At Mount Pleasant Gardens, the mission is to enhance and enrich the lives of individuals living with dementia through a loving and person-centered approach to memory care.
“We believe that individuals living with dementia deserve to live a life that is full of joy, purpose, and dignity,” said executive director Denise Kish. “And our goal is to provide a safe, loving and supportive environment that promotes physical, spiritual, emotional and mental health.”
This mission, according to Kish, is achieved in part by designing activities to help residents stay in the present moments, where they will always feel loved and cared for. Whether they are arranging flowers, socializing at dinner, tap dancing, practicing yoga, joining the Walking Club, singing songs or playing ping pong, residents enjoy a sense of friendship, acceptance and belonging. Additionally, individuals retain competence for as long as possible by building cognitive skills such as working with words, numbers, history, science and helping with chores such as sorting or folding laundry.
Depending on the level of care necessary on an individual basis, residents are designated to live in one of two distinct communities: Sullivan or Rutledge. Sullivan offers females with mild to moderate dementia the opportunity to enjoy life with friends, without the distraction of residents who are further along with the disease. As the disease progresses, Sullivan residents may transition to the Rutledge community, where women as well as men in moderate to severe, have access to additional caregivers’ assistance with their daily activities. Enclosed within the square building is a serene, open, yet safe courtyard area where all residents are free to roam, walk the circular pathways or simply sit on a bench and enjoy the sunshine.
“Early preparation is key,” Kish said. “Because dementia can work on the brain for years without warning, it is important to come by and take a tour of Mount Pleasant Gardens as soon as a loved one starts to display signs such as: forgetting to take medications, not showering, not sleeping, falling more, wandering away and getting lost, conversation becomes difficult, eating and dining behavior requires additional support, experiencing higher levels of anxiety or hallucinating. By visiting our beautiful facilities and learning what our memory care program offers, you as the caregiver will be empowered and equipped with helpful knowledge and resources that will be necessary for helping your family member make the transition when the time comes.”
With such high-level care, it’s no wonder that Mount Pleasant Gardens has earned the Best of Mount Pleasant award an impressive three years in a row. For that win, Kish credits her team: Community Resource Director Leanne Lovin, Director of Nursing Judi Annunziata, Resident Care Manager Renee Snipe and Enrichment Director Cecelia Moore. As well as exceptional aides, med techs, nurses; and the activities, dining and housekeeping team members.
“We are a village that supports each other,” Kish added. “Our work brings our staff as much joy as we aspire to bring our residents. And we couldn’t do that without each other.”
For more information, visit gardensmemorycare.com or call 843-216-1001.
By Sarah Rose
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