Canterbury Gardens Memory Care Community sits right by the Cowlitz River, tucked away in a peaceful spot, and was built from the ground up to support people living with Alzheimer's, Dementia, or other forms of memory loss, so everything there-from the rooms to the gardens-is made to help keep residents calm and safe. The community's got all kinds of safety features, with secured buildings, locked courtyards, and special bracelets that set off alarms if someone tries to wander off, plus motion sensors and pull cords run through the halls so staff can respond if someone needs help. They've got staff who stay awake and on-site all day and night, and there's at least one nurse around even in the small hours, to keep an eye on things or help with medication or health needs, and these folks go out of their way to treat everyone kindly, with dignity and respect, often using special Humanitude® techniques that help change how we look at healthcare.
Everyone's got their own care plan that matches their needs-some folks need a lighter hand, while others need total care, and staff help with all the basics: bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, even moving from the bed with mechanical lifts if that's needed. There are private and semi-private rooms available, and each comes with nursing services, wheelchair-friendly showers, and sometimes a spot for a small pet, as the place tries to allow dogs and cats when possible, including some help with pet care. Meals get served three times a day, family-style so everyone can see a friendly face at the table, and those "Experience Koelsch Dining" meals are designed in a way that appeals to all the senses, with snacks up for grabs around the clock. Residents get support with diabetes care, medication reminders, incontinence, and there's also dental, podiatry, and regular doctor visits on call.
The building and grounds feel home-like, with indoor spots like a fireplace room, sunroom, clubhouse, and outdoor courtyards all kept locked for safety-plus easy-to-navigate floor plans so confusion is kept to a minimum. Canterbury Gardens puts a big focus on activities, having a full-time activity director who organizes programs every day of the week, like arts, gardening, music, exercise, and visits with kids or animals, all to give folks purpose and keep their minds working. The Living Well® program draws on seven pillars for joyful living, and the Koelsch Memory Care model tries to reconnect residents to their favorite memories. People also come together for onsite religious or devotional services. Families get some support too, with caregiver groups and regular all-family events.
Canterbury Gardens has a strong reputation with over 55 years as part of Koelsch Senior Communities, and accepts folks with a range of needs, from mild forgetfulness to severe memory loss-even when behaviors get tough, like wandering or acting out, as staff are trained for these situations. The community works closely with nearby medical centers and keeps communication open with families. It offers both respite and hospice care, and takes folks of a certain age with a focus on comfort, safety, and a familiar feel in every corner. Residents can go for walks outside, sit with friends by the fire, or join in social groups; the schedule is busy but never forced, meant so everyone can do as much as they like, with helpful staff always nearby. The place tells its story with honest photos and videos, and the emphasis stays on helping people live with dignity, in a community where staff and residents really do get to know each other.
