If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a memory disease, such as Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, learning about enhanced memory care services may prove useful.

Experiencing symptoms of memory loss, confusion, depression, and anxiety can be distressing for both the individual with dementia and their caregiver. If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, the challenges can often feel overwhelming. Caregiver burnout is common for those who try to manage on their own. Thankfully, you and your family members can find all the support you need with the right memory care community.

At Haciendas at Grace Village, our memory care community is guided by our conviction that all human beings are valuable. We pride ourselves on offering memory care customized to each individual resident. We know individuals with Alzheimer’s and Dementia can live fulfilling lives when their dignity, independence, physical, psychological, and emotional needs are met. With memory care services, your loved one can maintain their quality of life, age with dignity and comfort, and receive around-the-clock loving, individualized care.

Learn about memory care, how it can help your loved one, and what types of services and amenities are available.

What is memory care?

Memory care is a unique type of care that is focused on meeting the specific medical, social and safety needs of people who have dementia. Quality memory care centers have empathetic and specially trained staff who take a holistic look at the needs of each individual with dementia. Rather than focusing on the disease, we at Haciendas at Grace Village focus on the person and provide care for the individual.

The overall goal of memory care is to maintain the safety, dignity and independence of the people it serves. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to memory care, research has shown that programs that promote engagement and brain health are most effective. Such elements include physical activity, cognitive training, social activities and an appropriate diet.

In the first stages of memory disease, a person may not need much support or help. However, as their disease progresses, their needs will change, and they will eventually require memory care services. Memory care communities offer individuals with dementia a safe and comfortable environment where they can receive long-term specialized care.

What makes Haciendas at Grace Village unique? We’re Designed with Memory Care in Mind

Before we drew our first floorplan, we spent three years researching human-centered design within the field of memory care to make sure our homes made residents feel safe and comfortable. We emphasize the term “homes” because it was important to us to create spaces that have a recognizably home-like feel.

Haciendas at Grace Village was designed to be a home where your family member can thrive. We are dedicated to not only meeting their physical and medical needs but truly tapping into what makes them smile.

In addition to actively creating a homey atmosphere, we intentionally designed our Haciendas to support our memory care community. The floors are clearly defined, and there are no stairs. This helps residents with visual impairments feel secure taking steps forward. By getting rid of hallways, we reduce the anxiety related to disorientation; residents coming out of their bedroom can immediately see either the kitchen, the living room, or the backyard and a caregiver. The simple but strategic design helps residents to be less anxious as they engage in day-to-day activities. Furthermore, being able to see living spaces from their bedrooms encourages residents to participate in activities rather than stay in their bedrooms.

Comfortable Bedrooms and Bathrooms

We have four Haciendas that provide different levels of care. Each Hacienda has 12 private suites. Our research found that 12 residents per Hacienda allowed for socialization without compromising on individual care. A suite bedroom has a twin bed with hospital bed capabilities but does look medical or institutional. A lamp with no glass is attached to a weight-bearing nightstand. We welcome personal items to make your loved one’s suite to make this home theirs. Sometimes residents have brought larger items of furniture that we make room for in the communal space. We provide fresh linens and towels. Each bedroom has its own private large bathroom for ease of movement. In addition, each Hacienda has two spa bathrooms with bathtubs for that special comfort and familiarity if a resident prefers bathing to showering. The spa bathrooms also have salon sinks so residents can have their beauty needs met.

Home Cooked Meals

We all know a home-cooked meal and foods that meet emotional and physical needs really do make a difference to our residents. We take the term “comfort food” to heart. Our culinary staff takes great pleasure in finding the perfect meal or snack that reminds our residents of important moments in their lives. Meals and snacks made with love are provided and served daily with hydration encouraged throughout the day. J. Peyton, a child of a resident, can testify to the nutritious and appetizing food we serve.

Having a kitchen in every Hacienda allows family members and friends to cook family-favorite meals and eat with their loved ones. Moreover, we always have activities each month involving snacks and socialization, such as coffee shakes, wine tasting, or mocktails on the patio. At Haciendas at Grace Village, we recognize that good food is an important aspect of care that ties into family, culture and joy.

Dedicated Staff Trained in Memory Care

Our first and foremost priority of our memory care staff is the well-being and daily care of our residents. We have a team of dedicated, well-trained and loving staff for the memory care needs of your loved one. Our Nurse Manager works with the physician of your choice to meet the care needs of your loved one, supported by the round-the-clock specialized and certified staff. We make sure all needs are met, from engaging activities to laundry, housekeeping, and more.

Two basic but fundamental keys to our success are communication and organization. These are particularly important when it comes to medical care management. Our staff makes sure our residents receive timely, accurate medications and work closely with your physician of choice. We regularly communicate with you and your loved one’s doctor to keep everyone on the same page.

Holistic memory care involves not only medical care but social interaction and engagement. Rather than having passive entertainment, our activities coordinator makes sure that residents experience active and appealing events. Safe, physical activities such as exercise classes and dance parties are part of residents’ normal routines. Speakers come in to talk about a variety of subjects, from NASA space exploration to sunflowers. We have also had dance and music recitals with New Mexico State University’s DanceSport organization. Catering to a wide variety of interests goes hand-in-hand with our person-centered care philosophy.

Memory Care at Haciendas at Grace Village

Our memory care community stands on our conviction that all human beings are valuable. Everything is purposely designed to encourage social interaction, mobility, a sense of autonomy, and security in a safe and dignified environment. We know how challenging caring for a loved one can be on your own. We invite family members to visit and ask questions so that you feel confident that your loved one is cared for and treated with dignity.

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What sets Haciendas at Grace Village apart: Specialized Memory Care Services