The Director of Care and Care Team at The Residences on Yonge have received specialized training in “Dementability”. This education helps staff understand the connections between the brain, life story, environment, and behaviour. Recognizing the importance of how knowing the Resident helps narrow in on the individuals’ desires and focus on their purpose, wants and needs.

A growing number of staff have received “U-first” training through the Alzheimers Society. Our Team have learned why people living with dementia experience behaviour changes, and how to recognize and support these changes. Our ongoing training supports staff at The Residences on Yonge to understand the ever-changing challenges of dementia.

Our Memory Care neighbourhood has 24-hour staffing and RPN supervision, meals, activities, and medication management with regular visits from our Nurse Practioner. A personal plan of care is developed based on the resident’s health assessment and their individual needs. Support may include assistance from bathing, dressing, eating support, redirection and more.

Recreation Staff

Serenity Lane has Recreation Staff who will involve Residents to reach their full potential living life every day.

Serenity Stations

A unique feature of our Memory Care floor is the presence of various stations, which blend into the decor and are designed for residents to touch, reminisce, and talk about their past. These stations include nostalgic items from different decades to encourage residents to share stories of their past experiences, sparking meaningful conversations and connections with fellow residents.

The Garden Station 

has been designed as a therapeutic activity space, engaging residents to participate in gardening tasks such as planting, watering, pruning, and caring for various plants. This may provide a sensory experience through sight, smell, and textures, reminding them of different experiences in their past life. Taking care of plants can give residents a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which is particularly important for individuals with memory impairment who may struggle with feelings of loss or frustration.

The Art Room

allows residents to exercise their creativity through drawing, painting, or crafting. This will enable individuals to foster self-expression and encourage social interactions among participants.

The Living Room

is aptly named and features Montessori-based sensory bins full of activities that residents can engage in independently or with assistance from a staff member. These bins include sorting, matching, puzzles, reminiscent, and sensory. They are geared towards stimulating various cognitive functions such as memory, attention and problem-solving. These activities involve manipulating small objects to help maintain or improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Another station includes the nursery area, where babies can be found in a bassinet, with clothing to change into, or in a place to cuddle. Holding a baby doll can be very soothing for a senior, giving a sense of purpose and creating an opportunity for conversation or an activity to engage in. All these stations and more stimulate memories of the past, bringing joy and seeing different things along their journey. Engaging in purposeful and enjoyable activities can help reduce feelings of agitation, anxiety, or restlessness often experienced by individuals with dementia. Doing these tasks with neighbours and friends helps grow the community on the floor, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.