Coming to work feels like coming home to Megan McInerney, who has been a member of Aspired Living’s team since the senior living community opened in Prospect Heights in 2017.
As a memory support manager, Megan spends most days with her “work family” made up of co-workers, residents and residents’ families. “All of our team members—from housekeepers to culinarians to nurses—know the residents’ life stories so well that they are like family to us,” she says.
It may be surprising to learn that Aspired Living residents living in A Knew Day® memory support neighborhood are the happiest members of this big, extended, self-made family.
“I see the joy in our residents’ faces every day when I come to work,” says Megan. “They moved from an apartment or four-bedroom house where they lived by themselves to a place where they are now surrounded by love, comfort and friends. Our residents are the happiest people here.”
Keeping it Personal…and Fun!
Megan and the Aspired Living memory support team give it their all to keep residents smiling. “We make sure residents are living their day-to-day lifestyle exactly how they want,” says Megan.
The team starts by creating individual care plans for each resident to identify the unique needs and wants of every person in their care. Guided by the care plans and with a positive approach, Megan and the staff spend one-on-one time with residents to provide the individual attention that each one desires and deserves.
VIVA! group programming, such as flower arranging (one of their favorites!) provides other opportunities for engagement and connection. Many people may wonder what’s the point of this program, but Megan explains that there is a purpose behind everything they do. “We cut and arrange the flowers while talking about our favorite colors and blooms,” she says, adding that the experience is creative, sensory and social and the benefits linger long after the activity is over with residents’ cheery bouquets decorating the memory support neighborhood.
All in the Family
Memory support residents’ families are also welcome with open arms into Aspired Living’s self-made family.
“I am very close with each and every one of our residents’ families,” says Megan. “They have to trust me and the team, so it’s important to prioritize my relationship with them and keep them updated on their loved ones as much as possible.”
Moving a parent or spouse to memory support can be a difficult decision to make, but Megan reassures families that they are making the best choice for their loved one when they chose Aspired Living. “Our memory support neighborhood is a safe environment where residents can be themselves and live out their lives happily with the care they need,” she says. “They can walk around, help themselves to something in the fridge, find a friend to sit and have a cup of coffee with and read the paper.”
If you are considering memory support for a loved one, Megan is happy to discuss your needs, answer questions and help guide you and your family though the process. Contact Megan at 847-818-1808 or .
About Aspired Living of Prospect Heights
Aspired Living of Prospect Heights, located at 708 N. Elmhurst Road, offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and A Knew Day® Memory Support. Operated by Pathway to Living, Aspired Living of Prospect Heights helps residents find meaning and purpose in a healthy, safe and beautiful environment. For more information, visit the website here.