From our earliest years, we have been trained to harness the remarkable capacity of our memory. This ability helps throughout our lives, from recognizing our parents’ faces to learning how to speak, read and retain. It guides our daily functions, helping us each day with the simplest of daily activities from showering to getting dressed, to more complex things like operating a car and becoming proficient in our jobs. Ultimately, our memory plays a critical role in guiding not only the largest but even the smallest decisions and tasks we perform each day.
That’s why maintaining our memories is crucial and why it is utterly heartbreaking when those memories begin to fade or vanish altogether.
For many seniors, memory care is as vital to their well-being as eating and sleeping. At The Village at Mercy Creek in Normal, recognizing the need for that care is just the first step. Safeguarding those seniors who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, helping their families and loved ones, and revealing that need for care to the community are all vital steps toward preserving the dignity of all.
Expanded and Necessary Care
The Village at Mercy Creek is home to many area seniors seeking independent and assisted living options. And now, they will be adding an additional level of care to the community’s seniors. The new memory care living option, Ancora, will open in the spring of 2025. Ancora is a comprehensive approach to memory care, focusing on engaging activities tailored to each resident’s preferences and needs.
“At Ancora we meet each resident where they are at – every single day,” stated The Village at Mercy Creek Director of Sales and Marketing Rebekah Butler. She went on to add, “Activities include sensory therapies, music, cooking, and social events. Personalization adds meaning to daily routines, making memory care more fulfilling.”
Support will also come through areas designed to promote holistic wellness. Physical, emotional, and social health are addressed through art and music therapy, dining, exercise and cognitive stimulation.
All activities and programs at Ancora follow industry best practices for memory loss and dementia care based on the latest research in the field. Through a collaborative partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and a support staff specifically trained in memory care support, “Ancora will provide a truly supportive, personalized, compassionate memory care experience that stands out in the community,” Rebekah assures.
Peace of Mind
To ensure residents’ safety, Ancora will be a secured area within The Village at Mercy Creek community. The new living space will feature advanced security measures such as secure exits, and a structured environment designed specifically for those experiencing memory loss. These areas will feature comforting tones and neutral finishes. The space will incorporate rich and luxurious textures with sophisticated wooden furniture, wooden beam accents, plush seating and draperies, and contemporary artwork and lighting to create fresh and rejuvenated spaces for residents.
Additionally, “All Ancora apartments are private and will feature some of the largest memory care apartments in the Normal, IL area while providing residents with personal space and dignity while fostering comfort and security,” adds Rebekah.
“The staff in memory care areas receive specialized training to address cognitive challenges compassionately and effectively,” Rebekah noted. “This expertise allows them to provide personalized care, creating moments of connection and joy for residents, even as cognitive abilities decline.”
“Warm, inviting spaces with personalized apartments help reduce any institutional feel, making Ancora feel like home,” Rebekah assures. “These features reflect Ancora’s commitment to private, dignified, and personalized memory care, with safety, wellness, and connection at its core.”
Keeping Family Close
Some of the greatest support we can receive and the greatest memories we wish to hold on to come from family. This is why Ancora will embrace a family-oriented philosophy. Family members will be encouraged to stay actively involved with their loved ones through regular visits and updates on their care. They are also encouraged to participate in special activities, and resources will be provided to help them better understand memory loss and how it’s affecting their loved one.
The associates at The Village at Mercy Creek also understand the strain family caregivers experience, specifically when taking care of loved ones with cognitive decline. “Families can rest easier knowing their loved ones are in an environment tailored to their unique needs, surrounded by caregivers who understand and respond to dementia-related behaviors,” said Rebekah. “This reduces the stress of caregiving for family members and provides a comforting sense of stability, knowing their loved ones have a strong support system.”
A Growing Need
With an unprecedented percentage of the population entering their senior years, communities must be aware of the increased need for support for seniors.
“The Baby Boomer generation is reaching ages where cognitive issues, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, become more prevalent,” confirms Rebekah. “This demographic shift means more people will be needing specialized care. Awareness about dementia and Alzheimer’s has increased, and so has early diagnosis. This leads families to seek memory care options sooner, allowing for earlier intervention and support.”
This is also why The Village at Mercy Creek has added Ancora to help alleviate the strain of this increasing need and help bring awareness to the community. “It demonstrates a commitment to serving all residents and fosters a more inclusive, understanding environment,” Rebekah says. “Partnerships, such as those with Alzheimer’s associations, deepen community ties and support broader efforts for dementia awareness and research.”
Seniors of All Needs
Again, seniors not needing memory care are always welcome to find their corner of home at The Village at Mercy Creek. For those who require assistance with their activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, cooking, cleaning, or doing laundry, Mercy Creek can provide the help they need.
If you or a loved one is struggling with mobility or has health concerns that require careful monitoring, such as with diabetes or chronic conditions, assisted living might be the answer.
For those who do not struggle with these issues but would still like the daily companionship of others of their age, the independent living options at Mercy Creek might be of interest.
“If you feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of homeownership and would appreciate some relief, experience loneliness and would benefit from social interaction, seek the reassurance that comes with 24/7 support and supervision, want to engage in a lively and inclusive social environment, or desire convenient access to healthcare services,” The Village at Mercy Creek has what you need, Rebekah ensures.
Mercy Creek has also implemented and improved numerous aspects of care over the past few years. Health and safety protocols have been enhanced since COVID. Telemedicine and virtual care consultations are kept open as options, as their ease of use and flexibility have appealed to many.
Technology has also been integrated to expand social engagement, with tablets, video calling, and even virtual reality being used to enhance and enlarge the residents’ access to the world. Outdoor areas are likewise being accessed more often, and small-group activities have become increasingly popular.
Come Home to The Village
Surrounded by the open fields at the northeast edge of Normal, The Village at Mercy Creek is located in a peaceful corner of the community. This setting has likewise become home to many who cherish this atmosphere of serenity.
Side-by-side with that atmosphere is the dedication to the service of the seniors in Illinois. “We are committed to building deep connections, living joyfully, and promoting well-being among our residents,” states Rebekah.
“At The Village at Mercy Creek, we strive to create a warm and loving environment that truly feels like home,” Rebekah continues. “When you or your loved one first arrive on our campus, it feels reminiscent of coming home after a long day at work. Our Midwestern hospitality ensures that each resident receives the attention and support needed to thrive. The Village at Mercy Creek is committed to giving every resident a voice. Whether suggesting new activity ideas or exploring local attractions, you or your loved one will be free to shape the next chapter of your story.”
Founders Club Package: For the first ten residents who move in within 30 days of the new memory care space opening, the Founders Club package offers exclusive benefits, like a reduced community fee, funds toward a moving service, a one-time catered meal, complimentary apartment personalization, and complimentary haircuts or styling. This package provides substantial value and makes the transition smoother and more affordable for families.
The Village at Mercy Creek is located at 1501 Mercy Creek Drive in Normal, Illinois.
To visit us, please schedule an appointment to tour our home by calling (309) 268-1501
or visit us on the web at www.franciscanministries.org/village-at-mercy-creek/
