Our Program

Robert and Mary’s place is different because we have Friends, not patients or clients. We follow the Best Friends Model of care outlined in the book Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's Care by Virginia Bell and David Troxel. Simply put, the model suggests that what a person with dementia needs most of all is a friend, a "Best Friend." At Robert and Mary’s Place we give them that along with a safe environment, a daily schedule that gives our Friends choices of how they will spend their day. We give them:

Robert and Mary’s is a blessing! Without having this place to come to, my mother-in-law would be basically a shut in. As it is, she has friends she looks forward to seeing, and is happy and involved.
~ Joe Losquadro

Dignity
Respect
Independence
Choice

While only a small number of people with memory loss actually suffer from Alzheimer’s, the Best Friends model has proven to be an excellent foundation for caring for individuals with memory issues. This approach is person centered and focuses on abilities rather than disabilities.

"Some people say if you have advanced dementia, then there's really nothing left," said Virginia Bell, co-author of Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care. "I say hold on, everybody always has six things." Bell stresses that regardless of a person's cognition, they always have

value,
a name they prefer,
feelings,
a spirit,
a life story,
and the present moment.

"As a best friend, you start becoming a detective," she said. "They have skills they could use if someone helped them remember them." At Robert and Mary’s Place we help Friends remember so they can make the most of their present moment.

We are proud to have served over 125 families since opening.