Griswold: Providing Compassionate Memory Care for Seniors

Caring for a loved one with memory loss, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, requires a unique level of care, compassion, and patience. Griswold, the non-medical, in-home senior care franchise, understands the emotional and physical demands that memory care places on families and caregivers, and is dedicated to supporting those in need with tailored services that address the challenges of cognitive decline.

For individuals in the early stages of dementia, small, thoughtful interventions can make a significant difference. Whether it's helping with daily reminders, personal hygiene or simply providing companionship, Griswold caregivers are trained to offer compassionate support. As dementia progresses, more specialized care is often required, including assistance with behavioral changes, memory loss, and navigating everyday tasks.

Griswold’s caregivers go beyond traditional support by taking additional steps to ensure a comfortable and respectful experience for memory care clients. These include:

• Reintroducing themselves at each visit to help establish familiarity.
• Preparing meals designed to accommodate struggles with utensils.
• Using cognitive activities to stimulate short-term memory.
• Engaging with clients in their version of reality to provide comfort and ease.
• Helping them recall and celebrate their life’s achievements, fostering a sense of dignity.

One such employee is Nina Watson, a former caregiver-turned-care coordinator with Griswold in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. Watson began her journey with the company over 40 years ago, hired personally by Jean Griswold. Her deep-rooted passion for memory care stems from her years of experience and personal connection to the challenges of dementia.

“Memory care is special to me because people with diseases like dementia or Alzheimer’s are people with full lives who have been hit with this disease,” said Watson. “It is debilitating. When a caregiver goes into the home of a person with dementia, they need to keep that in mind. We are invading this person’s life when they’ve never needed any help before. Now we are here in their homes telling them what to do. I am always mindful of that.”

Watson recalls a memory from her caregiving days that highlights the delicate balance caregivers must strike between safety and dignity. 

"Years ago, I had a lovely client who lived in a beautiful home. It was summertime, and I remember they had a fireplace,” said Watson. “The gentleman was trying to light it, even though it wasn’t needed. As a caregiver, you learn to pick your battles, so I gently took the matches from him. He then wanted to go outside, so we went for a walk, and afterward, he said he wanted to get into his car. The door was unlocked, and the keys were inside! We went back to the house, and I explained the situation to the family. I felt for him — it was a very sad moment and it showcased why having a qualified caregiver is so important."

Having recently lost her husband to early-onset dementia at the age of 62, Watson’s personal connection to memory care has only deepened. “It was difficult. It was painful to watch that,” Watson said. “I have a big heart for people dealing with those ailments.”

For Watson, one of the key lessons from her experience is that caregivers should always remember there is a "nugget of truth" in what someone with dementia says, even if it seems scrambled. Her late husband, for example, would sometimes talk about having six children when in reality he had three (and three grandchildren). His mind was reaching for familiar truths, even if they came out in fragments.

“The Griswold approach is to treat people with respect,” said Watson. “It's about showing compassion, always.” 

Waton’s story is just one example of the meaningful impact Griswold’s caregivers make every day. Her compassion, professionalism, and dedication embody Griswold’s mission to treat every client with the respect and dignity they deserve.

“At Griswold, care is personal,” said CEO Michael Slupecki. “We work closely with each family to develop a care plan that best fits their unique needs. If your loved one is experiencing cognitive decline, we will make sure your caregivers can offer the compassionate memory care support your loved one deserves.”

In addition to providing care for veterans, respite care for family caregivers, and 24/7 support for those who need constant assistance, Griswold is committed to integrating innovative solutions that combine technology with home care. This ensures families receive safe, effective and comprehensive care.

For more information on franchising with Griswold, please visit: https://1851franchise.com/griswold.