Serenades by Sonata, a Best of the Best winning program developed by Sonata Senior Living, aims to give memory care residents increased choice and control while protecting their safety.
Purpose-built memory care communities are getting smarter.
Sonata Senior Living seeks to go beyond the notion of “resident-centered” care to offer care that is truly resident-directed. “In person-directed care, daily schedules, activities, and routines are completely guided by the resident’s preferences,” says Shelley Esden, SVP of operations. Since the residents in question have dementia, the design of the physical environment is integral to achieving that goal.
Thus Serenades by Sonata, designed by Baker Barrios Architects, is operationally driven and seeks to give memory care residents as much choice and control over their day as safely possible. Sonata’s initial prototype is scheduled to open in July and is divided into three small neighborhoods to maximize resident way finding, allow consistent staffing to encourage resident and staff interaction, and give staff greater opportunity to know the resident’s preferences. Multi-sensory cues such as touch, sound, and smell are used throughout to provide reminders of the purpose of particular spaces.
Residents have unimpeded access to a 10,000-square-foot interior courtyard that is naturally divided into three areas corresponding to each neighborhood. The courtyard is heavily landscaped and appointed with trellises and other garden ornaments to engage residents.
Security is unobtrusive, with motion sensors in resident rooms, camouflaged security doors, and wall-less offices so that staff can interact with residents openly. “The neighborhoods are strategically designed with all staff resources conveniently located in each neighborhood, allowing associates to spend more time with the residents while maximizing productivity,” says Esden. A wireless e-call system and door and window contacts alert staff of resident emergencies. A proxy card access system tracks all visitors and can be deactivated in seconds, providing a safe alternative to keypads with codes or keys.
Of particular interest is the “family neighborhood,” complete with a resource library, dining area, common room outfitted with games and a computer, and outdoor playground. “We’ve created a neighborhood exclusively dedicated to families to promote our partnerships with families while encouraging greater participation and visits from grandchildren and family,” says Esden. “We want to make it as easy and comfortable as possible to maximize their time together and at the same time respect their privacy.”
In short, Esden adds, “Sonata’s goal was to implement a program that creates daily successes for our residents. Our purpose-built environment recognizes that the physical plant and design is an essential component.”
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