When a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, families face one of the most difficult journeys of their lives. Questions flood in: How do we provide the best care? How do we maintain their dignity? How do we ensure they continue to thrive? At Starling, we understand these concerns deeply, and our Memory Care lifestyle (also known as Starlight) is designed to provide answers, comfort, and hope.
The loss of memory and cognition doesn't have to mean a loss of dignity, independence, or joy. Our Starlight residences are purposefully designed to provide the highest level of specialized care in an environment that encourages engagement, preserves dignity, and promotes well-being at every stage of the journey.
A Different Approach to Memory Care
At Starling, we believe that every person -- regardless of their cognitive challenges -- deserves to feel valued, engaged, and at home. Our Starlight communities are built on a foundation of person-centered care, recognizing that what works for one resident may not work for another. We take the time to understand each individual's unique history, preferences, abilities, and needs to create truly personalized care plans.
Our philosophy is simple: No one should go through this journey alone. We're here to walk alongside your family every step of the way, providing expert care, compassionate support, and a warm, welcoming environment that feels like home.
Purposefully Designed Secure Environments
Safety and security are paramount in Starlight, but they should never come at the expense of comfort and dignity. Our Starlight residences feature:
- Secure neighborhoods that allow freedom of movement within a protected environment
- Studio-style apartments with plenty of natural light and comfortable furnishings
- Familiar, residential design that reduces confusion and promotes independence
- Easy-to-navigate layouts with clear sightlines and recognizable landmarks
- Safe outdoor spaces for fresh air and nature engagement
- Specialized lighting designed to reduce agitation and promote healthy sleep patterns
Every design element in our Starlight communities serves a purpose, from color choices that aid wayfinding to furniture arrangements that encourage social interaction.
24/7 Expert Care You Can Trust
Memory care requires specialized expertise, and our team is equipped to provide the highest level of professional support.
- 24/7 staffing by professionally trained nurses and caregivers
- Specialized dementia and Alzheimer's training for all Starlight staff
- Low staff-to-resident ratios ensuring personalized attention
- Consistent care teams who build meaningful relationships with residents
- Medication management and health monitoring
- Coordination with families and healthcare providers
Our caregivers don't just provide care, they become trusted companions who understand the unique needs of individuals living with dementia. They're trained to recognize subtle changes in behavior, respond with compassion during challenging moments, and celebrate victories both big and small.
Family-Style Dining Experiences
Mealtime is more than nutrition. It's a social experience that provides comfort, routine, and connection. Our Starlight dining program is specifically designed for residents with cognitive challenges.
- Dedicated dining rooms within Memory Care neighborhoods
- Family-style meal service that promotes socialization and normalcy
- Simplified choices that reduce decision-making stress
- Familiar, comforting foods prepared by our gourmet chefs
- Accommodations for individual eating challenges and dietary needs
- Flexible meal times that respect individual routines
- Trained dining assistants who provide support with dignity
Our chefs create meals that stimulate the senses and evoke positive memories, while our dining team ensures that every resident receives the support they need, whether that's gentle encouragement, hand-over-hand assistance, or adapted utensils.
Dynamic, Purposeful Programming
Research shows that meaningful engagement and purposeful activities can significantly improve quality of life for individuals with dementia. Our activity calendar is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of Starlight residents.
- Cognitive stimulation programs designed to maintain mental engagement
- Reminiscence therapy that connects residents with positive memories
- Music and art therapy proven to reach individuals at all stages
- Sensory programs that engage sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste
- Life skills activities that provide purpose and accomplishment
- Gentle exercise programs including chair yoga and walking groups
- Pet therapy and animal interactions
- Intergenerational programs connecting residents with children and young adults
- Spiritual and religious services respecting individual beliefs
Personalized Daily Engagement
Our activities aren't one-size-fits-all. We create individualized engagement plans based on each resident's:
- Life history and former occupations
- Personal interests and hobbies
- Current abilities and cognitive function
- Energy levels and preferences
- Cultural background and traditions
Whether it's folding towels, tending a garden, sorting buttons, listening to big band music, or creating art, we find activities that provide purpose, joy, and a sense of accomplishment.
Holistic Wellness Programs
Physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness remain important throughout the dementia journey. Our Starlight wellness offerings include:
- On-site therapy studio for physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Coordination with visiting medical providers and home health services
- Medication management and health monitoring
- Gentle exercise programs adapted for all ability levels
- Spa services including therapeutic massage and salon services
- Access to wellness amenities including secure outdoor spaces
We understand that wellness encompasses more than physical health. It includes emotional comfort, social connection, and spiritual fulfillment.
Supporting Families Every Step of the Way
We recognize that memory loss affects the entire family. Our Starlight program includes robust support for families and caregivers.
- Regular communication and updates about your loved one's well-being
- Family education programs about dementia and caregiving
- Care plan meetings with transparent communication
- Support groups for family members
- Open-door visitation policy welcoming families anytime
- Family events and celebrations including holiday gatherings
- Respite care options giving family caregivers needed breaks
We invite families to remain actively involved in their loved one's care and to be part of our extended Starling family.
Why Memory Care Communities Improve Quality of Life
Research consistently shows that specialized memory care communities provide better outcomes than home care for individuals with moderate to advanced dementia.
Memory care communities are designed specifically to meet the needs of individuals with cognitive impairments, reducing confusion, anxiety, and behavioral challenges.
- Social Engagement - Regular interaction with peers and trained staff combats isolation and loneliness, which can accelerate cognitive decline.
- Structured Routine - Consistent daily schedules and familiar environments provide comfort and security for individuals with memory loss.
- Professional Expertise - 24/7 access to trained dementia care specialists ensures appropriate responses to changing needs and challenging behaviors.
- Safety and Security - Purpose-built environments eliminate many of the safety hazards present in home settings while allowing freedom of movement.
- A Place to Call Home - While our Starlight neighborhoods provide the highest level of care, they never feel clinical or institutional. Every detail is designed to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where residents feel comfortable, secure, and at home.
From our inviting grand lobbies to our comfortable living spaces and peaceful outdoor areas, we've created environments that honor each resident's dignity while providing the specialized care they need.
The Starlight Difference
As a locally owned company, we're not bound by corporate mandates that prioritize profits over people. We put our residents and their families first, making decisions based on what's best for those in our care.
We see the person, not just the diagnosis. Every care plan is individualized, and we work to understand each resident's unique history, preferences, and needs.
Every element of our communities -- from layout to lighting to programming -- is thoughtfully designed to support individuals with dementia.
Our caregivers receive specialized training in dementia care and are committed to providing compassionate, professional support.
We believe families remain essential members of the care team, and we welcome your involvement and input.
Making the Transition to Memory Care
We understand that the decision to move a loved one to memory care is never easy. Many families struggle with guilt, worry, and uncertainty. Please know that choosing professional memory care is an act of love—it's recognizing when your loved one's needs exceed what can safely be provided at home.
Our team is here to support you through this transition with:
- Personalized tours at your pace
- Honest conversations about your loved one's needs
- Transparent information about costs and care levels
- Move-in support to make the transition smooth
- Ongoing communication as your loved one settles in
Experience Starling Memory Care for Yourself
The best way to understand the quality of care and warmth of our community is to visit in person. We invite you to:
- Tour our Memory Care neighborhoods and see the purposeful design
- Meet our caring staff and ask questions
- Join us for a meal in our Memory Care dining room
- Observe our programming and see residents engaged in activities
- Talk with families of current residents
We're proud of what we've created at Starling, and we'd love to show you how our Starlight lifestyle can provide your loved one with safety, dignity, engagement, and joy.
If you or a loved one could benefit from specialized memory care, we're here to help. Our team is ready to answer your questions, discuss your loved one's specific needs, and show you firsthand how Starling's Starlight communities provide exceptional care in a warm, home-like environment.
Contact us today to schedule a personalized tour of one of our Starlight communities. Let us show you how we can support your family through this journey with compassion, expertise, and unwavering dedication to your loved one's well-being.