The Frank and Laura Smock Memory Enhancement Center at Peabody Retirement Community -- completed in 2004 -- combines the best in Montessori programming with our tradition of excellent health care.

The Memory Enhancement Center is appropriate for those with mild to moderate memory impairment.  This group of individuals is especially responsive to the innovative and well-researched techniques we employ to enhance memory retention, slowing the progression of the disease and often lengthening the time before the resident requires a full health care living environment.

Montessori programs originate in the studies of Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900's.  Although she primarily studied the behaviors of children, in recent years we have found that application of her research to older persons experiencing decreased memory is equally effective.

Dr. Montessori's research showed one very prominent fact -- if you immerge an individual into a familiar environment with well-ordered physical surroundings, the person regains a "normal" experience.

Specific Behaviors Observed in Montessori Programs

Spontaneous self-discipline to lessen inappropriate behavior
Concentrated attention
Interest in intellectual activities

Peabody Retirement Community has created a most impressive environment to promote and enhance these successes.  The all-new Memory Enhancement Center surrounds our residents with a homelike environment and familiar objects from decades past, including antiques, posters, magazine reprints and nostalgia items familiar to most of our residents.  Indirect lighting and large windows create an open and airy atmosphere, proven to reduce agitation and promote increased mobility.  The fences and gates that enclose our secured walkways and gardens allow the Memory Enhanced Center residents to "come and go" as they would at home -- with the structure and security offered by the specially-designed building.

The Frank and Laura Smock Memory Enhancement Center is designed to do one thing well ... help individuals experiencing decreased memory to live as full and meaningful life as possible.

To further explore our memory Enhancement Center, please click a link at the left.