Lately, you've noticed changes in Mom. Perhaps she’s forgetting her medications, or she recently lost her way during a familiar walk near the Main Street at Exton shops. You know she needs more support, but you also know she isn’t ready for a clinical, restrictive environment. She still has her spark, her opinions, and her desire for connection.
This creates a paralyzing decision fatigue. Do you choose assisted living, which feels like it might not offer enough supervision, or memory care, which feels like a leap too far? At Arbor Terrace Exton, we understand this delicate balance. Our Bridges neighborhood acts as the vital link between these two worlds, allowing you to stop being a 24/7 care coordinator and start being a daughter or son again.
Our Bridges neighborhood is a specialized community within Arbor Terrace specifically designed for seniors experiencing the early stages of cognitive decline or mild cognitive impairment. It is the "middle ground" that many families have been searching for.
Think of Bridges as a stepping stone. It provides more structure than traditional assisted living but maintains a higher level of independence than advanced memory care.
Residents enjoy private apartments and the autonomy to move throughout a smaller, more easily navigated environment. This layout is intentional—it reduces the choice paralysis and anxiety that often come with large, sprawling communities.
In the Bridges neighborhood, Mom will be surrounded by people at a similar cognitive level—peers who value intellectual stimulation, current events, and meaningful conversation.
FAQ: How do you ensure my mother will be happy and engaged, not just "cared for," and what are your communication protocols with families?
A: We believe engagement is the best form of care. Our engagement program is tailored to the resident's personal history. We use digital communication tools to provide regular updates, ensuring you are always in the loop regarding Mom’s social wins and wellness milestones.
The magic of Bridges lies in its delivery. It doesn’t feel like care—it feels like a lifestyle.
Our team members in the Bridges neighborhood undergo specialized training to handle early-stage memory loss. We focus on delightful surprises—those small, spontaneous moments of joy—rather than rigid, clinical routines.
We focus on what residents can do. Whether it’s a book club discussion or a guided outing in the Exton area, we maintain their dignity and "spark" by providing the right amount of scaffolding to ensure success without frustration.
While Bridges is designed for the early stages, our Evergreen neighborhood represents our dedicated memory care program. This is the right choice for seniors with more advanced Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
Advanced Support: The Evergreen neighborhood is a high-support sanctuary. Here, the focus shifts to providing a secure, predictable environment that minimizes stress.
Safety and Security: For seniors at risk of elopement or those who experience significant confusion, Evergreen provides a secure perimeter and 24/7 oversight.
Dining with Dignity®: Even as cognitive abilities change, the joy of a good meal shouldn't. Our Dining with Dignity® program ensures residents can eat independently and enjoy their meals with specialized techniques that honor their preferences and physical needs.FAQ: What specific training do your staff receive for memory care and maintaining resident dignity?
A: All staff members receive comprehensive, ongoing training in dementia care best practices. This includes techniques for de-escalating anxiety, sensory stimulation, and validating the resident's reality to maintain their sense of self.
Choosing the right neighborhood is about matching the atmosphere to Mom's current daily experience.
Bridges feels like a socially active club with a safety net.
Memory care feels like a nurturing, high-support sanctuary.
Is she struggling with complex tasks (like bills or meds) but still able to hold deep, multi-sentence conversations? Bridges might be a great fit.
Is she experiencing significant anxiety, wandering, or safety risks in her current home? It's probably a good time to explore memory care.
FAQ: What happens if my mother's health declines and she needs more care than the Bridges neighborhood provides? Will she have to move again?
A: One of the greatest benefits of Arbor Terrace Exton is the continuum of care. If Mom’s needs evolve, we facilitate a graceful transition to the Evergreen neighborhood. Because she is already familiar with the building and many of the staff, this transition is far less jarring than moving to an entirely new community.
For more than 30 years, The Arbor Company has led the way in senior living by focusing on what matters most: meaningful relationships. At Arbor Terrace Exton, that commitment to connection shapes every experience—from our evidence-based Dining with Dignity® approach to a thoughtfully curated Engaged Living calendar that supports purpose, comfort, and joy each day.
Our convenient Exton location also makes staying involved simple. Whether you’re stopping by between client meetings or visiting after a soccer game at West Whiteland Park, you’ll find a welcoming environment designed for families to stay close and engaged.
If you're beginning to notice changes in a loved one, you don’t have to navigate the early stages of dementia on your own.
Download our free guide, Where to Turn in the Early Stages of Dementia, for expert insight and practical next steps that help you move forward with clarity and confidence.