Memory Support Programs

Elements of Connecting Realities

There are four distinct elements that define Connecting Realities: staff training, resident engagement technology, purposefully designed spaces, and music therapy. Each serves its own purpose to help residents thrive.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Staff Training

To provide the best care, we believe our staff should have the best training. Our memory care team completes specialized training, designed to give them a better understanding of what it means to care for a resident with Alzheimer’s and dementia. While some of the training focuses on skills, a lot of it focuses on having deeper understanding and empathy. Our Connecting Realities training offers opportunities to experience firsthand some of the daily challenges a resident diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia may face. It includes:

• Embodied Labs, a virtual reality (VR) training tool
• Second Wind Dreams, a virtual dementia tour (VDT)
• Hands-on workshops

Resident Engagement Technology

What truly makes Connecting Realities at The Ohio Masonic Communities special is the technology we’ve invested in to improve engagement for our residents living with cognitive decline. The technologies go beyond engagement and offer opportunities for connection, relaxation, socialization, and peace. Our Connecting Realities resident engagement technologies include:

• Lucynt, dementia magic table
• Cara’s Kennel, animatronic pets
• iN2L, computer-based games, music, movies, and exercise
• Life stations, built for specific purposes, such as a woodshop, garden, and library

Purposefully Designed Spaces

While many memory care communities look beautiful, Connecting Realities takes beautiful spaces a step further. We believe spaces should look beautiful, feel peaceful, and serve a purpose. In our memory care neighborhoods, we have designed everything with our residents in mind. We’ve carefully chosen everything from paint and flooring to lighting and décor to create the best environment for our memory care residents and their loved ones. Our purposefully designed spaces include spaces like movie theaters, family-style dining rooms, and relaxation rooms.

Music Therapy That Supports Memory, Connection, and Care

Music is a powerful tool, especially for residents living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It can ground them in the present, offer an opportunity for connection, create a sense of peace and relaxation, and be a creative outlet for expression. We’re proud to have licensed music therapists as part of the Connecting Realities team, offering 1:1 and group music therapy sessions. Our music therapy also includes Silver Songbirds, our all-abilities dementia choirs, hosting performances for residents and their loved ones.