When you’re looking for memory care for a loved one, it’s not just about safety; it’s about finding a place that truly feels like home. At Meth-Wick, our memory care community, Arbor Place, features a neighborhood model designed with that goal in mind. It’s a warm, welcoming approach that goes far beyond traditional care settings.

Imagine a small, cozy community within a larger senior living community. Instead of long, clinical hallways, you’ll find smaller “neighborhoods” with shared living rooms, kitchens, dining areas, and courtyards. Up to six residents live in each neighborhood and are supported by consistent staff who know them well. The result? A deeply personal, home-like environment where people with memory loss can thrive.

This style of care isn’t just comforting, it’s also backed by research. The Alzheimer’s Association recognizes person-centered, homelike environments as a best practice in dementia care. These settings have been shown to reduce anxiety, promote independence, and improve overall quality of life.

The Benefits Families and Residents Really Notice

1. It just feels more comfortable. For someone living with memory loss, big, unfamiliar spaces can be overwhelming. Meth-Wick’s use of neighborhoods creates smaller, more familiar environments that are easy for residents to navigate, making them feel safe and settled. And because they see the same caregivers every day, they build trust, which also helps reduce stress and anxiety.

2. Care is more personal. With a small group setting, caregivers can truly get to know each resident, what makes them smile, what their routines are, and how to best support them when they’re having a tough day. It’s not one-size-fits-all care. It’s care that’s tailored to the individual.

3. It encourages real connection. Whether it’s sharing meals, folding laundry together, or chatting over coffee, residents are more likely to connect with each other and with staff. These everyday moments build a sense of community and belonging, which is so important for emotional well-being. The Alzheimer’s Association notes that social engagement can enhance emotional well-being and may even help slow cognitive decline.

4. It supports independence. Within their neighborhood, residents are encouraged to do as much as they can on their own. Helping with simple tasks like watering plants or setting the table gives them a sense of purpose and keeps their daily routine more meaningful.

5. Safety feels natural, not restrictive. Each neighborhood is designed with safety in mind, but it’s done in a subtle way that’s respectful of our residents. This allows them to move around within their neighborhood without feeling confined or watched.

6. Overall, life just feels better. Residents living in neighborhoods often experience fewer behavioral challenges, stay more socially engaged, and feel more at home. And when residents feel better, families feel better too.

A Lifestyle That Honors the Individual

At Meth-Wick, our neighborhood model isn’t just about how we design a space—it’s about how we support the person behind the diagnosis. We believe in honoring each resident’s story and helping them feel safe, seen, and valued every single day.

Schedule a Visit and Learn More

Whether you’re just beginning to consider memory care for a loved one or are already exploring options, we invite you to visit Arbor Place to learn more about our approach, which makes all the difference not just in how residents live but also in how they feel.

Call us at 319-365-9171 or submit a request online: Contact Us. We look forward to meeting you!