Facing the realities of memory loss is never easy, especially for the loved ones of individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Health and safety become paramount, and oftentimes, that means considering alternative living arrangements. McKnight Place Assisted Living & Memory Care is dedicated to making that transition easier for all involved. The vibrant senior living community offers dedicated memory care, and its staff work with families by offering support, expertise and understanding.
Locally owned and operated, McKnight Place is commited to providing the St. Louis community with compassionate care. Its team works to ensure no resident or their family feels alone in their journey with Alzheimer’s or dementia. “We know that when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, families often feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to expect,” executive director Elizabeth Stotser says. “We make it a priority to include families in every step of the care journey. From the very first meeting, we’re partners, communicating openly, listening to their concerns and helping them understand what’s happening and how we can assist.”
McKnight Place is dedicated to balancing independence, safety and dignity for residents. The community is designed to be secure and easy to navigate, and the environment is warm and home-like. This helps ensure that residents can feel safe, comfortable and confident but never restricted. “Our goal is for residents to feel empowered, to move about freely, to participate in daily life and to make choices,” Stotser says. “Safety is always a priority, but we never lose sight of preserving independence and dignity. It’s about creating a space where people can truly live, not just be cared for.”
Every resident at McKnight Place is recognized as an individual and their care is personalized to their routines, preferences and goals. The community takes time to understand what makes each person unique, including their history and interests along with their care needs. Stotser notes that does not mean fitting residents to a strict schedule, but rather building a daily routine that can feel joyful and meaningful. “Our approach is built around compassion, personalization and connection,” she explains. “We always remind ourselves that Alzheimer’s changes memory, not identity, and our role is to help residents hold onto the parts of themselves that make them who they are.”
McKnight Place staff goes above and beyond to ensure that residents feel supported, understood and cared for. Even small gestures can have a big impact. Stotser recalls one caregiver who started incorporating a resident’s favorite song as part of their nighttime routine, providing immense comfort and joy. “While Alzheimer’s is a challenging journey, it’s also one filled with hope and meaning when you have the right support,” Stotser says. “At McKnight Place, every day is an opportunity for connection whether through a smile, an activity or a shared memory. Our residents still laugh, sing and engage in life. Compassion, understanding and expertise define what we do, but what people really feel when they walk in our doors is love.”
McKnight Place Assisted Living & Memory Care offers comprehensive, compassionate residential services for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. For more information, call 314.789.3642 or visit mcknightplace.com.
Cover Design and photo courtesy of McKnight Place Assisted Living & Memory Care
Pictured at the top: MCKnight Place executive director Elizabeth Stotser
Photo courtesy of McKnight Place Assisted Living & Memory Care
