{"id":138832,"date":"2026-10-12T07:02:31","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T11:02:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.send2press.com\/wire\/?p=138832"},"modified":"2026-10-09T19:00:40","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T23:00:40","slug":"living-longer-is-only-part-of-the-story-simpson-offers-families-guidance-on-choosing-a-memory-care-community-that-supports-independence-connection-and-quality-of-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.send2press.com\/wire\/living-longer-is-only-part-of-the-story-simpson-offers-families-guidance-on-choosing-a-memory-care-community-that-supports-independence-connection-and-quality-of-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Living Longer Is Only Part of the Story: Simpson Offers Families Guidance on Choosing a Memory Care Community that Supports Independence, Connection and Quality of Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

WEST GROVE, Pa., Oct. 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Simpson, a nonprofit senior living organization serving the greater Philadelphia region, is hosting a series of public education sessions at Jenner\u2019s Pond in West Grove, with guidance for families evaluating memory care communities. The recommendations encourage families to consider how a community supports daily life, including residents\u2019 freedom to make choices and maintain meaningful relationships.<\/p>\n

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Image caption: When evaluating memory care, families should look for cues that show how the environment supports the life residents will live there. At Jenner’s Pond, the outdoor memory care garden offers independence and choice.<\/em><\/p>\n

As the population ages, more families are navigating memory care decisions. In Chester County, nearly one in five residents are 65 or older, up from 13% in 2010, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. County-level estimates published by the Alzheimer\u2019s Association<\/a> put the number of Chester County residents age 65 and older living with Alzheimer\u2019s dementia at 9,900 in 2020.<\/p>\n

Dr. Carol McKinley, president and CEO of Simpson, encourages older adults and their families to look beyond traditional amenities when evaluating memory care communities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe question shouldn’t simply be, \u2018What kind of care will I receive here?\u2019 It should be, \u2018What kind of life can I live here?\u2019\u201d said McKinley. \u201cA community should support the whole person and provide opportunities for people to remain independent, connected and engaged while receiving the support they need as they age.\u201d<\/p>\n

When evaluating memory care, families should look at how a community supports independence, dignity, relationships, engagement, privacy and quality of life.<\/p>\n

EVALUATE HOW THE ENVIRONMENT SUPPORTS DAILY LIFE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jenner\u2019s Pond<\/a>, one of Simpson\u2019s three continuing care retirement communities, provides a memory care environment that values dignity and choice. Residents have open-door access to the expansive sensory garden, while care is guided by Comfort Matters\u00ae, an evidence-based, person-directed approach to dementia care focused on comfort, dignity and quality of life. Simpson is the first provider in Pennsylvania to earn the Comfort Matters distinction and joins a list of more than 50 worldwide.<\/p>\n

The garden\u2019s doors are unlocked during the day, giving memory care residents the freedom to choose when and how they want to spend their time. \u201cAt Jenner\u2019s Pond, the sensory garden is beautiful, but the freedom is even more important,\u201d said McKinley. \u201cResidents can choose to walk, garden, listen to birds and water, watch butterflies or simply enjoy being outdoors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Families should ask how a community helps residents maintain their health and independence, and how it responds when care needs change.<\/p>\n

\u201cMemory loss doesn’t erase someone’s personality, preferences, emotions or dignity,\u201d McKinley said. \u201cThe best memory care recognizes the person first and the diagnosis second.\u201d<\/p>\n

ASK HOW TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTS CARE <\/strong><\/p>\n

Technology should support residents, while protecting their privacy and independence. At Jenner\u2019s Pond, Amba\u2019s discreet, camera-free health monitoring helps the care team identify changes in residents\u2019 health and daily routines earlier. Jenner\u2019s Pond reported a 35% reduction in rehospitalizations during the period measured.<\/p>\n

\u201cTechnology should enhance human care, not replace it,\u201d McKinley said. \u201cThe goal is to give caregivers better information while preserving residents\u2019 privacy, dignity and independence.\u201d<\/p>\n

ASK HOW THE COMMUNITY SUPPORTS RELATIONSHIPS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Families should also ask how a memory care community helps residents maintain important relationships. Relationships and a sense of belonging are part of living well, too. At Jenner\u2019s Pond, couples can remain close even when their care needs differ. One partner can maintain an active, independent lifestyle while the other receives specialized memory care just a walk away, allowing couples to continue sharing meals, visits and everyday moments.<\/p>\n

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN TOURING A MEMORY CARE COMMUNITY <\/strong><\/p>\n

McKinley recommends observing residents and staff during a community visit rather than relying solely on a brochure or activity calendar.<\/p>\n