In the assisted living and memory care neighborhoods at The Preserve of Roseville, residents receive highly personalized support with a focus on overall wellness, safety, and happiness.
“Each person who lives in these neighborhoods is an individual, with their own abilities, preferences, histories, and rhythms,” explains Activities Director Erin Moynihan. “We honor that and meet them where they are.”
With over 20 years as an Activities Director across various states, Moynihan’s expertise spans memory care, independent living, and assisted living communities.
“For me, it’s about making this a home,” she explains. “It’s important that residents feel seen, safe, cared for, and respected every single day.”
A Continuum of Care Offers Peace of Mind
The Preserve at Roseville offers a complete continuum of person-focused care, from independent living to assisted living to memory care, for seniors on its campus in Roseville, MN.
“People considering helping a parent or loved one move into The Preserve of Roseville should know that we offer levels of care within assisted living, too,” explains the senior living community’s Executive Director, Kristel Lastine. “Whether your parent or loved one requires help eating and bathing, or only needs support from time to time with specific tasks, such as medication management, blood glucose monitoring, or wound care, we can help. It’s not cookie-cutter care. And you’ll both have the comfort of knowing that more care or memory care is available if it’s ever needed. Either way — in assisted living or memory care — Erin will help your loved one thrive. She’s amazing at adapting favorite pastimes to suit the abilities of the residents and building connections, too.”
Specifically, Moynihan’s significant background in yoga and aquatic therapy also shapes her holistic approach to wellness for people with dementia, which emphasizes both physical and emotional well-being.
“Respecting and supporting our residents means investing in adaptive dishes and cups so that they can eat well and with dignity. It means a smart TV with apps that play the personally curated videos they love. It means getting to know and connecting with each resident on a personal level.”
Moments of Joy in Memory Care
“The activities program isn’t about keeping residents occupied,” she explains. “It’s about creating moments of joy, calm, and connection. And because of the small size of our program, we are able to offer positive experiences in both group and one-on-one settings. As an example, we currently have one resident with low vision with limited mobility. I’ve bought her many brightly colored objects with soft and smooth textures to work with, and quiet noisemakers that make interesting and pleasing sounds so she can explore the various sensations, express herself, and get creative. Another resident loves aromatherapy scents, so we have a library of soothing aromas for her to enjoy.”
Moynihan’s decades of experience in senior living have led her to create her own innovative activity, which she calls “Hand Time.”
“Humans need physical touch. It helps fight depression, reduces pain, and lowers blood pressure. Hands are one of the safest and most comforting places to receive touch. With each resident, Hand Time looks different. It may be holding hands, washing hands, or a hand massage. It might be one, two, three, four, now we have a thumb war! Or a gentle high five. Whatever the resident is comfortable with and wants to do — what’s important is that safe, comforting, and vital human connection.”
Enriching Lives Through Music, Animals, and Community
Music therapy plays a pivotal role in the daily life of memory care residents. Moynihan collaborates with Living Music Therapy, which visits twice a month, and she also incorporates popular sing-along programs like “Sing Along With Susie Q.” These activities bring residents together in joyous moments, often rekindling long-forgotten memories.
Animal therapy is another cherished part of the Memory Care program. Moynihan’s own therapy-certified cats, Big Boy and Maybe, visit regularly, providing comfort and companionship. For residents who have had pets in the past, these visits offer profound emotional relief. “Animals have a healing presence,” she notes. “They remind residents of the unconditional love they’ve shared with their own pets.”
Social Interaction
Friendly visitors to the memory care neighborhood are another source of comfort and fun for residents. “We have a group of residents from independent and assisted living who drop in frequently,” Moynihan explains. “These are people who have been lifelong volunteers and are happy to have the opportunity to contribute and remain active. They may read a book out loud, have friendly chats, do a craft, or play music. It’s a win-win for everyone. Memory care residents can participate in broader community activities at The Preserve when possible and we take scenic bus rides together, as well.”
A Call to Families
The Preserve of Roseville offers peace of mind and an expert, compassionate team ready to help every step of the way.
For those navigating the difficult decision of whether or not to help a loved one transition into assisted living or memory care, Moynihan’s message is simple yet powerful: “It’s not just about providing empathetic 24/7 care or our fantastic onsite nurses; it’s about creating happiness. We provide safety, dignity, and moments of joy. Your loved ones deserve a place where they can truly thrive.”
To learn more about Assisted Living or Memory Care at The Preserve of Roseville, visit https://preserveofroseville.com.