The Esplanade of Woodmere

From Mike’s Long Island guide

In the provider’s own words

The Esplanade in Woodmere is a special place. It is just undergoing finishing touches and will be open in late 2021. It has been designed for seniors who value the Jewish experience in care for people with dementia. The food is kosher, and a synagogue is on site and will be active for all residents. The Community, of course, welcomes all potential residents.

The Esplanade has a powerfully different approach to Memory Care. To quote the Community,” Our Montessori Moments in Time™ program is the cornerstone of Meridian Senior Living’s comprehensive approach to memory care and was developed through extensive research and first-hand experience with our residents throughout the years. We strive every day to integrate purpose and meaningful moments into the lives of our memory care residents through a customized program, honoring our residents and their journey with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Our secure, specialized memory care neighborhood offers spacious private suites in a home-like setting, with supervised access to amenities, and care by our highly trained and compassionate staff.”

The Esplanade building is newly and completely renovated. The layout of the building lends itself to small groups (8-10 people), and activities will be organized in small groups. And in keeping with the Montessori ideal, each resident will be encouraged and helped to pursue meaningful activities and lifestyle choices that bring personal fulfillment. Again, to quote the Community, “Our memory care program is based on a platform of respect—respect for everyone as people who are important, with significant life stories, talents and preferences.

We provide our memory care residents with a positive and intentional experience at our community. Our Life Engagement programming seeks to reduce agitation and inspire conversation. Understanding resident preferences and past history—their loves, likes, occupations, family members, and more—can help us identify and troubleshoot why a resident may be upset and redirect behaviors to bring moments of joy into social interactions.” The Esplanade is a great new option for people with dementia, bringing a Jewish view on care to seniors and families living with dementia.

Published in Mike McClernon’s guide: Senior Living South Shore of Long Island

This brand-new community, smaller community, set to open in early 2022, is Nassau County’s only Memory Care community serving a Kosher diet. For Jewish residents it also features an on-site synagogue. Residents of any faith, of course, are welcome to enjoy this small, boutique approach to Dementia Care. The Esplanade features a unique approach to helping seniors with dementia. They follow the general principle of Montessori education – seniors with dementia still have interests, preferences, and passions, and they are encouraged to continue to follow those interests while at the Esplanade. Group sizes for activities will be kept small, and if there is interest in a particular subject by just one or two residents, that interest will be supported and encouraged. And although The Esplanade will be new when it opens, it is managed by the Meridian Company, an internally know provider of services to seniors.

Published in Mike McClernon’s guide: Senior Living Nassau County