We moved my husband into MacKenzie Place Memory Care a few weeks ago. We had gone through the…read moreentire admission process at another place first, and it didn't work out. After several exhausting days and a disappointing outcome, I dreaded going through the whole process again. However, the entire staff at MacKenzie Place, from the two marketing people we met with, Suzanne and Alan, to Michelle the Move-In Coordinator, Candace the Health Coordinator, Coley the Memory Care Director, and all the Memory Care staff, too many wonderful people to name, every single person was professional, understanding and caring. Every question was met with a knowledgeable answer, every issue was met with a creative solution, every concern was met with compassion for my husband and me.
The Memory Care staff has been trained in each specific type of dementia, the behaviors and ways of dealing with them. That is so awesome because my husband has a less common type of dementia, Fronto Temporal Dementia, that exhibits very different behaviors than Alzheimer's, Parkinson's dementia or others. Some of his behaviors are extremely difficult to deal with. Some places I had looked at, were not really aware of FTD and had not had any residents with FTD. The MacKenzie Place Memory Care staff was not only aware of FTD, but specificially trained in how to patiently deal with him and successfully redirect him. MacKenzie Place was ready for him!
We had some special security needs for which they have made modifications, putting my mind at ease. They welcomed my husband and made him feel at home right off the bat. He made friends right away, and the staff made him feel useful and helpful, which means a lot to him because he is the youngest and most cognitively functional one in the unit. They have made me feel so welcome as well, as I spend a few hours a day with him, and usually share a meal with him every day. They treat me so warmly and special. They encourage family to spend time with their loved ones, share a meal or participate in activities with them.
My husband enjoys the activities provided there. They have live music a couple times a week, games to stimulate mind and body, and his favorite, the Friday afternoon excursion on the bus. The meals are very good. My husband tells everyone about how delicious the food is! The housekeeping is top notch. Every Tuesday when I come, his room is spotless, and his laundry is clean and fresh.
I love going to MacKenzie to hang out with my husband! There are other amenities in the other part of the building that Memory Care residents are welcome to use if accompanied by a family member. My husband and I enjoy the hot tub, the exercise room, the pool table, have a cup of coffee in the pub, attend church service in the chapel sometimes, and he has had a pedicure at the salon!
I cannot speak highly enough of MacKenzie Place, especially the Memory Care Unit! It has been a huge blessing to us to get my husband into a place where he is happy, well cared for, feels useful and respected, and where I feel like a huge burden has been lifted off my shoulders. I would recommend MacKenzie Place Memory Care for anyone who has a loved one with dementia.