Frequently Asked Questions

What is Memory Care?

Memory care is a distinct and specialized form of long-term care designed to meet the specific needs of a person with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other types of memory problems.

How do I know it’s time to consider Assisted Living or Memory Care for my loved one?

There are a few key indicators, and most caregivers know that their loved one needs care beyond what they can continue to provide.  These signs include:

Increasing Aggression:  This is fairly common among people with Alzheimer’s disease.   There are a number of theories why this behavior occurs.  Often aggressive behavior is triggered as a result of frustration with the increasing loss of memory and confusion.  It is normal for caregivers to become frustrated and even resentful as the aggression escalates. 

Caregiver Stress:  Often the increasing challenges involved with caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease becomes overwhelming for the caregiver and family resulting in constant stress.   Experts suggest if you’re experiencing the following symptoms, it is impacting your health and may be time to consider long-term care:

• Avoiding extended family and friends
• Feeling overwhelming anxiety
• The need for hyper-vigilance
• Disruptions in your normal eating and sleeping patterns

Increasing Care Needs:  If you feel as though your loved ones needs are beyond your physical and emotional capabilities, it’s probably time to explore your options.  The home environment itself may not be suitable to meet your loved ones needs.

Sundowners Syndrome:  Agitated behavior increasing later in the day, is a symptom of Alzheimer’s.  For many families, this can become unmanageable and disruptive to normal family routines. 

Follow your instincts:  For many caregivers and families, you know when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia has reached a point that you’re struggling to manage the care your loved one needs with your daily life.   You may be wondering if you’ve done enough or feeling guilty.  That’s normal but it’s important to keep in mind that by choosing the right community,  your loved one will be in the proper place with the right level of care.  At Parkcliffe, families are often amazed by the positive changes in their loved one once they’ve settled in.  

Why is Parkcliffe Different?

We Bring Life to Each Day!
At Parkcliffe Memory Care Community we know that people with Alzheimer’s and dementia can have meaningful lives and can have fun.   Each day, the Parkcliffe staff provides individualized and group activities designed to provide our residents with familiar and enjoyable activities and outings that are reminiscent of activities that have always made them happy.  For some, it may be helping with dinner or gardening.  Others may enjoy a trip to the zoo or concert rehearsal.   We customize our activities to meet the interests of every resident respect their individual needs.

Environment
The Parkcliffe Memory Care Community was built specifically for people living with dementia.

• Buildings are uniquely designed to support our residents in the comfortable and familiar surroundings of a true neighborhood and home.
• The community features houses, yards, gardens, photos and personal keepsakes that contribute to a sense of normalcy and personal independence.
• Residents have the flexibility of privacy and social interaction so they control their daily choices to the greatest extent possible.

Meaningful Activities
At Parkcliffe we know every resident is unique and we focus on each individual and their life history.

• We learn their likes, dislikes, interests, strengths and special needs.
• We discover what they’ve always enjoyed and create activities that reflect their individual interests.
• Each resident has an Individualized Program to ensure dressing, bathing, grooming, exercise and meals remain intimate and personal activities in their lives. We don’t expect our residents to adjust to our schedule.  Instead, we learn theirs.

The Parkcliffe Staff
The heart and soul of the Parkcliffe Community is the staff.   Many of our caregivers have been with us for over ten years because they love their work, and are committed to the families we serve.  We care for your loved one with kindness, compassion, respect and dignity.  Our entire staff is trained in caring for people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

At Parkcliffe Memory Care Community, we use multiple methods to ensure our team has ongoing education to better serve our residents through:

• Online coursework
• Mentoring programs
• Group training sessions
• One-on-one training
• Other resources

A History of Caring
In 1988, Wayne Bucher opened the Parkcliffe Community as an alternative to nursing homes.  Focused on the concept that long-term care could be less institutional and more affordable, Parkcliffe was designed to allow people to lead meaningful lives throughout the end of life.  Families are a critical part of life at Parkcliffe, are always welcome.  Families provide insight and input in their loved ones care and ongoing needs.   Wayne’s vision of quaint houses on peaceful neighborhood streets– filled with kind, loving and knowledgeable staff that provides supportive care has been a reality for thirty years at Parkcliffe Toledo and since 2007 at Parkcliffe Northwood.

What are Levels of Care? 

At Parkcliffe, the Level of Care is tailored to your loved one’s needs:

• Level One Assisted Care
• Level Two Intermediate Care
• Level Three Advanced Care
• Level Four Advanced Care (Toledo Building 7)

Our staff is trained to recognize when a resident is transitioning and requires a greater level of care.  We work with our residents and their families to ensure that all residents have the proper level of care and are living in an environment that is comfortable and appropriate for them.