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Ida Lou’s journey to The Cottages began when her family thoughtfully decided to move her from another facility that did not specialize in memory care. Before moving to The Cottages, Ida Lou was falling frequently, becoming socially withdrawn, struggling with personal hygiene, and experiencing emotional distress, including frequent crying.

Upon arrival, Ida Lou adapted to our specialized approach to dementia care. The Cottages, drawing inspiration from the Mayo Clinic, implements best practices and protocols that include facility design, color schemes, and ample natural sunlight to help create a supportive and comforting environment.

“One of the key reasons we chose The Cottages was the atmosphere; it felt like living in a home surrounded by family. The attention to detail made us confident that this was the right place for Mom,” shares Mary, Ida Lou’s daughter.

At The Cottages, Ida Lou’s days became structured in the dynamic daily routines, where she spent her time participating in various activities with fellow residents. “We were looking for a place with a great activity calendar, and The Cottages exceeded our expectations. Mom’s days were spent doing activities, and it brought her so much joy to be engaged with the other residents,” notes Ida Lou’s daughter.

Through the various activities offered, her love for ballroom dancing was reignited, and although her artistic abilities as an accomplished painter changed with dementia, she participated in activities that were tailored to her level of ability. “She enjoyed painting again and was so proud of her projects!”

During her time at The Cottages, Ida Lou’s daughter shared, “We noticed a change in her emotional state as she is always happy to return ‘home’ after outings. It made us happy to see her enjoy life again while at The Cottages.”