
If you’re looking for a safe and homelike environment for your loved one with dementia, a Sonida Senior Living community could be your answer.
At our Sonida Senior Living communities around the United States, we offer memory care services as part of a specialized program called Magnolia Trails™. Our Magnolia Trails memory care program consists of five pillars of care that were developed in partnership with healthcare professionals and memory care experts.
In this blog, we will explain what the first pillar, Focusing on Care First, means for our memory care communities. This pillar states: “The care of your loved one comes first. This means that our residents drive every aspect of the experience we provide from the physical layout and design of our communities to dining options, programming and activities.”
Emphasis on individual care
The focus of the first Magnolia Trails pillar is the supportive and nurturing care residents receive while living in one of our memory care communities. Here at Sonida Senior Living, we emphasize care of the whole person, mind, body and spirit. This approach includes managing physical health, emotional well-being and cognitive needs.
To provide the best possible care, our Magnolia Trails staff members start by asking resident family members various questions in a DECADES™ questionnaire. This questionnaire aims to gather valuable insights about the resident’s background, lifestyle, and preferences. For example, we ask about their hobbies, routines, and cherished memories to create an environment customized to their unique needs.
A tailored care plan is created using this information from the family as well as a health care assessment conducted by the senior living community. This questionnaire not only helps with creating a personalized care plan, but it also helps with discovering the activities your loved one would enjoy engaging in.
Our memory care communities provide the following care options:
- On-site physical therapy
- Medication management
- Scheduled bathing
- Assistance with grooming
- Oral hygiene and dental evaluations
- And more (services and amenities vary by community)
In addition to these services, our communities prioritize creating opportunities for emotional connection. By understanding each resident’s personality and history, we can facilitate meaningful interactions that help them feel understood and valued.
How we meet residents where they are

The Magnolia Trails staff at each of our memory care communities are certified in memory care, including state training and Magnolia Trails-specific training, and participate in ongoing education to stay up-to-date on the latest best practices in memory care. With a strong resident-to-staff ratio, families can rest assured knowing their loved one’s needs are met with compassion and expertise.
Our Magnolia Trails program offers structured, dynamic programming tailored to the abilities and interests of each resident. Activities, such as games, music, and crafts, are thoughtfully planned throughout the day to encourage engagement and joy. For example, a resident who once enjoyed painting may participate in art therapy sessions, while another who loved gardening might take part in planting flowers or tending to a community garden.
Thoughtful design for care-first programming
The physical layout and calming decor of our memory care communities creates a care-first environment for residents. Every detail is carefully considered, including strict cleaning regiments to protect the health of our residents.
The safety of our residents is a top priority. Therefore, all of our memory care communities have secure doors and monitored entryways. Also, medications are stored securely, and personal hygiene items are kept accessible but safe for use under supervision. These measures help residents maintain their dignity while receiving the support they need.
Common areas are designed to encourage socialization while minimizing overstimulation. Whether it’s a cozy sitting area or a bright, inviting dining space, our memory care communities strive to balance comfort and functionality. Outdoor spaces, like secure gardens and walking paths, provide opportunities for residents to enjoy fresh air and sunshine in a safe environment.
In addition, Life Stations are a prevalent feature of our memory care communities. Life Stations are designed to provide residents a purpose while participating in an activity that they enjoy. For example, all of our memory care communities have a baby station and pet station where residents can take care of a baby or animal that looks and feels life-like. Our communities have other Life Stations, like a vanity, office, or workbench station.
Real stories of care first
“The things I see them do not only for my aunt but for the other residents warms my heart. They are always looking for ways to make them feel extra special. For example, my aunt is a retired nurse & they gifted her a beautiful wreath on her door themed with nurse stuff. They took another resident on a race car drive at the Daytona Speedway. They helped create a high school graduation for a veteran resident who missed his due to being drafted for the war. The sent a resident on a deep-sea fishing trip with her son to bring back memories of his childhood. How do they think of these things?! Absolutely amazing employees who demonstrate true passion as they care for the elderly.”
– Andrea
“This facility is bar none the best community for your loved one. My mother has been treated and cared for with compassion, diligence, and the staff is incredibly committed and professional. I will always recommend this community.”
– Mercedes
“My mother has been at the community for over 4 years. She has dementia and was struggling before she came to the Waterford. The staff is well trained from what I see, and mom is thriving. I toured several other communities, and I am pleased with mom’s success and demeanor. Management seems very motivated in maintaining and improving the performance of the community!”
– Lori
Find a Magnolia Trails memory care community near you
At Sonida Senior Living, care comes first because your loved one deserves nothing less. By focusing on personalized care, innovative programming, and thoughtful design, our Magnolia Trails memory care communities create an environment where residents can thrive. Schedule a tour today to discover how our tailored approach can make all the difference for your loved one.
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Find a community
If you’re a senior or caregiver looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care services for you or your loved one, contact us to schedule a tour or request information about a community near you.