Marquis Grows Memory Care at D.C.-Area Community as Demand ‘Outweighs Supply’

The Terraces at Tuckerman Lane has joined Marquis Consulting Services’ memory care segment after an expansion project.

Marquis’ Journeys memory care model supports current residents living with dementia or cognitive change while providing a safe and engaging homeline environment, according to Tuckerman Lane Executive Director Paige Salao.

The model is rooted in the Alzheimer’s Association’s best practice recommendations for dementia care and care delivery is part of “rigorous” standards including environmental considerations, person-centered health care, clinical integration and education, along with life enrichment and dining also playing important roles, according to Marquis Health Consulting Services Director of Memory Care Jean Krautzel. 

“Demand for memory care is growing, and that is being driven by multiple factors,” Krautzel said.

Krautzel cited aging demographics, the influx of the baby boomers and increased life expectancy as factors for compelling demand for memory care in the future.

To meet future memory care needs, Marquis renovated its Tuckerman Lane community just north of Washington, D.C. in Bethesda, Maryland, with amenities including updated dining areas, recreation and social spaces, a sensory suite and an outdoor patio with a garden area.

“We’re committed to evaluating and evolving our offerings based on the needs of our own residents as well as the greater Bethesda regional community. If demand continues to outweigh supply, we are at the ready,” Salao said.

Journeys Director Ramani Nokku, M.D. will lead care coordination and delivery for residents at the community’s new memory care program. Salao noted the “compassion and personalized approach” Nokku brings to the table as a geriatric care specialist is a differentiator for the Journeys program.

The community must meet state-designated standards regarding various aspects of memory care. This includes admission and discharge requirements, disclosures, staff education, physical plant features and care delivery practices, Krautzel said.

Krautzel also pointed to technology integration as a differentiator in memory care settings today, highlighting engagement and event software that can track participation and provide updates to residents and families. Through virtual reality, residents can “travel” to take a stroll down their hometown or an evening walk through Paris, Krautzel noted.

The Journeys program can also be adapted to support residents in other care levels, Nokku said, offering similar “parallel programming” options that are designed to “to foster everyone’s strengths, abilities and preferences.”

Operators sometimes plan experiences around what memory care residents cannot do.The Journeys program flips this notion on its head and focuses on a resident’s strengths, abilities and life story, according to Nokku.

“Our job is to modify those experiences to meet the person right where they are. We want our environment to foster the highest level of independence while maintaining safety,” Nokku said.

Looking ahead, Krautzel said demand for memory care “will remain strong,” based on the initial rollout of the program at Tuckerman Lane and other Marquis senior living properties.

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