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Tour The Future Of Memory Care

Posted on Sep 30, 2022

The Virginian's Shenandoah Memory Care Community was featured in a recent article in Environments for Aging (EFA). It included a detailed photo tour and information about all the incredible new features our completely redesigned Shenandoah Memory Care Community has to offer its residents with Alzheimer's and other dementia-related conditions.

EFA magazine is the premier resource for architects, designers, facility owners, and those responsible for planning, designing, and renovating senior environments. So, they decided to take a closer look at The Shenandoah's remarkable renovation and its new cutting-edge technology.

See the EFA article and photo tour here

An Innovative New Approach To Memory Care

"The new Shenandoah Memory Care community's design goal was to elevate existing design practices and combine them with the latest new approaches and technologies. This was to maximize the ability of memory care residents to access their retained skills, interests, and engagement with others," said Andrew Carle, the lead designer of the Shenandoah community.

The Shenandoah dementia care and senior living community combines advancements in design and technology with person-centered senior care to create an assisted living community with the highest quality individualized care for those dealing with memory loss. By updating old design features and making new ones available, Shenandoah residents can remain engaged no matter where they are inside or out.

The Shenandoah also includes a state-of-the-art sensory lounge that engages all senses, areminiscence lounge that reminds residents of their younger selves, and a multi-themed outdoor courtyard that transports them back in time and addresses exit-seeking behavior.

The Shenandoah's Memory Care Design Could Serve as National Model

According to a recent article published in McKnight's Senior Living, the

Shenandoah Memory Care at The Virginian could be the blueprint for future memory care in Fairfax and the rest of the country.

One of the design's critical aspects was providing cueing and guidance for residents within the actual plan. This wayfinding and therapeutic design help residents self-locate and self-direct throughout their communities, helping them live a more independent lifestyle.

The state-of-the-art sensory lounge engages all senses. A reminiscence lounge reminds residents of their younger selves, and a multi-themed outdoor courtyard transports them back in time and addresses exit-seeking behavior.

The Shenandoah is also among the first memory care environments in the nation to utilize both circadian rhythm lighting and a hand-motion gaming system, advancing technology applications for residents with Alzheimer's and related dementia.

A Higher Quality of Care

"With our Heartfelt Connections staff training and resident care program with our new next-generation design, we've created a model that will enhance our residents' quality of life," said April Smith, Shenandoah Director of Memory Care.

Located in the heart of Fairfax, Virginia, The Virginian, and their Shenandoah Memory Care Community are delivering a fresh vision of senior living and memory care. Our dedicated team works with your entire family to ensure your loved one receives the independent attention and care they need and deserve.

To learn more about the all-new Shenandoah Memory Care Community at The Virginian, call (703) 385-9229 or fill out our contact form online to schedule an appointment with our Lifestyle Counselors.