Dedicated Memory Care Comes to Ponte Vedra

Karen M. saw how dementia was affecting her 80-year-old husband and she quickly learned it would put a strain on her family. He needed the best care possible in a safe environment. She needed a group of people who understood exactly what she was going through with her husband.

They both found what they needed at Arbor Terrace Ponte Vedra, the memory care community that recently opened in Ponte Vedra Beach. Karen found Arbor Terrace after a long search, and when she arrived she realized that the people at the community are just as important as the surroundings. «I felt like I was arriving at a resort,» Karen said. «When I walked through the doors at Arbor Terrace, I was surrounded with love, real understanding, and a lifeline to a safe place for my husband.»

The staff at Arbor Terrace specializes in the field of memory loss and the community is one of the only in the area that is dedicated to memory care for seniors. Residents are immersed in the Engaged Living program, which is designed to meet their individual needs. The unique and award-winning Dining With Dignity program at Arbor Terrace adds to the experience by offering everyone enticing meals, regardless of each resident’s current abilities.

The community’s appeal extends beyond memory care. «This team understands what families are going through. They’re the most caring team I’ve ever met. I knew this personally when Ilene and Linda wrapped their arms around me as I told my story,» she said as she described her initial meeting with Ilene Thrasher, senior care counselor, and Linda Jones, resident care director. Both Thrasher and Jones are registered nurses.

Not all residents need the same type of care and at Arbor Terrace the staff works to meet each individual’s needs. There are two neighborhoods in the community that enable residents to have appropriate levels of independence and care: Discovery Living for complete memory care and Bridges Living for «just right» support and guidance. Fun is also an important part of the living experience at Arbor Terrace. Residents are able to enjoy the neighborhood dining and living rooms, courtyards and sunrooms as well. The community is designed to help residents feel that they are a part of the community and to encourage stimulating activity.

«I love the big open kitchen, dining room, courtyard and living room. The space is wide and welcoming and it encourages the residents to gather together,» Karen said. Knowing that her husband is safe and knowing that he will get the best care possible puts Karen and the rest of her family at ease. Going through the experience of finding memory care for a loved one is extremely difficult and Karen said she felt fortunate to have found Arbor Terrace. «Looking for the right place for your loved one? I found that place at Arbor Terrace Ponte Vedra.»