You want to find the best memory care for your loved ones. Discover how our unique approach to memory care can provide your family with the services you need.
The environment, services, and programs of local dementia and Alzheimer’s care
Intentionally built for those experiencing memory loss and other dementia-related symptoms, The Cordwainer reimagines how individuals can live and thrive in a setting created to the highest specifications in line with the latest research in dementia and ergonomic design. The use of natural woods, ample natural lighting, and an open floor plan combines aesthetic and therapeutic benefits that are hard to find in traditional Alzheimer’s care centers.
Dedicated to memory care for South Shore families
Unlike many communities, The Cordwainer was created solely for residents with dementia. We make no compromises. The team at The Cordwainer is trained to support residents in living their best lives. Families also call The Cordwainer an exceptional assisted living memory care residence because of the opportunities we find for loved ones to find meaning and purpose.
Memory care programming
The Learned EnvironmentSM is a proprietary mental and brain stimulation curriculum developed to exercise the mind with both new and familiar learning opportunities. The program takes advantage of the fact that, even though dementia cannot be reversed, its progress can be slowed by keeping one’s mind busy and active through mental stimulation. Classes include music, art and foreign language. The Learned Environment℠, complemented by our other programming and modern technology, such as the Tovertafel and an innovative light projection system, allows residents, team members, and families to engage in a fun yet therapeutic way.
The sensory gardens
To complement our outdoor courtyard garden, at the center of our community is an indoor sensory garden that allows for all-year stimulation of the senses. Residents can engage with the garden or simply relax and listen to the sounds of the bubbling water and birds chirping. The tree and plantings in its center invite you to sit on the benches surrounded by garden beds with flowers and plants. All five senses- sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing- are stimulated. Raised planting beds allow resident gardeners to get involved with nature.
Latest technology
The entire building and all apartments are wired with fiber-optic cabling, providing residents with high-speed internet and the best quality TV and audio reception.
Virus prevention
We incorporate Clean Air Technology into our community. Our modern climatization system provides optimal fresh air circulation throughout the common areas and suites. Air is never recycled but always ventilated freshly into the building using the latest filtering and cleaning technology.
Emergency call system
If a resident needs help—or there is an emergency–our state-of-the-art radio-frequency system identifies the resident’s location and ensures nearby Care Associates are deployed quickly to support the resident.
Camera support
Cameras provide video monitoring of common areas while respecting the privacy of residents.
Woodwork shop
Under the supervision of our staff, residents can engage in handicraft activities. A wood workshop allows residents to produce small gifts, decorations, fun objects, and more. Residents can laser engrave their work to share with family and friends.
Rejuvenation room
Staying calm, balanced, and well is of the utmost importance. The Rejuvenation room is furnished with comfortable reclining chairs, and residents can enjoy soothing music, aromatherapy, hand massages, and more. This room is especially beneficial for our residents who have progressed further with their dementia, allowing them to continue staying engaged through each stage.
Second floor terrace
On beautiful days, the second floor has an open and inviting fenced terrace where residents can enjoy fresh air.
Resource room
A variety of dementia-related information and documents are available for family and friends of residents. For those who want to better understand dementia-or how to better communicate with their loved ones-this is an excellent resource. We will host support groups and lectures here as well.
Family suite
Our private family suite with a full kitchen, dining area, and living room is for families and residents to use for private events. Residents also use the area for cooking classes and small group activities.
Nursing
Nurses are available for peace of mind.
Community Design
Purpose-built for dementia care
The Cordwainer reimagines how individuals requiring dementia care can live and thrive in a setting created with the latest research in dementia and ergonomic design. The use of natural woods, ample natural lighting, and an open floor plan combines aesthetic and therapeutic benefits.
Thoughtfully designed,
inside and out
While the design is bright and modern, it is also supportive and practical for individuals with dementia and inspires excitement and engagement. The community design allows residents to enjoy active and fulfilled lives, with access to the open dining area, where residents can watch meal preparation or chef demos, quiet lounges, or activity and classroom areas – all directly outside their suites.
Throughout the community, color contrasting is carefully incorporated to support residents with sight or perception challenges, which can trigger confusion for individuals with dementia. Sitting areas offer a variety of comfortable armchairs and tables so residents can gather, talk, or enjoy activities.
Even the courtyard is built to allow residents to sit, relax, watch birds coming and going from birdhouses, enjoy softer plantings that trigger memories, or move about freely.
Down to the
smallest details
From the flooring to the lighting, fabrics, colors, and floor plans, everything at The Cordwainer is designed for individuals living with dementia, whether Alzheimer’s disease or other degenerative diseases. Additional features within the community are designed to stimulate engagement while reducing anxiety.
Amenities at The Cordwainer
Discover the amenities that make all the difference in local dementia and Alzheimer’s care
An innovative and modern community, The Cordwainer is built to serve elders living with dementia. Nestled in a quiet area of Norwell that breathes peace and calm, our living environment empowers residents and families as partners in our residents’ care and daily lives. Our community is designed to deliver engaging experiences, and the living suites are meticulously curated for comfort and security.
| Community features | |
|---|---|
|
Innovative dwelling designed for individuals with dementia |
Open and warming country kitchen for residents to see meal preparation |
|
Living spaces are supportive, practical, and inspire engagement |
Private family suite with full kitchen, dining area and living room |
|
Indoor and outdoor sensory gardens cater to all five senses |
Gentle fitness classes |
|
Rejuvenation lounge for wellness |
Open floor plan encourages socialization |
|
Color usage for safety and engagement |
Barbershop and salon |
|
Outdoor terrace |
Art Room and Lounge |
|
Sunroom for casual relaxation |
Resource center for families and support groups |
|
Tovertafel light projection system improves resident engagement |
Electric vehicle charging stations for visitors and employees |
It’s the details that matter
From the moment you enter our sun-filled atrium, glimpse our two-story sensory garden wall, and see our open, inviting common and activity rooms—all designed for individuals with dementia care needs—visitors and residents experience an elevated level of amenities at The Cordwainer.
Daily Life at The Cordwainer
Fostering
engagement
Being happily engaged in a satisfying activity reduces agitation, anxiety, depression, and anger for individuals with dementia. It may even reduce challenging behaviors like sundowning or the need for medication. From the moment our residents wake up, they can access engaging, failure-free groups or individual activities just steps from their suite. We provide a unique approach to memory care family members appreciate.
Daily life through activities
Memory Books
Members of this art group can document their lives or interests in drawings, paintings, or collages. The project challenges residents to create memory books with pages devoted to special moments, poems, recipes, or anything they want to feature. The project ends with sharing the work.
Movement for the Mind
These interactive sessions blend exercise, reminiscence, and plenty of fun. Our Movement for the Mind activity includes gentle exercise to music in a supportive and friendly group. Residents are encouraged to do as much or as little as they feel able to, and individuals with restricted mobility can easily join in.
Art Room and Lounge
Our art room is a popular spot for residents working on art projects with guided instruction. Other residents enjoy stopping by to see how the projects are going and participate in the creative process. We love producing some of the best memory care art in Massachusetts.
Performance Center
The Performance Center is the venue to enjoy movies in the evenings and other special gatherings. It also converts into a room for social activities that we occasionally invite the surrounding communities to use for scheduled events such as performances, speakers, entertainers, or a local school’s ballet class. This center is a hub of activity for the South Shore community.
Members of this art group can document their lives or interests in drawings, paintings or collage. The project challenges residents to create memory books, with pages devoted to special moments, poems, recipes, and anything they want to feature. The project ends with sharing the work.
These interactive sessions blend exercise, reminiscence, and plenty of fun. Our Movement for the Mind activity includes gentle exercise to music in a supportive and friendly group. Residents are encouraged to do as much or little as they feel able to, and individuals with restricted mobility can easily join in.
If residents like to use their hands, our wood workshop offers guided instruction on building bird boxes, memory boxes, wooden animals, outdoor planters and more. A seating area allows residents to relax and chat about their projects.
The Performance Center is the venue to enjoy movie evenings and other special gatherings. It also converts into a room for social activities that we occasionally invite the surrounding communities to use for scheduled events such as performances, speakers, entertainers, or local school’s ballet class.
Tovertafel-Purposeful Play
The Tovertafel, awarded “Most Promising Innovation of 2022,” is an interactive game console that projects specifically designed interactive games onto a table. The console was developed for people with cognitive challenges and is known to improve the quality of life of elderly people living with dementia. It is fun for residents to play with team members, grandchildren, and other family members.
Meaningful connections
Our exceptional programming provides residents with an abundance of activities from which to choose. Our programming includes opportunities to learn, have fun, be entertained, or just relax. We tailor our activities around our resident’s interests and incorporate evidence-based therapy programming that increases happiness and self-esteem.
Additional activities include:
- Concerts
- Themed parties/gatherings
- Offsite trips to South Shore locations to stimulate memories
- Photography
- Sewing, crocheting, and quilting
- Gardening (Muddy Boots Club)
- Golf (putting green)
- Wildlife exploration
- Cooking classes
- Resident therapy dogs add to the informal family atmosphere
