Memory Care Cottage for Men Opens in Woodbury

Prelude Homes and Services, an assisted living company in Woodbury that specializes in memory care, now offers all-male housing to specifically address the needs of men diagnosed with dementia.

Springing from an identified need in memory care for facilities that cater to men, the cottage opened in mid April. It is the only all-male household on the east side of the Twin Cities and one of only two or three in the Twin Cities area.

“Men with dementia often have special needs,” says Prelude Vice President of Memory Care Janelle Johnson. “Whether the specific need is related to a simple desire for male camaraderie or to behavioral challenges, an all-male unit is often a good solution.”

Johnson says that many times, if behavioral challenges are not well managed, overmedication can result. If these behaviors continue, these individuals may be asked to leave their assisted living facility and they are transferred to a facility with a higher level of care — to a skilled nursing facility or locked psychiatric unit, for example.

“At Prelude, we strive to create an environment to minimize medication use,” says Johnson. “We also structure a nurturing environment that has a unique appeal for these men.”  

She says this male-specific programming and care uses the same staff Prelude has trained to meet the unique needs of all its residents with memory loss and the same care techniques.

Prelude’s men-only cottage offers living space for six residents, and, because of its small environment, one-on-one attention. Its decor and the activities offered are geared toward men. For example, the men bowl with the Xbox Kinect.

To plan residents’ activities, Prelude uses its trademarked Life Legacy Program™. With the program, employed in all its communities, Prelude tailors a personal care program for each resident based on personal history, long-time routines, strengths and interests.

Prelude Homes and Services now has three memory care households in Woodbury. The other two serve men and women. Together, the three cottages provide a home environment for 30 residents with memory care needs.

You can find more information about Prelude Homes and Services and its Woodbury memory care cottages at www.preludecares.com. Or call Rufino Lorenzo, Prelude Community Relations Director, at 651-501-6513, ext. 1.