Our Signature Programs

This Sweet Memories™ program gives an opportunity to draw out meaningful self-expression when an individual’s verbal and other communication skills become compromised. While someone with memory loss may not be able to tell us what they are thinking with words, with guidance from our specially trained Resident Programs team, they may be able to use art to communicate in a new and exciting way.

We want anyone who comes to our communities to have everything they need as they navigate caring for someone with memory loss. Education and knowledge can help alleviate the stress of the unknown. Our Sweet Memories Resource Center offers books, brochures, DVDs and other information on dementia and memory loss. These resources are available free of charge.

Life Kits are a collection of familiar, themed items that can be used to engage residents in conversation and reminiscing about familiar and enjoyable life events. Each Life Kit includes items related to work, play, relaxation, and other familiar activities of daily life that can be used to initiate conversation, promote wellbeing, and alleviate stress. As we get to know each individual resident, a specific Life Kit related to their life and hobbies may be created as well.

Life Stations are universally familiar “scenes” recreated in the Sweet Memories™ neighborhood. There may be a kitchen station with bowls and cookbooks that encourage a homemaker to remember those warm and inviting memories of caring for her family. An office desk and telephone to help a businessperson continue to engage in the work that was so meaningful to them. They can also function as a way for our residents to navigate the Sweet Memories neighborhood.

Understanding who our residents are and where they have come from is the foundation of our Sweet Memories™ program. Knowing each individual’s history allows us to provide person-centered care in ways that are both positive and meaningful to the residents, their families and our team.

Our Serenity Room is a calm and soothing sensory room, in the Sweet Memories™ neighborhood, that residents use to rest and relax anytime of the day. If they are frustrated or feeling overwhelmed associates may accompany them to the Serenity Room to sit and enjoy some gentle music, soothing videos, and pleasing scents. The Serenity room is also a wonderful quiet place for family to gather.

In our Sweet Memories™ Neighborhoods, we offer each resident a very special touch prior to lunch and dinner. Special Touch is warm, scented towels presented to each resident prior to their meal. At lunch time, the towels are scented with citrus oil to awaken the taste buds and promote appetite, and in the evening, they are scented with lavender to sooth residents and prepare them to relax and promote a restful night's sleep.

One of the most powerful things we can hear when we are experiencing pain and loss is, “Me too!” Knowing that you are not alone in this journey is extremely important, which is why Commonwealth Senior Living offers a Memory Loss & Dementia Support Group to all of our family members and the community. This is an opportunity for anyone to share their caregiving journey.

Music touches each of us like nothing else can. Music is stored in all parts of the brain, and because of this, it is remembered throughout life, even for those with memory loss. Our Sweet Melodies Program brings those familiar lyrics and toes tapping tunes to our residents in a very personal way. Through the use of headphones and music play lists, that are specific to each individual, we help them create positive and happy moments that will keep the smiles coming and their hands clapping.

Watch this program in action.

We know it takes every one of us at Commonwealth Senior Living to create sweet moments for our Sweet Memories™ residents each day. The Sweet Life is a method of delivering resident programs and personal care as a team to efficiently accomplish more together. In doing so, we enhance the resident experience and engage our associates in warm and purposeful experiences that make everyone smile.