Inside Knollwood's Memory Care: A Personalized Approach to Dementia Care

What does truly person-centered memory care look like?

On a recent Care Across America conversation, Valerie VanBooven, RN BSN, spoke with Juliet Wilson, Nurse Manager and Director of the Memory Care Unit at Knollwood Retirement Community, about the personalized approach behind Memory Lane.

At Knollwood, memory care is built around the individual — their routines, preferences, abilities, interests, and life experiences.

The conversation highlights:

• Consistent caregivers who get to know each resident
• Individualized routines and activities
• Music therapy, pet therapy, yoga, and Tai Chi
• The Montessori approach to dementia care
• Interactive Tovertafel games designed for different stages of dementia
• Redirection that focuses on identifying unmet needs
• Family involvement without restrictive visiting hours
• A focus on residents' strengths and independence

One of the most meaningful examples Juliet shared involved a nonverbal resident with dementia who could still play the piano. While communicating her needs had become difficult, music remained a source of connection and happiness.

That story captures an important part of quality dementia care: focusing not only on what someone has lost, but on what they can still enjoy, accomplish, and share with others.

Learn more about Knollwood Retirement Community and Memory Lane: https://www.knollwoodstclair.com/