Provident Living Centers is situated in a thriving neighborhood of McKinney. Only a few minutes east of Central Expressway, the facility is close to lots of local stores. The receptionist greets visitors in the lobby, which also houses the administrator’s office. Inside, the brightly colored hallways are spacious and neat. The cheerful color scheme helps residents navigate through the facility with ease and familiarity. Built-in hallway benches are comfortable rest stops; handrails provide adequate support. Pretty hanging fixtures bathe the facility in soft artificial light. The nurses have a clear vantage point of each hallway from their corner desks.
Outside the main activity area, an oversized bulletin board lists upcoming activities. The activity director organizes a variety of fun and stimulating activities, including map games, spelling bees, storytelling and poem reading, chatting on the porch, “Fill in the Blank” and “Words Ending in ?A'” (both mind-stimulating games), rhythm band, charades and flower arranging. A volunteer leads weekly dominoes and card games. We observed the activity director guiding an enthusiastic exercise class; the residents were clearly energized by the high-spirited sounds of a marching band playing in the background! Activities are an integral part of the Provident Living program. In fact, residents’ rooms remained locked during daytime hours to encourage their participation in the numerous activities, which are scheduled until eight each evening. In the activity area, a “career wall” strewn with framed photos captures highlights of the residents’ careers. The dining area is an elegant setting with vaulted ceilings and grand windows, where residents are served by a waitstaff. Several snacks are served throughout the day.
Most of residents’ rooms are private; all are generously sized. The brightly painted décor makes each room recognizable to its tenant. Each is equipped with built-in dressers, closet space and an oversized window. Participants of the affiliated day care and respite programs gather in comfortably furnished seating areas throughout the facility. For outdoor leisure, residents often take to the furnished patio, which features waist-high planters for easy gardening!
Despite the majority of the staff having minimal training in dementia, the Provident Living program is an excellent one, with many thoughtful provisions. The current administrator has a long history with the facility, dating back to her days as the owner’s administrative secretary. During our tour, we were pleased by her friendly rapport with the residents; she demonstrated familiarity with several of their personal histories, in addition to greeting resident by name as we passed.
