The Saybrook at Haddam Opens New Safe Harbor Memory Care Neighborhood

The Safe Harbor Memory Care neighborhood has officially opened as a new residential choice for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s, dementia or other memory-related disorders. Safe Harbor, which is a dedicated area located within the gracious Saybrook at Haddam assisted living  retirement community, will be able to accommodate 13 residents.

Safe Harbor Memory Care features an engaging environment with murals, wall art and flower boxes, designed to look like the main street of a little village.  Residents and guests are able to stroll along the main "path," which takes them to a park and “café” setting with table, chairs and striped awnings, then to a “neighbor’s house” (which is a large mural of a yellow house) and finally to the beach and boardwalk (another oversized mural). The doorways are decorated with wreaths and many other home-like details. Additionally, all secure entries and exits blend into the surroundings, so they do not take away from the neighborhood setting.

Residents live in large, open apartments that are either private or shared, and include a small kitchenette and spacious bathroom. They share family-style meals in the oversized dining area, and enjoy activities in the living room which is comfortably decorated with couches, a large television, games, and books. Safe Harbor hosts daily social outlets designed specifically for individuals with memory disorders.   

“The new Safe Harbor Memory Care neighborhood reflects the high standards and exceptional care offered throughout The Saybrook at Haddam,” explained Kathy Ryan, executive director at The Saybrook at Haddam. 

“We took many months to carefully create this warm and welcoming environment that allows residents to be the best they can be at every moment of the day. It is exciting to see this vision come to fruition and be able to bring this valuable and necessary service to our region.”

The philosophy at Safe Harbor is that life is made up of many little touches, events and small happenings every day, which can be managed to create happy moments.   Everyone at Safe Harbor works in a kind, respectful and caring way towards each resident to bring out the essence of who they are as individuals – so they can live with dignity and as much independence as possible. The Safe Harbor team works closely with doctors and families to provide a personalized memory care plan for each resident
– so they can be their best at every moment of the day.

“Many families struggle to care for a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory-loss disorder, which can take a toll on everyone,” Ryan said. 

“We hope our Safe Harbor Memory Care Neighborhood provides an exceptional solution for them.”

The Saybrook at Haddam is a 74-apartment assisted living retirement community located in the heart of the Connecticut River Valley region. The community provides independent retirement living services as well as assisted living services (provided by its state-licensed Agency). Its new Safe Harbor Memory Care neighborhood was designed for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s, dementia or other memory-related disorders. Free private tours are held daily, and applications for residence are available by calling 860-345-3779.