How Heirloom Memory Care Keeps Residents Connected to Their Community
One of the most persistent misconceptions about memory care is that residents become isolated from the world around them. The fear is that they’re confined to their neighborhood, disconnected from the broader community, and no longer able to contribute in meaningful ways. In Kisco’s Heirloom neighborhoods, teams work intentionally to ensure that’s not the case. …
How Mellody Supports Families Through the Dementia Journey
Mellody Aliado has a rule about calling families: she doesn’t want to reach out only when something goes wrong. As Memory Care Director at Woodbridge Terrace of Irvine, Mellody knows that families often brace themselves when they see the community’s number on their phone. An incident. A fall. A change in condition. Their first thought …
Behind the Scenes: How Christina’s Case Management Keeps Residents Thriving at Park Plaza
Christina Gonzalez’s career in senior living began almost 32 years ago with a simple realization: she wanted to care for people, not track room numbers. At 21, fresh out of her CNA certification training in a nursing home, she saw an ad for something called a “retirement community,” which was a term she’d never even …
No Two Days the Same: How Norma and Ivette Create Personalized Memory Care at Crestavilla
When families consider memory care for their loved ones, one worry often surfaces: Will they be bored? Will they sit around with nothing to do? Will they lose their sense of purpose? At Crestavilla, Norma Martinez and Ivette Puente make sure that’s not the case. As Heirloom Director of Memory Care and Living Well Lead, …
Bringing Joy to Every Day: How Uriah Creates Meaningful Moments in Memory Care
Uriah Farrar is the Heirloom Life Enrichment Assistant at Abbotswood at Irving Park, and for her, every day is a little different—and that’s the point. Her day typically starts with morning rounds through Abbotswood at Irving Park‘s memory care neighborhoods, greeting each resident by name and checking in to see how they’re doing. And then …
Creating Home: How Mariah Welcomes New Residents to Memory Care at Abbotswood
When Mariah Griffin first stepped into a memory care community as an 18-year-old nursing student, she knew she’d found her calling. “I had to pick a place to volunteer for school, and my husband suggested Abbotswood at Irving Park,” she recalls. “I was only supposed to be there for three months, but I just loved …
Montessori in Memory Care: A Research-Based Approach to Engagement and Dignity
When most people hear “Montessori,” they might think of specialized schools that center around hands-on education. The same principles that help young children develop independence, confidence, and joy in learning can also support adults living with dementia. In Kisco’s Heirloom memory care neighborhoods, we use Montessori-based principles as one of several tools that help residents …
Following in Her Grandmother’s Footsteps: How One Care Services Director Found Her Purpose at Kisco
Sherita’s path to senior living started early, when she would tag along with her grandmother on weekend shifts at the community where she worked as a licensed practical nurse and director of nursing. It became natural to be in the community and work with seniors, and it shaped her entire career as an adult. Now, …
Employee Spotlight: Meet Brenda, Leading Kisco’s Heirloom Memory Care
Some people find their calling early in life, and others discover it after years of searching. And then there are people like Brenda Gurung, who found exactly where they’re meant to be: in the hard places, walking alongside people who need support and dignity. As a leader in Kisco’s Heirloom memory care program, Brenda brings …