Memory Care in St. Louis, MO

Dolan Memory Care Homes (DMCH) specializes in the care of those living with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders. DMCH are not a wing or a floor in a skilled facility, or a new building on a large campus; but rather small households within residential communities accommodating ten or fewer residents. When Tim built his first home in 1993 there were very few placement options available for families. As a consumer himself, he was shocked by the limited long term care choices available to families struggling with the disease which at the time were merely locked down wards within conventional nursing homes.

Evolution of an Idea
Tim began reading everything he could find on environmental design and different care techniques that he could incorporate in a new model of care. He had heard of other ideas that were similar to his that were beginning to take shape in other parts of the country. He traveled to these facilities to see how their approach might help with his design. Tim learned that a family member in New York had donated funds to a research center in Ohio; the Corrine Dolan Alzheimer’s Research Center (CDARC) which he collaborated with in the development of his new care design. While CDARC was not his exact vision, it proved to be a wealth of knowledge that he could use in the developing his own program. In fact, every place he visited he learned something that he could use.

Vision Takes Hold
The journey was a definite struggle; but he did have some successes along the way. Tim did not anticipate the lack of social awareness and the overall stigmatism that existed with the illness. When you couple that with the state’s various licensure categories that ran counter to his style of care; he soon learned that he would be in for a long campaign. In 1999 Dolan Residential Care, as his young company was known, was chosen as one of only 2 facilities in the St. Louis area to participate in the State’s Alzheimer’s Pilot Program to investigate and develop new environments and care techniques for Missourians suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. He developed 3 state-of-the-art households that included numerous environmental design features that addressed the cognitively impaired along with several new innovative building techniques. In 2006 Tim’s effort in the field was instrumental in helping to change the licensure regulations in Missouri. Senate Bill 616 was introduced, passed and later signed by the Governor providing Missouri families with an array of long term care choices never before available to Missourians. In 2010 Tim was chosen by the Governor to be a member of the Missouri State Alzheimer’s Task Force representing the long term care in the state. Other Task Force members included Dr. John Morris, Margret Donnelly, Director of Missouri Health and Senior Services, Senator Bill Stouffer sponsor of Senate Bill 616, Carol Rodriguez from the Alzheimer’s Association. The Task Force’s duties were to identify how the disease was affecting Missourians, what resources were available and how the state could better serve those families affected with the disease.

Vision Becomes a Reality
Currently, Dolan Memory Care Homes has 12 households in the St. Louis area. In 2014 Tim completed Les Maison a memory neighborhood. Les Maison is the first of its kind green development consisting of four homes specifically built to accommodate those suffering from various forms of memory impairment. It is a true patient centered, social model in every sense of the word. Residents are encouraged to participate in their own care as well as to be involved in the day to day operation of the home. Residents have the freedom to go outside in an enclosed yard and to socialize by visiting other residents within the neighborhood. To date, there is no other development like it in the country, making it a true “feather in the cap” for St. Louis Based on Les Masons’ success, in 2018, Tim began developing his second memory neighborhood, Waterford Crossing.

Vision for the Future
While Tim’s mission of care for persons living with dementias and their families; he also contributes to a world without Alzheimer’s by working closely with and donating to the St. Louis Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and Memory Care Home Solutions.

His hands-on-care for his family member sparked his interest to pursue health care. He started in medical records and shortly after, he began an administrator in training program. Steve has a wide range of experience working in assisted living, intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing facilities. He is originally from Illinois and moved to St. Louis about 10 years ago. While he isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his family and daughter, reading, and playing golf.

After 20+ years I worked my way back to geriatric care. My last job was as an Assistant Director of Nursing at a rehab facility and long term memory care unit. My grandfather had Parkinson’s Dementia, and I quickly learned what doesn’t work for residents with dementia. After learning about the model of care that Dolan offers, and seeing the beautiful neighborhoods and homey atmosphere, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I’ve always worked for large healthcare systems, and I wanted the more personal experience that Dolan provides. Memory care is where my heart is, and Dolan does it the best way possible.

I was born and raised in St. Louis. I have been married to my husband Pete for over 20 years, and I have a beautiful daughter named Claire. I love dogs, and I have two crazy boxers, Stanley and Maggie; they definitely helped with the empty nest. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and crafting. My family jokes that I can turn anything into a craft project. Family is very important to me, and I look forward to growing my family by building meaningful relationships with my residents, their families, and my co-workers.

In her free time, she volunteers at the Alzheimer’s Association as a support group facilitator for spouses and adult children. Brenda has also dedicated her time as an organizer for Alzheimer’s walk and a fundraiser leader. She demonstrates leadership throughout the community as a guest panelist and speaker for Alzheimer’s Association, Missouri League of Nursing, and Activity Directors Across Missouri. Her topics range from “Intimacy, Sexuality and Dementia”, “Lewy Bodies Disease”, “Sleep and Dementia” and “How to Have the Difficult Talk with Your Parents.” To top it off, Brenda also holds specialized certifications as a Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and Montessori Dementia Care Professional (CMDCP).

Over her professional career, Brenda learned about Dolan Memory Care Homes and continued to follow our progress. Dolan is humbled and honored that Brenda began working in 2020 as Waterford Family Support Coordinator. She shares, “I am totally committed to helping individuals with memory impairments, their families, through research and experience.” Brenda truly appreciates and understands the importance of caring for the complex dynamic of respective family members along with the individual with dementia. Brenda values her family—Rick, husband of over 40 years, 3 adult sons, 1 daughter in law, and a small 3-legged therapy dog named Sia. Brenda illustrates compassion and empathy to all that she graces her presence. Dolan Memory Care Homes is fortunate to have Brenda as a part of the leadership team.

I graduated from the University of Missouri- Columbia in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in both Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. I didn’t know when I began my social work education where it would lead me until both of my grandmothers were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s only a couple years apart. While it had quite a toll on my family and myself, I stepped up and was the main point of contact and very involved in their care; this is where I found my passion. I spent so much time in their assisted living facilities that I was on first name bases with staff, residents, and other family members, often planning and engaging in activities and events with them. Although these were some of the most trying times for me and my family, they were also some of the most rewarding and memorable.

When I first came to Dolan as a student in January of 2020, I took all the tools of person-centered care that I had accumulated home to my grandmothers, and it made all the difference. I was overwhelmed by the strengths-based model of care that Dolan provides and remember thinking to myself “this is what is missing.” My favorite aspect of Dolan is the patient environment that allows for staff to get to know each resident and form meaningful, trusting relationships. I felt so welcomed by residents, families and staff that it was like a home away from home. When students were asked to work remotely due to COVID-19 in early March, I felt unfinished in my Dolan journey. I am eager to pick up where I left off and immerse myself in the individualistic care of others’ loved ones. Mindy pivoted from a family support coordinator role into Human Resources in December 2022.

In my free time I enjoy watching movies, long walks, reading, spending time with my family, and my pets (cat, dog and guinea pigs).

I was in Residential HVAC from 2000-2008. I got into maintenance in 2009 with Duke Realty out here in St. Louis. Then in 2017, I started in healthcare and never looked back. When I’m not at work, I enjoy fishing, hunting, and playing golf. I also enjoy St. Louis Cardinal baseball. Go Cards!!