“There is no one way to work with people living with dementia-related illnesses. However, there are innovative, meaningful and compassionate ways,” said Staci Lehmkuhl, Executive Director of The Commons of Providence. “That is what we pride ourselves in doing at The Commons of Providence. Our staff and programs make a difference in our residents’ daily lives.”

Jean, a resident of the new The Commons of Providence Memory Care, agrees. For Jean being busy and friendships make her feel that home is here.

“The activities keep me busy and I can spend time with my new friends,” said Jean.

Memory Care, the premier center in the Sandusky area, just celebrated a year in the new wing. Originally, the memory care assisted living was constructed with 36 suites, but was designed to grow as future community needs warranted.

The area’s growing needs led to the construction of an additional wing last summer. The new wing features a kitchen, dining area, private dining room, living room, nurses’ station and covered patio, along with 14 large private suites.
The Memory Care Wing can be home for up to 50 residents.

“As soon as it was built, we immediately began filling our new suites. There is such a demand in the Sandusky community for quality care for loved ones with dementia-related illnesses,” said Lehmkuhl. “We have suites available for families who are interested. We also offer respite care for families, as well.”

The Commons of Providence will celebrate with the community the one-year anniversary of Memory Care on Thursday, July 11 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend and enjoy the live music of Tim Blake, as well as great culinary treats, and is the perfect opportunity to tour the facility.

One of the unique features of The Commons of Providence Memory Care is the center of building, which offers an innovative Town Square concept featuring a beauty/barber salon, movie theatre, ice cream shop offering Toft ice cream, and more. Another is its activity programs that encourages residents to be active and do things, including off campus outings. Music, painting, exercise, spiritual opportunities, pet therapy, and cooking are just a few of the many activities.

Care goes beyond helping just the residents, but to their families as well. Karen Salzgeber’s mother was in memory care before passing.

“The whole Commons of Providence Memory Care team was very professional, dedicated, efficient, friendly, patient, sincere and caring,” she said. “My appreciation for the sincere and dedication given me, and a daughter and caregiver, I experienced the last two years of Mom’s long life.”

“Our role is more than providing the very best in senior care. We educate the community on senior health needs. Monthly we hold educational seminars open to the public on a variety of senior care topics. We often bring in top area Alzheimer’s speakers such as Lynn Ritter, Education Coordinator, for the Alzheimer’s Association – Northwest Ohio Chapter for senior caregivers and the community,” explained Lehmkuhl.

A leader in Catholic senior living services for more than 80 years, The Commons of Providence and Providence Care Center offer exceptional services and amenities, a dedicated staff and beautifully appointed residential and care facilities. Providence Care Center offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation and The Commons of Providence offers independent living villas and apartments, assisted living apartments and memory care suites.

To learn more, go to homeishere.org or call 419-624-1171.