Facing the realities of memory loss is never easy, especially for the loved ones of people suffering from dementia. Health and safety become paramount, and oftentimes, that means considering alternative living arrangements. For 20 years, Parc Provence in Creve Coeur has been dedicated to making that transition easier for all involved. The vibrant senior living community specializes in memory care, and its staff works with families by offering support, expertise and understanding.
Parc Provence offers an innovative village design created by memory care expert Dr. Benjamin Schwartz. The community consists of five households defined by the abilities and care requirements of residents. Each household has its own living environment, featuring a kitchen, dining room, living room and back porch with access to a courtyard. “The households also can use the community’s central living areas, which include a bistro, art gallery, library and billiards room,” chief revenue officer Patrick Leonard explains. “An advanced security system enables residents to explore safely. The freedom of movement encourages them to maintain a sense of independence for as long as possible.”
The village design allows residents to connect with peers who are experiencing similar challenges. The Parc Provence staff also is empowered to work with individuals wherever they are in their journey with dementia. “We provide the personalized support our residents need,” Leonard says. “With a full continuum of care including assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, we have established a new and better standard for quality, long-term memory care programs.”
Parc Provence keeps residents engaged through innovative programming. It offers more than 60 daily activities to support residents socially, cognitively, physically and emotionally. The staff undergoes special dementia training so they are equipped to meet whatever needs may arise. “We make a point to go above and beyond in staffing the community with an unmatched quantity and quality of individuals—our staff-to-resident ratio is the highest in the industry,” Leonard explains. “Our residents and their families feel the difference as soon as they walk in the front doors.”
To ensure that it can provide top quality care, Parc Provence also partners with local organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association. It also has worked with memory loss and dementia experts from Washington University School of Medicine for 20 years. This partnership includes the community’s medical adviser, Dr. David Carr, and medical director, Dr. Lenise Cummings-Vaughn. “They are onsite each week providing care and guidance,” Leonard notes. “Our residents and families truly find comfort in knowing they’re here.”
Parc Provence has a deep connection to St. Louis. Locally owned, it is dedicated to meeting the needs of the community. “We take pride in management and other long-term staff who have been around for many years and truly live out the culture of person-centered care,” Leonard says. “There is no better place for your loved one to receive the care, attention and quality of life they deserve. It’s been an honor to provide the premier memory care community to the St. Louis area for 20 years, and we can’t wait to see what the next 20 have in store.”
The Parc Provence senior community in Creve Coeur specializes in memory care, providing supportive residential environments ranging from assisted living to skilled nursing. For more information, call 314.542.2500 or visit parcprovence.com.
Cover design courtesy Parc Provence
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at top: Dr. Lenise Cummings-Vaughn works with a resident.
Photo: Westrich Photography