A Safe, Nurturing Home for Seniors

The engineer had time on his hands and wasn’t interested in planned activities at Primrose Memory Care in Rogers where he lives. Staff members realized he needed a spark, so they went to a hardware store and purchased piping, light switches and other things he could tinker with.

“He loved it,” said Angie Clark, sales director at Primrose Retirement Community and Memory Care. “He sat there, took things apart and put them together, participating in a meaningful activity. The goal of Memory Care is to identify what each person needs. What works for one person may not work for another.”

The independent and assisted living options at Primrose, which opened in September 2017 as one of 35 Primrose retirement communities throughout the Midwest, are well known in Rogers and the area. However, many people are unaware of the exceptional services provided through the Memory Care facility. “We have only 24 apartments, so it’s family-like,” Angie said. “It’s really spacious even though it’s a secure, locked home. We focus on meeting psychological needs, love, attachment, comfort, identity and occupation.”

The standard of care meets the highest benchmarks. “We’re a licensed level two facility whereas level one is nonmedical. We have nurses who work 24-7, and we’re a state-licensed Alzheimer’s Special Care Center.” Angie explained that

designations mean staff and nurses undergo many hours of extra training. “The additional 60 hours of training for each employee ensures that staff is knowledgeable and equipped to address individual needs.”

Partnering with outside entities adds another level of care, including home health and an onsite therapy group to help with balance issues, strength and walking. “They can also help with transition to the community. It can be difficult for any senior but more challenging for Memory Care residents because everything is new.” Family members benefit from counseling and training, which helps them to cope and understand “the appropriate things to say” to the loved one with dementia.

Besides arranging activities and outings, the life enrichment coordinator, Kendra Kohley, takes personal interest in each resident. “If they’re having a bad day, Kendra will go into the apartment,” Angie said. “She might say, ‘Let’s talk,’ or offer to do something that lifts their spirits.”

With a career of 15 years and counting in senior living, Angie notes that memory care has made significant gains in providing appropriate services. “Primrose has it right.”

Primrose Rogers 650 S Dodson Road Rogers, AR 72758 479-316-4537 primroseretirement.com/rogers-arkansas-senior-livingcommunities/