Facing the realities of memory loss is never easy, especially for the loved ones of dementia patients. 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 goes beyond simply meeting the physical needs of residents. The community and its staff are dedicated to knowing each one as an individual and providing personalized support. “We understand that every resident is different,” assistant administrator Ansley McMahon notes. “When families are exploring their options, we encourage them to think about what their loved one needs to feel safe, stay engaged and have the best possible quality of life. It is also important to find a community that understands dementia and can provide the right support as those needs change.”
Each resident is part of the Forget Me Not program. The initiative allows the resident and their family to share their background, interests and habits. That information is used to help guide their care, daily routine and activities at McKnight Place. “We focus on what residents can do rather than what they can no longer do,” McMahon says. “That means giving them opportunities to make their own choices, participate in activities and maintain the routines that are important to them. We also understand that independence looks different for every resident, and sometimes a little extra time or a different approach can make all the difference.”
McKnight Place balances 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. “The balance between structure and individualized care makes our approach so meaningful,” explains Briana Hudson, director of social services. “We understand that memory care is about more than following a schedule; it is about recognizing each resident as an individual, preserving their dignity and helping them maintain a sense of independence, purpose and belonging.”
Hudson recalls working with McKnight Place resident Gail, a retired painter. Gail’s family was concerned she would struggle with adjusting to life at the community and making social connections. The team workshopped how to help Gail make the transition comfortably and develop meaningful friendships. “We arranged private art lessons and invited her to art activities and lectures,” she says. “By incorporating Gail’s lifelong passion into her care, we were able to create opportunities for her to engage in something familiar and meaningful while encouraging connections with other residents and staff. At McKnight Place, our goal is to adapt our care to the individual, rather than expecting the individual to adapt to us.”
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 courtesy of McKnight Place Assisted Living & Memory Care
Photo by Gregg Goldman Photography
Pictured at the top: McKnight Place provides personalized care for every resident.
Photo: Gregg Goldman Photography
