Making the decision to place a family member in a memory support residence is one of the hardest decisions of all. But it is often the best option for both the individual and the family. There is a special place at Ruth’s House for individuals living with early-to-mid-stage memory impairments and other dementia-related diseases: The Garden Neighborhood at Ruth’s House.
The Garden Neighborhood is a separate and secure neighborhood at Ruth’s House that caters to individuals with increased cognitive and physical limitations such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Our staff is highly trained to care for individuals in need of memory care. One unique advantage of this residence is that our caregivers have extremely long tenure with the organization, providing for consistency of care. It is very reassuring to our residents and families that there is very little staff turnover. Residents establish bonds with both our staff and other residents, creating special friendships that truly enhance their quality of life. The personalized support services enable resident to live in a safe environment while still maintaining a level of independence. Daily activities are designed to create experiences of success and reduce anxiety in a safe and secure environment.
Additional Information
Apartments
Standard, Mid-Size and Large One Bedrooms, Studios and Companion Suites are offered based upon availability.
Amenities
Three meals a day served in a brightly lit dining room that is open to the kitchen. This open floor plan fosters enjoyment of the sounds and aromas of food preparation, reminiscent of home. Bright all-season sun room for group gatherings and activities. Sensory Room provides residents with a safe and stimulating environment to experience meaningful moments and feelings of well-being, while helping to reduce agitation or anxiety. Personal shadow-boxes and mementos help keep memories alive.
Activities
Life Enrichment Staff offer creative programming and positive experiences promoting resident engagement and self-expression, while reducing social isolation. Activities include concerts, arts and crafts, sewing, gardening, games, exercise classes, music and memory program, holiday celebrations, restaurant and shopping outings.
Therapeutic Garden
Secure, therapeutic garden provides residents with daily access to supervised outdoor space. Circular pathways guide residents to destinations along the path where seating is available. Beautiful waterfall rock garden offers soothing natural sounds promoting peaceful relaxation and meditation. Raised gardens facilitate flower and vegetable gardening and therapeutic hands-on experiences.
Engaging Technology
Computer Technology offers content-driven experiences designed to engage, entertain, stimulate and keep resident connected. Our It’s Never Too Late (iN2L) 75” touch screen system (built on the idea that it is never too late for a fulfilling life – one with joy, purpose and meaningful social connections) provides personalized and engaging programming for our residents, for group and individual settings. Our Abby ambient activity wall mount, with interactive touch screens and manipulative activities, provide opportunities for resident to engage in familiar experiences (driving a car, petting a cat) that trigger memories and help manage responsive behaviors.
Pricing/Contact
Rates for specialized assisted living starting at $4,500/month. Contact: Please call Christina Tuohey at 413-567-6212 or email ctuohey@jgslifecare.org to schedule a tour or request additional information.
Contact Us
Dr. May Awkal, Primary Care Geriatrician
Dr. May Awkal is an independent primary care physician who offers her on-site medical services for the convenience of Ruth’s House residents.
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Nicole Frank-Maslar, Registered Dietitian
Nicole-Frank Maslar, RDN. LDN provides individual nutrition counseling, consultant dietitian services, and provides educational programming for Ruth’s House residents on topics related to healthy nutrition and well-being.
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Testimonials
Mom was a private, quiet person who lived alone after my dad died. She kept to herself and didn’t really participate in the activities at her condo community. When mom’s sister died several years ago, mom was all alone. As mom continued to decline, experiencing falls and bouts of forgetfulness, I sought out assisted living. When mom moved into the Garden Unit at Ruth’s House Mom blossomed! She participated in group activities like drawing, making jewelry and playing bingo. She made friends, went on trips outside the facility to places like Magic Wings in Deerfield, and picnics in the park. She even went out to eat at various restaurants. She played with the visiting animals (of which she was always terrified) and loved the live-in parakeet. Mom changed, she became social and even a little sassy; she had a spring in her step. I could not think of a better environment for mom to spend her final years. She was happy, and I was thrilled that mom was in a safe environment with a wonderful, caring staff.
-Marilyn Sutin