Question 1

What type of living arrangements are available for memory care residents in your Pharr, TX facility?

Accepted Answer

The Gardens memory care facility is designed to mimic home while reducing or eliminating the risk of injury that exists at home. This means that your loved one will have semi-private living quarters that consist of a warm, inviting bedroom and a spacious bathroom. Other, central living areas are shared by the community and include relaxing sitting rooms, communal kitchens and dining rooms, a movie theater, chapel, library, secured outdoor living areas, and more.

Life enrichment activities are hosted within our memory care neighborhood, too, and are designed to enrich a resident’s life without posing a threat to their safety and security. These include wellness and fitness programs, on-site social events, cultural excursions, and much more.

Question 2

How does The Gardens manage resident’s medication and what type of medication will dementia-specific care entail?

Accepted Answer

Your loved one’s provider is responsible for ordering your loved one’s medications while The Garden’s memory care staff is responsible for medication administration and management. What this means is that residents might be on no medications at all or several medications depending on their overall health and well-being as determined by their primary care physician.

Our memory care team will administer the medications as ordered, monitor for side effects and efficacy, and reach out to your loved one’s primary care doctor if they feel any medication is not achieving the desired result.

To learn more about medication for dementia or Alzheimer’s and how it is managed at The Gardens at Brook Ridge Assisted Living & Memory Care contact us for more information.

Question 3

Will memory care residents require a dementia-specific diet at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

Accepted Answer

There are dietary recommendations that can help your loved one stay as healthy as possible despite a dementia diagnosis, but it’s also important to keep in mind their changing physical body and how that impacts their diet as well.

For example, a newly diagnosed person who is in the early stages of dementia will generally need a diet rich in specific vitamins and nutrients, which can often be provided at home with special effort.

However, over time, memory care residents with dementia decline both cognitively and physically. A consequence of this challenging decline is a change in swallowing, which might necessitate thickened liquids and ground or pureed foods. Close monitoring from qualified caregivers at The Gardens can ensure these changes are made at the right time.

Question 4

How does the cost of a memory care community in Pharr, TX cost vs. in-home care?

Accepted Answer

It’s very challenging to compare in-home care to a memory care community for a number of reasons. When calculating the cost of in-home care, it’s important to include:

Mortgage or rent payments
Lost wages for caregivers providing assistance
Groceries and other dining costs (keeping in mind that you may be able to benefit from one meal a day from meals on wheels)
Transportation to and from appointments
The cost of utilities
Entertainment and therapies
Medications

When you choose a memory care facility, all of these components are included in one monthly rate, so no calculations are necessary. You know exactly what to expect (and peace of mind is priceless).

If interested in learning more about the cost of memory care at The Gardens at Brook Ridge Assisted Living & Memory Care, please contact us today.

Question 5

Can you estimate how long my loved one will require care after a Dementia-specific diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Alzheimer’s dementia is a lifetime diagnosis. Most residents can do well with part-time in-home care (often provided by a family member or home health care providers) for a period of time ranging from a few months to a few years following initial diagnosis. Assistance from adult daycare providers can provide respite for caregivers during this time.

However, because Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease, your loved one’s needs will continue to increase over time, making full-time care in a memory care community, such as our Pharr Texas facility, The Gardens, a necessity. This care can range from 2.5 years to up to 10 years depending on your loved one’s overall health and wellness in addition to the progression of their disease.

Question 6

Are there pros when comparing a memory care facility like The Gardens to in-home care?

Accepted Answer

Both a memory care facility and in-home care can be highly effective solutions for the safety risks that accompany cognitive decline.

Those who choose a dementia-specific facility realize a few benefits of those who choose in-home care:

Memory care facilities must meet stringent guidelines in all aspects of care including nutrition, safety, management of medical conditions, cleanliness, and staffing levels, and are surveyed frequently
Memory care neighborhoods are designed with resident safety in mind, which means slip-resistant flooring, handrails, larger bathrooms and bedrooms, and elimination of safety risks like stoves
Memory care communities are secure, so your loved one is protected from the risk of becoming confused and getting lost
While Meals On Wheels can provide one meal a day for in-home residents who qualify, memory care residents receive three well-rounded meals and snacks every day

Question 7

Are memory care residents at The Gardens able to follow familiar routines and still experience a home-like environment like they would with in-home care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Familiar routines are a critical component of compassionate dementia-specific care. Your loved one’s routines from home will always be honored when possible, including:

The time they prefer to rise in the morning
The foods they like to eat
The days and times they prefer to bathe
The time they like to go to bed at night

Other things we keep in mind are the ways and order in which The Gardens at Brook Ridge residents like to complete their normal daily tasks. We often find that after decades of life, our residents become particular about how things are done, and we strive to honor those preferences.

Question 8

Does The Gardens have a discharge policy for memory care residents?

Accepted Answer

Discharge is usually a slower and more thoughtful process between the resident, his or her family, and our care planning team. When considering discharging a resident, most commonly for a higher level of care, the primary question we ask is, “Can we provide the care this person deserves?”

When the answer is no, we’ll reach out to you and start the conversation. We’ll serve as a support system and advocate for you as you seek the right care in the Pharr Texas area for your loved one.

Likewise, if you ever wonder, “Can my loved one receive the care they need here?” then you can reach out to our memory care staff and initiate the conversation. The process is the same.

Question 9

Does The Gardens have a different staff to residents ratio during the day and night?

Accepted Answer

Staffing levels at our Pharr Texas memory care facility ensure that residents gets the personal care and attention they require. Since we strive to provide meaningful opportunities for enrichment, engagement, and socialization during the day time, there is more staff available than during nighttime hours when most of our residents are resting.

The Garden’s staffing levels are based on the needs of our residents. If more residents need assistance with activities of daily living, each caregiver will be assigned to fewer memory care residents.

Question 10

Are residents at The Gardens at Brook Ridge grouped or organized by cognitive level?

Accepted Answer

Each resident’s cognitive level, hobbies, and personal preferences are incorporated into their personal memory care plan and their one-on-one time with our caregiving and life enrichment teams.

However, The Gardens at Brook Ridge residents are not grouped by cognitive level when it comes to group social and life enrichment activities. This means our activity calendars are designed to provide a variety of activities that are enjoyable for residents with a wide range of cognitive levels and physical ability. Your loved one can participate in the activities that he or she enjoys, independently or with assistance.

It is always our goal to do activities with and not to or for our residents to give them a sense of purpose, enjoyment, and pride.

Question 11

Do you update families about their loved one’s well-being at The Gardens? How often?

Accepted Answer

Your level of involvement is completely up to you. Some families request to be notified of changes in condition, which we’re eager to accommodate, while other families would like to call or stop by our Pharr Texas facility daily to find out how their loved one is doing. We’re happy to accommodate that too.

We will always reach out to you before making changes to your loved one’s care plan, as soon as possible after a medical emergency, or if we note a change in their physical or mental health. Additionally, we always seek your participation in memory care planning once per quarter and upon changes in your loved one’s health.

Question 12

Before admission to The Gardens at Brook Ridge for memory care, do you perform a medical assessment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a head-to-toe assessment helps us determine whether or not we’re able to provide the memory care services your loved one needs in order to maintain optimal health, independence, and comfort. Things we evaluate during this assessment include:

Cognitive functioning
Emotional needs
Spiritual beliefs and needs
Physical functioning and needs, such as:

Ability to transfer with or without assistance
Toileting and continence
Vital signs
Medication orders, risk factors, and needs
Fall risk
Dietary restrictions and preferences
The overall health of skin
Personal history, including family status and hobbies
And more

Question 13

Can we arrange outside care (visiting) in the Pharr Texas area as part of your memory care program?

Accepted Answer

Yes, outside care is welcomed as part of The Garden’s memory care.

Coordination of care is a joint effort. The resident’s family member or Power of Attorney generally secures outside care services, working directly with the care provider to determine scope, services, care plan, etc. and notifies our memory care community of the arrangement.

Then, our staff works directly with the outside care provider to coordinate the care of your loved one within the community, scheduling appropriately and to communicate as needed for your loved one’s benefit and continuity of care. Communication – between The Garden’s staff, the outside service, and you – is key to successful collaboration.

Question 14

Does The Gardens follow specific policies when handling medical emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We have clear policies that drive action in medical emergencies, and all staff is trained to respond, both upon hire and through simulations throughout the year. These policies are not one-size-fits-all and vary depending on the nature of the medical emergency, but key components that are consistent across the board include:

Taking measures to ensure the immediate safety of the resident
Alerting 911 promptly to prevent delays in life-saving care
Following the care plan and any advanced directives in place
Notifying family members as soon as possible

Our policies prioritize our residents’ safety and securing access to advanced medical care in the surrounding Pharr Texas area.

Question 15

Will each resident receive their own, individual care plan at The Gardens?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every resident who joins our Pharr, TX community brings something new. Needs are driven by physical, mental, and emotional health; religious preference; medical history; personal history; family status; cultural identity; and more. For this reason, our experienced memory care planning team works directly with residents and their families to build a custom care plan focused on goal achievement. Common goals include fall prevention, blood pressure management, life enrichment, socialization, comfort, and maintaining independence.

Changes in the care plan require family involvement, so you’ll always know exactly what to expect and have a voice in decisions concerning your loved one.

Question 16

Is dementia-specific training required for The Gardens staff members?

Accepted Answer

We ensure our employees receive the training and development they need to not only care for but also empower our residents to lead independent and enriched lives. Both continued and hands-on training – designed specifically for caregivers in the memory care setting – are required upon hire and then on an ongoing basis after that. This ensures two things: 1) basic concepts and best practices are refreshed at least annually, and 2) new research and innovations are taken into consideration and implemented into training for cutting edge practice within our memory care facility.

If you’d like to learn more about training requirements for our Pharr Texas memory care team, our Community Director is happy to share that information. Contact Us today to learn more.

Question 17

Are Activities for Daily Living (ADLs) included in The Gardens memory care program?

Accepted Answer

Our staff provides assistance with a variety of activities of daily living to ensure your loved one can stay in our memory care facility for as long as possible. Services include:

Three meals (and snacks) every day, catered to your loved one’s preferences, calorie requirements, and diet restrictions
Assistance getting up or transferring onto or off the toilet, chair, bed, etc.
Medication administration and monitoring
Help with household chores and total laundry service
Assistance with bathing, dressing, toilet, personal hygiene, and minor incontinence

The Gardens at Brook Ridge also offers a number of services and amenities – like physical therapy, café, outdoor swimming pool and much more – right on site to make it easier for residents to access the care and accommodations they need.

Question 18

How often do you assess my loved one’s health and cognitive functioning at The Gardens?

Accepted Answer

Residents are assessed by a number of professionals in our Pharr, TX community. Caregivers spend much of their time administering one-on-one assistance to our residents and report any changes in skin, health, or behavior. Physicians assess residents in two cases: 1) on a routine basis as required by their care plan, and 2) as requested by a registered nurse or family member for focused medical problems.

We also evaluate cognitive and memory function periodically. Please rest assured that The Garden’s staff will communicate with you any changes in health or cognition promptly.

Question 19

Does The Gardens offer advice on how to communicate with a loved one who has dementia or Alzheimer’s?

Accepted Answer

While there is no surefire formula for communicating with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s, these tips can help:

Find a quiet setting to visit with them to avoid distractions and interruptions.
Avoid “baby talk.” Address them as an adult, using a warm tone and enunciating clearly.
Introduce yourself every time. You can say, “Hi, Mom. It’s me, Jen.”
Avoid the desire to correct them when they make mistakes. For example, if she calls you by your sister’s name, let it go.
Remember to Smile. Nonverbal language is often more effective with people who have Alzheimer’s. Eye contact and a smile can help you connect with and comfort your loved one.

If you are interested in learning more about our memory care and assisted living facility in Pharr, TX contact us today.

Question 20

Are all levels of dementia accommodated at The Gardens at Brook Ridge or specific levels only?

Accepted Answer

It’s important to us that residents have access to all the services they need in order to thrive. While The Gardens accommodates most levels of memory care and assisted living, certain levels of dependence for physical and medical needs might require the level of care that only skilled nursing (also called long-term care) facilities can offer.

For example, needs that might require a transition of care include total incontinence, total dependence for activities of daily living, or advanced medical care like a feeding tube or ongoing wound care.

Our memory care team works closely with residents and their families to stay abreast of changes, communicate in real time, and ensure there is never a gap in care.

Question 21

How does The Gardens at Brook Ridge secure their memory care community?

Accepted Answer

Although we often use the word “secure,” a better word is “safe.” Secured retirement communities have a number of features that help your loved one stay safe, including:

higher staff to resident ratios, which means closer oversight, more dedicated time with each resident, and more personal, one-on-one assistance with care
fewer safety risks; these communities are designed to accommodate the way residents with dementia and other age-related limitations think and act to prevent falls, burns, and other injuries, i.e., no stoves in personal suites and no stairs
secure, alarmed doors so that if your loved one tries to leave the facility without accompaniment, staff are notified and can join them

We aim to ensure our secure community in Pharr, TX is just as warm and inviting as independent living communities.

Question 22

How will I know if my loved one needs a secured facility like The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

Accepted Answer

would pose safety risks for your loved one. Your loved one might be safest in a secured memory care community if he or she:

has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, impacting their short-term memory and cognition
has left home and been unable to find their way back before
struggles with short-term memory and cognition when in new, unfamiliar settings
has had trouble remembering important safety measures at home, like locking the door, turning the burner off, or putting the car in park

You don’t have to make this decision alone. Our care planning team can review your loved one’s personal and medical history to help you determine the best living situation.

Question 23

What types of assistance does a traditional nursing home provide? How is a memory care community different?

Accepted Answer

Both nursing homes and memory care facilities offer assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, oral care, and medication assistance. But only memory care communities are specifically designed around the needs of people living with dementia. Memory care communities are fully staffed with professionals who are committed to caring for people with these specific challenges.

The professionals at memory care communities have vast experience with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory challenges. Staff members at memory care communities understand that all of your loved one’s behaviors are in response to a perceived situation. These expert team members become detectives in order to get to the root of those responsive behaviors and resolve the response through a holistic approach. In contrast, nursing home staff may not receive the same training as memory care communities’ staff, and may therefore opt to sedate someone with challenging behaviors rather than resolve the response in another manner.

A memory care community will not only provide assistance with the activities of daily living, but will also provide specialized programming and care specific to your loved one’s needs.

Question 24

How does the community’s design affect my loved one’s care?

Accepted Answer

Standalone memory care communities offer greater security for your loved one, without feeling confining or restrictive. People with dementia enjoy walking and visiting with neighbors, but the confusion they may experience can result in wandering into harm’s way.

Memory care communities are designed with contrasting colors, accent walls, and circular corridors, as well as outdoor fenced gardens with pathways that lead to doors. All of these features help a resident with dementia navigate their way around the community. The design of standalone memory care communities creates a pathway so that walking becomes purposeful and fulfilling.

Question 25

What types of specialized programming are available at a Memory Care facility that aren’t available at a traditional nursing home?

Accepted Answer

As dementia progresses, it may become harder and harder for people to engage with their environment.  Standalone memory care communities provide activities centered around sensory stimulation, such as touch and sound, in order to engage all five senses and encourage connection to the community.

Both nursing homes and memory care communities plan weekly events and outings to entertain and stimulate their residents. But only memory care communities plan events specifically for residents with memory challenges, which are intended to nurture cognitive function as well as provide socialization.

Question 26

Does a memory care community’s dining program make a difference for my loved one?

Accepted Answer

Both nursing homes and memory care communities provide three daily, nutritious meals to their residents. However, only memory care communities specifically design their dining programs around the needs of residents experiencing memory challenges. Memory care communities use brightly colored plates, which studies have shown to stimulate appetite and increase food recognition. Additionally, standalone memory care communities will often incorporate food that is known to be “brain healthy” in their dining experience.

If your loved one would benefit from the professional, 24/7 care of a specialized memory care community, contact our friendly team today to find a community near you.

Question 27

What happens when my loved one exceeds the level of care that the community can provide?

Accepted Answer

While we want to provide care for your loved one for the rest of their days, we recognize that there are some things that we cannot do safely. We will partner with third-party providers, such as hospice and home health, to address specific, skilled needs. Should anyone’s needs exceed the level of care that can be safely provided at our community, we will collaborate with you to identify an appropriate care community to make that transition.

Question 28

How does the price change as my loved one’s disease advances and level of care changes?

Accepted Answer

Providing quality care and services to residents and their families is important to us. Each resident is assessed quarterly or upon a significant change of condition. Rates will change – either up or down – as individual needs change.

Question 29

Can memory care residents at The Gardens at Brook Ridge maintain familiar routines and a home-like environment like they would with in-home care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Familiar routines are a critical component of compassionate memory care. Your loved one’s routines from home will always be honored to the greatest extent possible, including:

• The time they prefer to rise in the morning
• The foods they like to eat
• The days and times they prefer to bathe
• The time they like to go to bed at night

Other things we keep in mind are the ways and order in which The Gardens at Brook Ridge residents like to complete their normal daily tasks. We often find that over several decades of life, our Pharr residents become particular about how things are done, and we want to honor that.

Question 30

What advantages does a memory care facility like

Accepted Answer

Both memory care and in-home care can be highly effective solutions for the safety risks that accompany cognitive decline. Those who choose a memory care facility realize the following benefits compared to those who choose in-home care:

• Memory care facilities must meet stringent guidelines in all aspects of care including nutrition, safety, management of medical conditions, cleanliness, staffing levels, and are surveyed frequently
• Memory care communities are designed with resident safety in mind, which means slip-resistant flooring, handrails, larger bathrooms and bedrooms, and the removal of safety risks (like stoves).
• Memory care communities are secure so your loved one is protected from the risks associated with wandering.
• While Meals On Wheels can provide one meal per day for in-home residents who qualify, memory care residents receive three well-rounded meals and snacks every day.

If you are looking to learn more about the benefits of memory care in the La Quinta area, please Contact us today.

Question 31

Are The Gardens at Brook Ridge memory care residents grouped by cognitive level?

Accepted Answer

Each resident’s cognitive level, hobbies, and personal preferences are incorporated into their personal care plan and their one-on-one time with our caregiving and life enrichment teams.

However, The Gardens at Brook Ridge residents are not grouped by cognitive level when it comes to group social and life enrichment activities. What this means is that our activity calendars are designed to provide a myriad of activities that are enjoyable for residents with a wide range of cognitive levels and physical ability. Your loved one can participate in the activities that he or she enjoys, either independently or with assistance.

It is always our goal to do activities with our memory care residents, not for them, to give them a sense of purpose, enjoyment, and pride.

Question 32

What living arrangements do you offer for your The Gardens at Brook Ridge memory care residents?

Accepted Answer

The Gardens at Brook Ridge memory care facility is designed to mimic home while reducing or eliminating the risk of injury that exists at home. This means that your loved one will have semi-private or private living quarters that consist of a warm, inviting bedroom and a spacious bathroom. Other central living areas are shared by the community and include relaxing sitting rooms, communal kitchens, and dining rooms secured outdoor living areas, and more.

Life enrichment activities are hosted within our Pharr memory care community, too, and are designed to enrich your loved one’s life without posing a threat to their safety and security.

Question 33

Do you allow for outside care (visiting) to be arranged in the Pharr area? Who coordinates outside care for The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Outside care is welcomed as part of The Gardens at Brook Ridge memory care services.

Coordination of care is a joint effort. The resident’s family member or Power of Attorney generally secures outside care services, working directly with the care provider to determine the scope, services, care plan, etc. and notifies our memory care community of the arrangement.

Then, our staff works directly with the outside care provider to coordinate the care of your loved one within the community in Pharr, schedule appropriately, and communicate as needed for your loved one’s benefit and continuity of care. Communication – between The Gardens at Brook Ridge memory care staff, the outside service, and you – is key to successful collaboration

Question 34

Does The Gardens at Brook Ridge have specific policies for medical emergencies?

Accepted Answer

We have clear policies that drive action in medical emergencies. All memory care facility staff is trained upon hire and through simulations throughout the year on how to respond in emergency situations. These policies are not one-size-fits-all and vary depending on the nature of the medical emergency, but key components that are consistent across the board include:

• Taking measures to ensure the immediate safety of the resident
• Alerting 911 promptly to prevent delays in life-saving care
• Following the care plan and any advanced directives in place
• Ensuring dignity and confidentiality to the extent possible
• Notifying family members as soon as possible

Our policies prioritize your loved one’s safety and access to advanced medical care in the Pharr area.

Question 35

Do residents at The Gardens at Brook Ridge each have an individual care plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every memory care resident who joins our Pharr community brings something new. Needs are driven by physical, mental, and emotional health; religious preference; medical history; personal history; family status; cultural identity; and more. For these reasons, our experienced memory care planning team works directly with the resident and their family to build a custom care plan focused on goal achievement. Common goals include fall prevention, blood pressure management, life enrichment, socialization, comfort, and maintaining independence.

Changes in the care plan require family involvement, so you’ll always know what to expect and have a voice in the decisions concerning your loved one’s memory care plan.

Question 36

What measures does The Gardens at Brook Ridge take to secure its memory care facility?

Accepted Answer

Although we often use the word “secure,” a better word is “safe.” Secured memory care communities have a number of features that help your loved one stay safe including:

• Higher staff to resident ratios. This means closer oversight, more dedicated and personal one-on-one time with each resident.
• Fewer safety risks. Our communities are designed to accommodate the way residents with dementia and other age-related limitations think and act to prevent falls, burns, and other injuries (i.e., no stoves in personal suites and no stairs).
• Secure and alarmed doors. If your loved one tries to leave the facility without accompaniment, staff are notified and can join them.

We aim to ensure our secure memory care community in Pharr is just as warm and inviting as independent and assisted living communities.

Question 37

Do you prescribe Alzheimer’s medications?

Accepted Answer

Our trained and licensed staff (nurses and caregivers) supervise and provide the medications that the residents’ physicians prescribe. Our team is familiar with administering Alzheimer’s medications like Aricept (Donepezil), Razadyne (Galantamine), Namenda (Memantine), Exelon (Rivastigmine) and Namzaric (Memantine + Donepezil). However, our staff does not prescribe any medications to our residents.

Question 38

How does a memory care community in Pharr receive my loved one’s Exelon (Rivastigmine)?

Accepted Answer

Your loved one’s provider is responsible for ordering your loved one’s medications, while The Gardens at Brook Ridge’s memory care staff is responsible for medication administration and management.

All medication administered to our residents is in compliance with all state laws and board regulations. Our licensed staff follows the written policies and procedures for safe and effective drug administration provided by medical professionals for the procurement, administration, storage, control, record keeping, and disposal of all medication.

Memory care staff will administer the medications as ordered, monitor for side effects and efficacy, and reach out to your loved one’s primary care doctor if they feel any medication is not achieving the desired result.

To learn more about medication for dementia or Alzheimer’s and how it is managed at The Gardens at Brook Ridge Assisted Living & Memory Care, please contact us for more information.

Question 39

How does a memory care community in Pharr ensure that my loved one receives Namzaric (Memantine + Donepezil) at the right time and in the right dose?

Accepted Answer

Memory care staff will administer the medications exactly as ordered by the resident’s medical provider and in accordance with applicable state and board regulations and standards. Our licensed staff will monitor for side effects and efficacy and reach out to your loved one’s primary care doctor if they feel any medication is not achieving the desired result. Please reach out to your medical provider if you have concerns regarding medication frequency and dosage.

Question 40

How does a Pharr memory care community manage the side effects of Namenda (Memantine)?

Accepted Answer

The trained and licensed staff members at The Gardens at Brook Ridge ensure that they are not only familiar with our residents’ medications, such as Namenda, but also with our residents. In addition to being educated about Alzheimer’s medications and their side effects, staff members get to know each of our residents and their needs. They are therefore able to quickly identify and respond to the side effects of medication. The Gardens at Brook Ridge is staffed 24/7 with caring, trained nurses and caregivers who are able to identify and assist residents when they are experiencing the side effects of medication.

Question 41

How is Aricept (Donepezil) administered at a Pharr memory care facility?

Accepted Answer

All medications prescribed to our residents by their physicians are administered according to the exact instructions prescribed by the resident’s physician. The community’s staff ensures that they are familiar with each residents’ medications, including medications for other conditions other than Alzheimer’s. Our trained and licensed nurses and caregivers then administer each of the residents’ medications exactly as prescribed, taking into account the timing, dosage, and method of administration for each medication.

Question 42

What are the advantages of receiving Razadyne (Galantamine) at a memory care facility in Pharr over in-home care options?

Accepted Answer

While in-home caregivers are able to administer medications and monitor your loved one’s safety and comfort, there is a distinct advantage to receiving Alzheimer’s medications like Razadyne at a memory care facility. Often, in-home caregivers are not with your loved one 24/7, leaving them without a licensed, trained caregiver during certain times of the day. Those times may include times when medication must be administered, leaving you or another family member or friend to manage it.

In contrast, at The Gardens at Brook Ridge, our trained, talented staff is available 24/7 to assist your loved one. All medications are monitored and organized according to your loved one’s needs, and every dose is given by a licensed caregiver. In addition, should your loved one need medical assistance, they are already in a community that has medical and safety procedures in place to ensure that your loved one receives assistance as quickly as possible.

Question 43

What are you doing in light of the COVID-19 virus to protect residents’ health at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

Accepted Answer

We have temporarily changed our policies relating to visitors and how we conduct our activities and dining programs. Please see the new and specific temporary changes as they relate to this community by clicking here.

Question 44

Are you testing residents and staff at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The health and safety of Sunshine’s residents and employees are our top priority. As such,
The Gardens at Brook Ridge has partnered with Vikor Scientific to allow us to test our residents and employees with their Respira-ID™ test kits. We will test under the following scenarios: (i) new residents moving in; (ii) residents coming back from a hospital visit; (iii) residents with COVID-19 symptoms; as well as (iv) staff showing COVID-19 symptoms

Question 45

Are you accepting new residents during the pandemic at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

Accepted Answer

Yes, new residents are accepted into the community after undergoing an extensive screening and providing a negative test result, either through state-administered COVID testing or through Vikor Scientific Respira-ID testing administered directly at The Gardens at Brook Ridge.

Question 46

What pandemic protocols are expected of new residents and/or their families during the move-in process at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

Accepted Answer

We ask that families limit the number of persons assisting in the physical moving of the new
resident’s belonging in order to protect the resident population and staff. A move-in coordinator will
assist you by setting up a time in which to bring your loved one into the community and make them
comfortable in their new home. We will provide daily check-ins with you on your loved one’s process
and facilitate video conferencing calls so that you may continue to visit with them one-on-one while
ensuring that their safety and the health of the resident population and staff is not put at risk.

Question 47

What safety protocols do you have in place for resident and staff at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

Accepted Answer

In addition to temporarily changing our visitor policy in order to reduce foot traffic within the
community, staff are required to wear personal protective gear including facemasks and gloves.

Question 48

Will I be able to see my parents if I move them in at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

Accepted Answer

Per CDC and local health regulatory agency guidelines, we are restricting visitations in our community except where required for medical care or by limited pre-approval by the community Executive Director in order to protect our residents who are vulnerable to due to age and other medical conditions. We are working with families and staff members to facilitate meaningful one-on-one or family group calls with their loved ones via video messaging platforms. To schedule a video call with your loved one in our community, please call (956) 904-0602.

Question 49

How long with the restrictions be in place at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

Accepted Answer

We are following state and federal guidelines for physical distancing and will resume normal community visitation policies as soon as the guidelines recommend us doing so. We appreciate your understanding during this time as we work together to protect our residents and staff.

Question 50

Do you offer Virtual Reality Therapy at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our community is equipped with VR tools that are research-proven to help decrease anxiety and help stimulate memories. In VR, your loved one can attend metropolitan concerts from the front row, walk on a sandy beach to recall long-lost memories of a family vacation, or explore other adventures specifically cultivated for seniors. Learn more here

Question 51

What is Binswanger’s Disease (White matter disease) and can your memory care community in Pharr help?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is a broad term that describes a group of illnesses that all cause cognitive decline such forgetfulness, problems with communication, difficulty following directions, etc. Binswanger’s Disease, also known as white matter disease or cortical vascular dementia, is caused by blockage in the blood vessels that supply the brain causing death of brain tissue in those areas.

The most defining symptom of Binswanger’s disease is the slowing of psychomotor skills. For example, a person may slow in the time it takes to turn the thought of a letter into the shape of a letter on a piece of paper.

Binswanger’s disease is progressive and irreversible, but a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet, medication management, and appropriate social interactions like those found at The Gardens at Brook Ridge in Pharr, Texas may help slow the progression.

Question 52

What is Corticobasal Degeneration related Dementia and how does the memory care team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge handle this condition?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is a broad term that describes a group of illnesses that all cause cognitive decline such forgetfulness, problems with communication, difficulty following directions, etc. Corticobasal degeneration, or CBD, in its later stages causes global impairment associated with dementia.

CBD causes areas of the brain to shrink and nerve cells to degenerate and die over time. This disease typically impacts the area of the brain that processes information and controls movement. Defining symptoms may include difficulty controlling a limb (arm or leg) on one-side of the body; muscle stiffness; problems with balance, gait and speech; and memory problems.

Corticobasal Degeneration is progressive and irreversible, however, the caring team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge in Pharr, Texas is trained in techniques to assist your loved one in navigating the challenges of this rare dementia.

Question 53

Can HIV cause dementia? And how does a memory care facility in Pharr help?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is a broad term that describes a group of illnesses that all cause cognitive decline such forgetfulness, problems with communication, difficulty following directions, etc. If HIV spreads to the brain, it can cause encephalopathy which causes dementia.

Encephalopathy associated with HIV is progressive and irreversible, however, it can be slowed or managed with antiretroviral therapy.

The memory care team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge in Pharr, Texas is trained in techniques to assist your loved one in navigating the challenges of this rare dementia related to HIV.

Question 54

Is dementia associated with Multiple Sclerosis? And how does a memory care community like The Gardens at Brook Ridge help?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is a broad term that describes a group of illnesses that all cause cognitive decline such forgetfulness, problems with communication, difficulty following directions, etc.

Dementia in Multiple Sclerosis is rare, but cognitive dysfunction affects approximately 60% of people who live with MS for a long time. Symptoms associated with MS related dementia include impairment of attention, psychomotor functions and memory.

The caring team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge in Pharr, Texas is trained in techniques to assist your loved one in navigating the challenges of this rare dementia and Multiple Sclerosis.

Question 55

What is Vascular Dementia? How does The Gardens at Brook Ridge manage this illness?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is a broad term that describes a group of illnesses that all cause cognitive decline such forgetfulness, problems with communication, difficulty following directions, etc.

Vascular dementia can be caused by strokes, a heart attack, aneurism, or other circumstances that cause the brain to not receive adequate oxygen and blood for a period of time. While this disease is not reversible, a healthier lifestyle with a balanced diet, increased exercise, regimented medication management and social interactions may reduce the likelihood of another stroke or heart attack.

The caring team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge in Pharr, Texas is trained in techniques to assist your loved one in navigating Vascular Dementia.

Question 56

What is Lewy Body Dementia? Does The Gardens at Brook Ridge in Pharr have experience with this type of dementia?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is a broad term that describes a group of illnesses that all cause cognitive decline such forgetfulness, problems with communication, difficulty following directions, etc.

Lewy Body Dementia, or LBD, is one of the more common types of dementia. The symptoms may include changes in alertness and attention, hallucinations, problems with movement and posture, muscle stiffness and confusion.

LBD is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are similar to Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. While this disease is not reversible, a healthier lifestyle with a balanced diet, increased exercise, regimented medication management can help to manage the symptoms.

The caring team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge in Pharr, Texas is trained in techniques to assist your loved one in navigating the challenges of Lewy Body Dementia.

Question 57

What is Frontotemporal Dementia? Is your memory care team in Pharr, Texas experienced in handling FTD?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is a broad term that describes a group of illnesses that all cause cognitive decline such forgetfulness, problems with communication, difficulty following directions, etc.

Frontotemporal dementia, or FTD, was originally called Pick’s disease and falls into two categories: 1) changes in behavior; or, 2) problems with language.

FTD with changes in behavior is characterized by behavior that can be either impulsive or bored and listless and includes inappropriate social behavior (lack of empathy; distractibility; loss of insight into self behaviors; an increased interest in sex; changes in food preferences; agitation or blunted emotions; neglect of personal hygiene; repetitive or compulsive behavior; and decreased energy and motivation).

FTD with language disturbance is characterized by difficulty making or understanding speech, often in conjunction with the behavioral type’s symptoms. Memory usually remains intact. While this disease is not reversible, a healthier lifestyle with a balanced diet, increased exercise, regimented medication management can help to manage the symptoms.

The caring team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge in Pharr, Texas is trained in techniques to assist your loved one in navigating the challenges of Frontotemporal Dementia.

Question 58

What is young or early-onset Alzheimer’s disease? How does The Gardens at Brook Ridge’s memory care team help?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is a broad term that describes a group of illnesses that all cause cognitive decline such forgetfulness, problems with communication, difficulty following directions, etc.

Early onset Alzheimer’s should not be confused with “early-stage dementia” as it is a separate disease process which has a symptom onset before the age of 65. Young or early onset Alzheimer’s symptoms are often the safe as the more common form that begins after age 65. This variant is linked to genetics that can increase risk of Alzheimer’s in general.

While this disease is not reversible, a healthier lifestyle with a balanced diet, increased exercise, regimented medication management can help to manage the symptoms.

While early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is irreversible, the caring team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge in Pharr, Texas is trained in techniques to assist your loved one in navigating the challenges of this dementia.

Question 59

What is TBI (traumatic brain injury) dementia and can a memory care facility such as The Gardens at Brook Ridge help?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is a broad term that describes a group of illnesses that all cause cognitive decline such forgetfulness, problems with communication, difficulty following directions, etc.

Dementia following a traumatic brain injury results from encephalopathy caused by repetitive brain trauma (concussions) often found in athletes resulting in progressive deterioration of brain tissue and the build-up of tau protein. Media often refers to this as “pugilistic dementia” because it was first identified among professional boxers – the most famous of whom is Muhammad Ali. These changes begin months, years, or even decades after the last brain trauma or end of active athletic involvement.

Symptoms of TBI Dementia include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, and, eventually, progressive Dementia. While this disease is not reversible, a healthier lifestyle with a balanced diet, increased exercise, regimented medication management can help to manage the symptoms.

The caring team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge in Pharr, Texas is trained in techniques to assist your loved one in navigating the challenges of TBI dementia.

Question 60

What is Parkinson’s Disease related dementia? What does your memory care team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge do to help?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is a broad term that describes a group of illnesses that all cause cognitive decline such forgetfulness, problems with communication, difficulty following directions, etc.

People diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease often develop dementia symptoms. These symptoms often include mild cognitive impairment, disruption in REM sleep with nightmares, hallucinations, and delusions. While this disease is not reversible, a healthier lifestyle with a balanced diet, increased exercise, regimented medication management can help to manage the symptoms.

The caring team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge in Pharr, Texas is trained in techniques to assist your loved one in navigating the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease as it relates to dementia.

Question 61

What is mixed dementia? Does your memory care team in Pharr, Texas have experience with this illness?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is a broad term that describes a group of illnesses that all cause cognitive decline such forgetfulness, problems with communication, difficulty following directions, etc.

Autopsy studies looking at the brains of people dementia of an unspecified type suggest that a majority of those age 80 and older probably had Mixed Dementia, caused by co-morbidity of Alzheimer’s disease [or, other Dementia] and vascular disease.

In fact, some studies indicate that mixed dementia is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. While this disease is not reversible, a healthier lifestyle with a balanced diet, increased exercise, regimented medication management can help to manage the symptoms.

The caring team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge in Pharr, Texas is trained in techniques to assist your loved one in navigating the challenges of mixed dementia.

Question 62

What is Wernike Encephalopathy or Korsakoff Syndrome? How can a memory care facility in Pharr, Texas help?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is a broad term that describes a group of illnesses that all cause cognitive decline such forgetfulness, problems with communication, difficulty following directions, etc.

Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome are different conditions, but both result from brain damage caused by a lack of vitamin B1. This vitamin deficiency is common in people with alcoholism and among persons whose bodies do not absorb food properly, as sometimes occurs with a chronic illness or after obesity surgery.

Other conditions that may cause vitamin B1 deficiency include: AIDS, cancers that have spread throughout the body, extreme nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, heart failure, long periods of intravenous (IV) therapy without receiving thiamine supplements, long-term dialysis, and very high thyroid hormone levels.

Korsakoff Syndrome often presents as Wernike Encephalopathy resolves. While this disease is not reversible, a healthier lifestyle with a balanced diet, increased exercise, regimented medication management can help to manage the symptoms.

The caring team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge in Pharr, Texas is trained in techniques to assist your loved one in navigating the challenges of Wernike Encephalopathy and Korsakoff Syndrome and the conditions that may cause cognitive decline.

Question 63

What is Posterior Cortical Atrophy? Is this a type of dementia the memory care team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge can manage?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is a broad term that describes a group of illnesses that all cause cognitive decline such forgetfulness, problems with communication, difficulty following directions, etc.

Posterior Cortical Atrophy is a gradual and progressive degeneration of the cortex, or outer layer, of the brain. It is often considered a variant form of Alzheimer’s disease because of the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that occur in AD are present in the cortex.

Early symptoms may include slowly developing challenges with visual tasks such as distinguishing between moving and still objects, inability focus on more than one object at a time, difficulty using common tools, problems judging distances, etc.

While Posterior Cortical Atrophy is not reversible, a healthier lifestyle with a balanced diet, increased exercise, regimented medication management can help to manage the symptoms. The caring team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge in Pharr, Texas is trained in techniques to assist your loved one in navigating the challenges of this dementia.

Question 64

What is Huntington’s disease? Is your memory care facility in Pharr, Texas able to help?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is a broad term that describes a group of illnesses that all cause cognitive decline such forgetfulness, problems with communication, difficulty following directions, etc.

Huntington’s disease is inherited and causes certain nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to wither. Signs and symptoms usually appear during your 30s or 40s and include irritability or anxiety, a severe decline in cognitive skills, and weakness and difficulty with walking and uncontrolled movement.

While Huntington’s disease is not reversible, a healthier lifestyle with a balanced diet, increased exercise, regimented medication management can help to manage the symptoms. The caring team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge in Pharr, Texas is trained in techniques to assist your loved one in navigating the challenges of this dementia.

The Gardens at Brook Ridge Assisted Living & Memory Care

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Gardens at Brook Ridge Assisted Living & Memory Care

What type of living arrangements are available for memory care residents in your Pharr, TX facility?

How does The Gardens manage resident’s medication and what type of medication will dementia-specific care entail?

Will memory care residents require a dementia-specific diet at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

How does the cost of a memory care community in Pharr, TX cost vs. in-home care?

Can you estimate how long my loved one will require care after a Dementia-specific diagnosis?

Are there pros when comparing a memory care facility like The Gardens to in-home care?

Are memory care residents at The Gardens able to follow familiar routines and still experience a home-like environment like they would with in-home care?

Does The Gardens have a discharge policy for memory care residents?

Does The Gardens have a different staff to residents ratio during the day and night?

Are residents at The Gardens at Brook Ridge grouped or organized by cognitive level?

Do you update families about their loved one’s well-being at The Gardens? How often?

Before admission to The Gardens at Brook Ridge for memory care, do you perform a medical assessment?

Can we arrange outside care (visiting) in the Pharr Texas area as part of your memory care program?

Does The Gardens follow specific policies when handling medical emergencies?

Will each resident receive their own, individual care plan at The Gardens?

Is dementia-specific training required for The Gardens staff members?

Are Activities for Daily Living (ADLs) included in The Gardens memory care program?

How often do you assess my loved one’s health and cognitive functioning at The Gardens?

Does The Gardens offer advice on how to communicate with a loved one who has dementia or Alzheimer’s?

Are all levels of dementia accommodated at The Gardens at Brook Ridge or specific levels only?

How does The Gardens at Brook Ridge secure their memory care community?

How will I know if my loved one needs a secured facility like The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

What types of assistance does a traditional nursing home provide? How is a memory care community different?

How does the community’s design affect my loved one’s care?

What types of specialized programming are available at a Memory Care facility that aren’t available at a traditional nursing home?

Does a memory care community’s dining program make a difference for my loved one?

What happens when my loved one exceeds the level of care that the community can provide?

How does the price change as my loved one’s disease advances and level of care changes?

Can memory care residents at The Gardens at Brook Ridge maintain familiar routines and a home-like environment like they would with in-home care?

What advantages does a memory care facility like

Are The Gardens at Brook Ridge memory care residents grouped by cognitive level?

What living arrangements do you offer for your The Gardens at Brook Ridge memory care residents?

Do you allow for outside care (visiting) to be arranged in the Pharr area? Who coordinates outside care for The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

Does The Gardens at Brook Ridge have specific policies for medical emergencies?

Do residents at The Gardens at Brook Ridge each have an individual care plan?

What measures does The Gardens at Brook Ridge take to secure its memory care facility?

Do you prescribe Alzheimer’s medications?

How does a memory care community in Pharr receive my loved one’s Exelon (Rivastigmine)?

How does a memory care community in Pharr ensure that my loved one receives Namzaric (Memantine + Donepezil) at the right time and in the right dose?

How does a Pharr memory care community manage the side effects of Namenda (Memantine)?

How is Aricept (Donepezil) administered at a Pharr memory care facility?

What are the advantages of receiving Razadyne (Galantamine) at a memory care facility in Pharr over in-home care options?

What are you doing in light of the COVID-19 virus to protect residents’ health at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

Are you testing residents and staff at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

Are you accepting new residents during the pandemic at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

What pandemic protocols are expected of new residents and/or their families during the move-in process at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

What safety protocols do you have in place for resident and staff at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

Will I be able to see my parents if I move them in at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

How long with the restrictions be in place at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

Do you offer Virtual Reality Therapy at The Gardens at Brook Ridge?

What is Binswanger’s Disease (White matter disease) and can your memory care community in Pharr help?

What is Corticobasal Degeneration related Dementia and how does the memory care team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge handle this condition?

Can HIV cause dementia? And how does a memory care facility in Pharr help?

Is dementia associated with Multiple Sclerosis? And how does a memory care community like The Gardens at Brook Ridge help?

What is Vascular Dementia? How does The Gardens at Brook Ridge manage this illness?

What is Lewy Body Dementia? Does The Gardens at Brook Ridge in Pharr have experience with this type of dementia?

What is Frontotemporal Dementia? Is your memory care team in Pharr, Texas experienced in handling FTD?

What is young or early-onset Alzheimer’s disease? How does The Gardens at Brook Ridge’s memory care team help?

What is TBI (traumatic brain injury) dementia and can a memory care facility such as The Gardens at Brook Ridge help?

What is Parkinson’s Disease related dementia? What does your memory care team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge do to help?

What is mixed dementia? Does your memory care team in Pharr, Texas have experience with this illness?

What is Wernike Encephalopathy or Korsakoff Syndrome? How can a memory care facility in Pharr, Texas help?

What is Posterior Cortical Atrophy? Is this a type of dementia the memory care team at The Gardens at Brook Ridge can manage?

What is Huntington’s disease? Is your memory care facility in Pharr, Texas able to help?

Is dementia associated with Down Syndrome? How does The Gardens at Brook Ridge’s memory care team manage this illness?

What is Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease? Can your memory care facility in Pharr, Texas help manage this illness?

What types of living arrangements does The Gardens at Brook Ridge offer for memory care residents?

How does The Gardens at Brook Ridge manage medication for residents with dementia?

Does The Gardens accommodate residents with all levels of dementia?

Are individual care plans created for each resident?

Does The Gardens have security measures to ensure resident safety?

Can outside care providers visit residents at The Gardens, and how is coordination handled?

What nearby dining options are available for visitors or residents?