Living with dementia poses unique challenges, especially for women who are more inclined to this progressive brain disorder. At Grand Living, we understand the increased need for specialized care for women with dementia. That’s why we offer Lavender Lane, a women’s only neighborhood under the LUMINATIONS® memory care program. Lavender Lane offers a gentle and supportive environment that addresses the needs and experiences of women living with dementia.
Dementia Facts for Women
Dementia affects millions of people in the United States, with a higher prevalence among women. According to the National Institute of Health and the Alzheimer’s Association, of the 6.5 million people with Alzheimer’s in the U.S., 4 million are women and 2.5 million are men. This discrepancy can be attributed to the fact that women tend to live longer than men, and advancing age is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Recognizing this gender disparity is crucial in providing the specialized care that women with dementia require.
Dementia: Resurface Memories and Affection Transfer
Living with dementia can resurface memories from the past, and for some women, this can result in anxiety, distrust, and fear, particularly when encountering men. Negative experiences with men earlier in their lives can now manifest as adverse reactions. At Lavender Lane, we strive to reduce anxiety, stress, and concerns by creating an environment that prioritizes the well-being of our female residents.
One unique aspect of dementia in women is the phenomenon of affection transfer. Men often become the object of their affection as women regress to memories prior to having a husband. While harmless flirtation can be a natural occurrence, it can lead to possessiveness, jealousy, and unwanted advances. This transfer of affection can also interfere with the care we provide to male residents. Our team at Lavender Lane is trained to address and manage these complexities with compassion and understanding.
Lavender Lane: Compassionate Care Beyond the Expected
At Lavender Lane, we believe in creating a purposeful and fulfilling life for our residents that goes beyond the expected. Our social structure is designed to foster companionship and kindness among the women, providing a sense of belonging and understanding. We offer activities that are personalized to the interests and abilities of our residents, such as homemaking activities, crafts, sewing, cooking, gardening, scrapbooking, and personal grooming. For women who had careers, we provide activities that mirror their past work life, helping them reconnect with their professional identities.
From Grand Living’s National Director of Training, Karen Powers: “Lavender Lane is a special neighborhood within the LUMINATIONS® memory care program at Grand Living. By focusing on a woman-centered environment, we create a community of women with shared life experiences, fostering companionship and routine that promotes comfort, familiarity, and overall well-being. Each resident enjoys the privacy of their own room, specially designed to enhance their independence while preserving dignity. Our primarily female staff members are committed to providing the highest level of care and maintaining a nurturing environment.”
LUMINATIONS® Memory Care
Lavender Lane is part of our LUMINATIONS® memory care program at Grand Living, which also includes the co-ed neighborhood, Monarch Lane. Each LUMINATIONS® private apartment is designed to assist with routine memory of getting ready for the day. Closets, lighting, and bathrooms are created with the intent to enhance independence. We also offer our signature programs including FACETS®, providing structured daily routines and activities designed to each resident’s interests and abilities. IN GRAND TASTE® Dining, we offer delicious and nutritious meals that cater to specific dietary needs. To further support our program, we have The Care Partner Covenant ™, which emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with residents and their families. Additionally, our exclusive health and wellness program features SMARTfit®, an interactive training system that combines physical and cognitive exercise to promote brain health and physical performance. To ensure the success of our programs, our dedicated staff members undergo specialized training and certifications to provide the highest quality care.
Whether your loved ones need our women’s only Lavender Lane, or prefer our co-ed neighborhood, Monarch Lane, under our LUMINATIONS® memory care program, we can provide a nurturing and purposeful environment for each resident. With a dedicated team, specialized training, and thoughtful design, Grand Living is committed to providing the highest level of care and creating a sense of comfort, familiarity, and well-being for our residents who are experiencing memory loss.
For more information on our LUMINATIONS® memory care program and how Grand Living can bring FIRST CLASS HAPPINESS® to your loved ones, visit here.
