We all want the best for our parents.
One day, they will grow old and they will need assisted care, patience, and even treatments.
Dementia is one of the challenges that some people have to face. According to the WHO, over 55 million people have dementia worldwide.
The term dementia is a general term that describes a decline in a person’s mental ability. Over time, the changes caused by dementia will interfere with one’s personal life.
A person who has dementia might forget, have difficulty in language, have challenges with problem-solving skills, have changes in behavior and mood, confusion, disorientation, and have trouble with daily tasks.
It’s hard to see your loved ones slowly lose what’s important, but is there anything we could do?
This is where assisted living comes in.
The Lantern of Chagrin Valley, that is located in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, is one of the three top-notch assisted care facilities that was designed specifically for clients who have Alzheimer’s and dementia.
While most assisted living facilities look like hospitals or dorms, the Lantern of Chagrin Valley is very different.
Inside their facility, you’ll see rooms that look like small houses, complete with porches with flags that lead to a beautiful golf course.
In fact, it’s emanating an entire era.
If you look up, you’ll see a customized ceiling that will give you a clear sky or a starry night, depending on the time of the day.
The environment looks like they have transported you back in time.
Residents are living like it’s 1940.
The incredible attention to detail will amaze you.
From the color scheme, flags on porches, the appliances, and photos, they even have relaxing scents such as frankincense or peppermint that come out from a special pipe.
All of these were done not because they wanted to be unique or go viral.
Everything has a purpose.
And everything was well-thought of by the brilliant minds of the people behind Chagrin Valley.
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Through science and love, the people behind this idea were able to create a beautiful and unique facility.
“Every little thing you see, the wall color, the paint, actually has a therapeutic benefit, a therapeutic value,” said Jean Makesh to News-Herald.
Makesh is the CEO of the Lantern of Chagrin Valley and he is also a licensed occupational therapist.
Residents love his mindset.
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The aim is to help people with dementia by surrounding them with love and familiarity.
According to a study by Alzheimer’s Project:
“Persons with dementia thrive on familiarity. Familiarity is important because dementia gradually impairs a person’s ability to plan, initiate, and complete an activity. By creating an environment of familiar routines and activities, it allows them to feel comforted and calm.”
The environment helps them.
That along with daily classes that aim to help them re-learn some of the most important skills and functions.
“I take them back to those memories. I create a time capsule. It enables them to embrace everything around them,” Makesh added.
He has also said that their clients thrive in this environment, and it gives them a sense of love, belongingness, and again, familiarity.
The facility isn’t just beautiful, it’s also a place where people with Dementia could live in peace and happiness.
Sadly, there is no cure for Dementia, but that won’t stop people like Makesh, who are willing to do their best to help.
Take the virtual tour of this 1940s throwback senior living village in the video below!
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