Welcome to American Senior Communities

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While a cure for Alzheimer's disease does not yet exist, many options are available that enable those with the disease or other forms of memory loss to enjoy a quality of life. The progression of Alzheimer's and the symptoms that accompany it often make it difficult for family members to continue care at home. We are experts at caring for individuals challenged with memory care issues. Through intense focus in this area, we¹ve developed a structured environment that serves residents through individualized attention provided by compassionate caregivers in home-like living conditions.

Our Auguste's Cottage is a structured, research-based program utilizing the social model philosophy of care. We care for our residents by making them feel at home, rather than in an institutional setting. Excellent healthcare is always provided, but quality of life is our primary focus. Stimulating daily activities are offered and encouraged to sustain independence and promote a healthy spirit.

Auguste's Story
In 1906, a woman passed away after suffering for several years with memory loss, paranoia, auditory hallucinations, unpredictable behavior and a decline in the ability to care for herself. The 56-year-old woman was a patient of German neurologist Alois Alzheimer. Her name was Auguste D., of Frankfurt, Germany, and she was the first person in whom the features of Alzheimer's disease were recognized. Her diagnosis formally began the world¹s understanding and treatment of memory loss. We have named our memory care program "Auguste¹s Cottage" in her honor.

Auguste's Cottage is a self-contained center within our community. The concept of the cottage is to focus on maintaining a secure, home- like environment where residents have a sense of belonging. We surround residents with artwork and special personal items from their past to help foster a sense of belonging and cultivate feelings of security. Plants adorn the halls and pets visit frequently. This protected environment fosters dignity and supports autonomy by reducing challenges. The specially designed, uncomplicated floor plan allows residents to stay oriented and move around more easily by offering strong visual cues. Some locations offer multiple centers designed to fit the needs of our residents through each stage of their journey. Program levels vary at each community.

Compassionate, friendly, patient and knowledgeable are just a few ways to describe the Auguste¹s Cottage caregivers. We pride ourselves on being selective and hire only the best professionals and provide them with on-site training and education in memory impairment. Under the guiding hands of our trained Memory Care Facilitators, we pledge to give each resident the highest quality of care possible.

The dignity and individual expression of each resident is ensured through providing excellent healthcare, a secure and comforting environment, a clear understanding of memory issues, and a strong compassion for those we serve.

The term "Snoezelen" was derived from a combination of two Dutch words; snuffelen (to seek out or explore) and doezelen (to relax). The concept was developed by Dutch therapists Jan Hulsegge and Ad Verheul in the late 1970's, and is now used in many countries around the world. It's a concept that endeavors to provide a relaxing, multi-sensory experience by blending sights, sounds, textures, tastes, and aromas, all within a safely controlled environment. Although anyone can benefit from Snoezelen, research has found that it is especially helpful for the elderly and individuals experiencing memory loss.

The aim of the Snoezelen experience is to provide a stimulating environment that heightens awareness and mental activity. Participants are encouraged to explore the world around them in an unrestrained, but protected environment. By creating a non-threatening atmosphere, participants don't feel challenged. There is no need for intellectual reasoning or for "performance" of any kind. By removing the tension of daily life, participants experience self-control, overcome inhibitions, and enhance self-esteem. They relax physically and mentally, and enjoy the world around them at their own pace.

The multi-sensory experience is induced in many ways. By displaying colorful objects and pictures, orbiting images, fiber optic lights, and many other visually fascinating objects, participants are encouraged to reach out and touch. Many textures in the form of pillows and fabric panels fill the room and induce comfort and relaxation when touched. Electronic devices with buttons and switches heighten interest and encourage exploration and discovery. The gentle vibrations of massage mats soothe the body and reduce stress, and caregivers often give hand massages to help participants relax. The room is filled with pleasant sounds, and comforting aromas are subtly dispensed into the air. Images of nature are shown on surrounding objects or even the residents to give the viewer a feeling of complete peace.

Research has shown that multi-sensory environments like these offer a wealth of benefits, often affording the participant and caregiver an opportunity to improve communication, enhance their understanding of each, and build trust. Caregivers in the Snoezelen program are always gentle and comforting. They are careful to introduce objects slowly and observe the reactions of each individual. By exploring combinations of different objects, sounds and smells, the caregiver comes to recognize favorites, and can focus on creating the most comforting and pleasurable experience for each individual.