. That’s when you can visit as their spouse, their friend, or their child, and not as their caregiver. You can see the change.”
Ava Nelson saw the difference when she was caring for her Great Aunt. She’d come to tour Arden Courts and initially decided to give her care at her home, keeping her in her familiar surroundings. “Even though we didn’t have her become a resident then, they connected us with professionals who helped establish her home care needs, regardless of how it would benefit their company. But ultimately it wasn’t working, so, we brought her to Arden Courts and they were simply wonderful. While she was there they celebrated her 90th birthday with us there.”
“Because they cater only to people with Alzheimer's and dementia, that truly is a benefit to those suffering from those conditions,” Ava adds. “Because you really need to understand them to be able to not only treat someone properly medically, but also, just communicate with them and allow them to continue living.”
Ava also saw how well thought-out the facility is, from intimate dining areas, an on-site beauty parlor, color-coded “homes” (they’re never called “wings” or “sections” here) - all designed to give residents a sense of comfort and belonging. She also noted how important the staff’s longevity was to her. “It shows that they genuinely enjoy what they do.”
Providing that sense of home, of respect, of dignity, that’s all very intentional.
The people here wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It’s an honor to have their heart and soul here, says Kathey. “Everything we do – from our meals to our programs to our events – are all designed to engage and celebrate our residents. They still have so much life within them, it’s an honor for us to be a part of it.”
Arden Courts ProMedica Memory Care Community is at 800 Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne. You can get in touch with them for more information at 973-942-5600.
It's all about respect. They're all individuals that deserve our best.
These are people who have a horrific disease. But they’re people.