The Living Branches dementia care program is an innovative approach to Memory Care that emphasizes what residents can do, instead of what the disease has taken from them. We focus on abilities and preferences, guided by Montessori principles, to empower residents to lead lives of purpose and joy. Creative arts therapy, Music & Memory, memory books, prepared environments, and partnerships with lively interns from local universities are just some of the tools we use to enhance life for individuals with dementia.
Dementia Care in Montgomery and Bucks County
Knowledge, Research, and Resources
Dementia Care Strategy at Living Branches
Dementia Care in Action at Living Branches
Our Partnership with Drexel University
The Latest Learning in Dementia Care
Living Branches’ collaborative partnership with Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions and LeadingAge PA, provides a model for engagement of educators, researchers, clinical practitioners, and students, through its focus on the specialized needs of older adults, families, and caregivers.
A few of the goals of this partnership are to promote healthy living for seniors in a life plan community, enhance the Memory Care program, and conduct research on aging issues and concerns.
Learn More About Our Partnership
“We immediately realized the win-win of an ongoing collaboration; Drexel brought the scientific expertise, and Living Branches could offer a real-world setting to test out new ideas.”
Caregiver Burnout Research Study
“Caregivers need to take care of themselves because they are the most important people in the life of someone with dementia.”
Creative Arts Therapy
Creative Connections
from Heart to Heart
Creative arts therapy is the use of music, art, and dance/movement as an interactive medium within a therapeutic relationship between a resident and a therapist or therapy student, which helps the resident maintain their health and their health related goals. Creative arts therapy is a tool to help residents stay happy and healthy.
Music & Memory
The Power of Music and the Mind
Music & Memory uses personalized music playlists on digital music players to help people with dementia and other chronic conditions reconnect with the world around them and improve their quality of life. Listening to music can stimulate memories, improve mood, decrease agitation, and provide an enjoyable, fulfilling activity.
Meet Our Team
Annette Echanis
Director of Resident Engagement
Kathleen Roberts
Dementia Care Strategy
Seth Laucks
Creative Arts Therapy Coordinator
Becca Goering
Music & Memory Coordinator
Support for Families and Caregivers
Support Groups
Staff led support groups specifically for family members and caregivers to a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Memory Cafes
Memory cafés are an encouraging place for persons with dementia and their caregivers to socialize with others who are on the same journey.
Caregiver Seminar
Understanding and communicating with loved ones living with dementia can often be difficult. Attend this free seminar to learn the best techniques to talk with your loved one again.
Dementia Care Resource Library
The Fund for Creative Arts Therapy
The fund for creative arts therapy helps us bring joy to residents through music, art, and dance. This fund supports the purchase of iPods and musical instruments, community art projects, and the internship programs we have with universities such as Drexel University, Temple University, and Immaculata University.
