According to Alzheimer’s Society statistics, women are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia as men, due in part to the fact that women have longer life expectancies. To meet the unique needs of women residents, the Ovation Sienna Hills retirement community in St. George launched Sage, the first female memory care community in Utah, in March 2023.
“There was a lot of thought, consideration and innovation that went into creating a women’s-only memory care community,” said executive director Austin Ricks. “The concept is women helping women with a nurturing spirit. Studies have shown that women living together helps them hold on to the nature of womanhood, allowing for a better overall support system and more engagement. Families also feel comfort and a sense of safety knowing their loved ones are living in an all-female neighborhood.”
Since 2020, Ovation Sienna Hills has accommodated residents across all stages of senior life with 150 independent living apartments, 90 assisted living apartments and 25 villas. Realizing that the needs of women memory care residents differ from those of male residents, Ovation directors decided to dedicate a neighborhood exclusively to female-centered care. Of 60 available memory care apartments, 30 are located in a women’s-only area with access to a large plant-filled courtyard with seating, an outdoor path and garden boxes to enjoy.
“The studio rooms are modern and spacious, with high vaulted ceilings,” Ricks said. “They vary in size, but all come with a walk-in shower, sliding bathroom door and a motion sensor above the bed to detect movement and help prevent falls, especially at night.”
Thanks to the efforts of the life enrichment director and a robust activity program, Ovation’s female memory care residents are never short of fun and engaging things to do. Stations featuring jewelry, hats, scarves, pillows and lots of floral details celebrate femininity throughout the unit, and the majority-female staff make sure residents feel safe, protected and cared for while preserving their sense of dignity.
All employees who work in the female memory care neighborhood receive hands-on training through Dementia Live, a program that allows caregivers to step into the shoes of residents with dementia to gain perspective about their daily care requirements and the challenges they live with.
Understanding how stressful and overwhelming the Alzheimer’s/dementia journey can be, not just for residents but for their caregivers as well, Ovation has special support systems in place to help make the memory care transition easier on everyone.
“It’s all new territory for many of these families,” said Andy Haws, director of health services. “They often express how confusing and crushing it is when they realize they can no longer take care of their loved ones. It takes a lot of trust to allow someone else to take over that role, and it’s a relief for them to see their parents, siblings and spouses safe and thriving. We love the relationships we’ve built with these extended families.”
To schedule a tour or to learn more about Ovation Sienna Hills and the Sage memory care neighborhood for women only, call 435.264.8568 or visit ovationsiennahills.com.
