The signs were so subtle. The inability to find a word, forgetting names, but when she began to not make sense and leave the stove on, we were worried. The doctor said that Mom had Dementia. Although we had expected the diagnosis, there was such grief, knowing she would slowly fade away from us. 

We moved her into our home, and we did our best to provide the love and attention she needed, but there were times that it became so stressful trying to juggle work, kids... and Mom. However, she wasn’t safe to be alone; she would get so confused, frustrated, and sometimes, even wander off! We felt so overwhelmed and fearful that we were not doing enough. We wanted her to be able to enjoy her life, to live in a safe, bright place with activities and a loving staff to comfort and show her how much she still could do on her own, to have friends and stimulation to help jog her memory. She deserved a life where she could thrive.

We found Rivers of Life online and scheduled a visit. As soon as we walked inside, we knew we had found Mom more than just a care center, we had found her a home. From the fountain in the entrance to the beautiful fish tank, smiling staff, hallway kitchens baking cookies, it smelled and felt glorious. I wanted to move in myself!  

The Dementia Trained Specialists at Rivers of Life assured us that Mom was “still there”, she just couldn’t communicate as well. They walked us through registration and coached us on how to tenderly help Mom make the transition. The amenities were amazing. Do all memory care communities have 24/7 nursing staff and onsite medical care? I bet not! 

It was much like a mini self-sustaining community where Mom rarely had to experience the fear of change. I was even more surprised on how much detail they gathered to make sure that she was understood and comfortable. From the music she loved, to colors and more, they took notes to learn of her entire life, faith, health, career, our family sayings… everything.

The director explained the intentional design as well as all the fabulous sensory elements that had so lovingly been incorporated into this beautiful therapeutic building. Each amenity carefully chosen to help soothe their new “friends” and keep them calm, safe and healthy. Every single element had a purpose. Incredible. They even have daily comfort routines, like lavender on her pillow to help her sleep. They focus on ways to help Mom have more autonomy and a voice in her own care, instead of defining her "as her impairment", Rivers explores the possibilities of who she was and who she still can be.

READ MORE ABOUT OUR SENSORY APPROACH

The day Mom moved into Rivers of Life, the staff prepared her new home and unpacked all her belongings while we enjoyed a lovely organic meal and met many new friends. The warmth and care was exceptional.
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Mom was so nervous and frightened that first night, since she wasn’t in her familiar room. I was surprised to hear that a compassionate staff member pulled up a cot and slept beside her, holding her hand throughout the night. 

​It has been months now, and Mom seems much more alert and so very happy. She even has a bit of a sense of humor again! She may not always know me by name, but she’ll giggle and grab me by the hand to take me to the dining room to show me the giant yellow fish in the fishtank. I am just so grateful. She is more than just living, she’s truly thriving.

Rivers of Life was the best decision
​we could have ever made for my Mom.

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Location & Contact Information

6700 Egan Drive, Savage, MN 55378
Main Line: 952.855.8665
Receptionist: 952.855.8665 extension #1
Executive Director: 952.855.8665 extension #2
Nurse Line: 952.855.8665 extension #3
Reach Someone in the Building: 952.855.8665 extension #4
Direct Line: 952.380.8698
​Email: info@riversoflifemn.com

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