A Feeling of Home at RoseCrest Assisted Living

The residents of RoseCrest Assisted Living recently surrounded the piano, singing familiar songs as the sounds of laughter and music emanated from the Great Room and Chapel where many had gathered. Some in the audience sang along or danced, while others sat back and listened to the music.

RoseCrest is part of the Lutheran SeniorLife St. John Community campus in Mars—a continuing care community. It’s designed specifically for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia requiring memory support services.

“RoseCrest feels like home to everyone,” explained Gina Strasbaugh, marketing coordinator. “Every inch of this building is designed to be warm, inviting… and that all comes with a staff that goes above and beyond, helping residents who are dealing with memory loss issues.”

“Living at RoseCrest is a blessing for the residents and their families,” said Sean Schreckengost, director of residential living. “It provides families with the peace of mind that their loved one is safe.”

The secured building provides residents with a familiar environment so they can walk through their home by themselves. “Our residents thrive on consistency,” explained Strasbaugh. “We want them to feel comfortable and in control.”

“Their safety is our number-one priority,” added Schreckengost. “We have a state-of-the-art monitoring system protecting and alerting staff to any possible adverse movement within the building.”

What sets RoseCrest apart, according to Strasbaugh, are the staff, amenities and the activities for the residents. Every staff member is trained in dementia care and able to identify and provide care to meet each individual’s specific needs.

“We take great pride in knowing and identifying each particular need of each individual resident and fulfilling it,” explained Schreckengost. “With a smaller community, we can provide more personalized care than larger facilities.”

“Doctors, a dentist, even a podiatrist will come on-site when needed,” Strasbaugh added. “There is even a hair salon and a spa that residents have access to anytime they need those types of services.”

Group activities and entertainment are very important as well, to keep the residents engaged. They also have access to a secure outdoor courtyard equipped with a walking path and garden area where they grow flowers and vegetables.

Residents’ suites are equipped with a private bath, flat-screen TV, kitchenette and an armoire containing clear drawers to help easily identify clothes. An executive chef and dietician prepare three meals a day to meet the residents’ preferences and dietary needs.

Every day, there is always something happening at RoseCrest, including a lot of what Strasbaugh describes as “mind stretch activities,” where residents talk with staff about their lives. These types of conversations help staff understand how well or not someone is doing—providing opportunity to adjust residents’ care as needed.

“We understand the incredible amount of trust that families put in us,” said David Fenoglietto, president and CEO of Lutheran SeniorLife. “No matter what stage of memory loss, we have the program, facilities and knowledgeable staff to meaningfully engage residents and provide life-supporting services in a community that cares.”