Glen Park East, a secure facility for seniors with memory impairment, sits next to a city park on a calm tree-lined street. Its companion assisted living facility, Glen Park West, is adjacent, although technically on a different street. Trees and vivid flowers surround the building, which has a ramp for wheelchair users. The facility features several well-maintained patios, each augmented by flowers, plants and small fountains. Doors are equipped with alarms to curtail wandering. The interior has a unique flavor, with movie posters hanging in the lobby and street names labeling the hallways—two are named after Hollywood and Sunset boulevards. The colorful floral carpets in the halls are pretty, but may be a tad bright for people with dementia. Comfortable seating areas are scattered throughout the facility, forming pleasant conversation nooks.
All common rooms are equipped with video-monitoring devices for another layer of security, although with one highly trained staff member for every four residents, supervision isn’t a problem. The staff we observed seemed to truly enjoy their jobs, which entails providing a safe and nurturing environment. Residents, looking comfortable and at ease, appeared to be reaping the benefits. Spacious resident rooms have ample closet space and large windows with patio views. The dining room is large and contains round covered tables that seat four. Feeding assistance is available as needed. Looking at the menu, we found it offered appealing, healthy selections, such as barbecued ribs and baked fish, and a variety of soups, salads, beverages and desserts. If someone isn’t pleased with the menu, they can always opt for a sandwich instead. In addition to three daily meals, the facility also provides two snacks consisting of juices and desserts. Comfortable chairs fill the large parlor room, which is enhanced by a fireplace. Residents often read in the library or get involved in memory-enhancing games in the activity room. Sometimes they make memory albums that help reinforce their identity. Other activities include singing, stretching, walking in the park and attending religious services. Live entertainment is a staple at special events and parties.
