Choosing a memory care community is about more than finding a comfortable place to live. Families want to know how their loved one will be kept safe while still enjoying independence, dignity, and meaningful days. At Great Lakes Senior Living in Waterford, safety and compassion go hand in hand. Our waterford memory care team uses proven strategies to prevent wandering and elopement, and we combine them with warm, person-centered care. Every design choice, training standard, and daily routine supports residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. If you are comparing options in southeast Wisconsin, our Diamond Accreditation by the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association reflects a strong commitment to quality and accountability.

Understanding Wandering and Elopement

Wandering is a common behavior in dementia. It may look like pacing, walking without a clear destination, or trying to find a familiar person or place. Elopement is when a person attempts to leave a safe area and is at risk of harm. Both behaviors can increase during transitions, changes in routine, or late afternoon hours. In our waterford memory care community, we reduce risk by understanding what drives the behavior. Is the person looking for a spouse? Are they uncomfortable, bored, or thirsty? Are they following a lifelong habit like going to work or letting the dog out? When we discover the why, we can meet the need and lower the urge to exit-seek.

A Layered Safety Strategy That Works

There is no single tool that prevents wandering. Lasting safety comes from a layered plan that blends environment, technology, staff expertise, and daily engagement. At Great Lakes Senior Living, our layers work together so residents feel at home while families feel confident.

• Thoughtful building design that supports easy navigation
• Controlled access points with monitoring and alerts
• Non-invasive technology that supports staff response
• Rigorous staff training focused on dementia and de-escalation
• Individualized risk assessments and care plans
• Daily routines and engaging activities that reduce exit-seeking
• Open communication and partnership with families
• Practice drills and clear emergency procedures

Purposeful Environment Design

Secure Yet Welcoming Layout

Residents deserve a space that feels open and inviting, not restrictive. Our secure memory care neighborhood is designed with a looping layout that encourages safe walking. Seating nooks and calm common areas invite residents to pause and rest. Staff have clear sightlines to key areas, which helps us respond quickly and discreetly when someone needs support.

Controlled Access Points

Doors leading in and out of the memory care neighborhood are carefully managed with alarms and controlled entry. Team members can move efficiently, yet guests and residents cannot exit into unsafe areas without staff awareness. Signage and visual cues discourage residents from approaching external doors while guiding them toward activity spaces.

Wayfinding Cues

Clear visual cues help residents find their rooms and favorite spaces. Memory boxes outside suites and distinct color accents make it easier to recognize personal areas. Gentle lighting reduces shadows and glare, which can be confusing for someone with dementia. These details build comfort and reduce the restlessness that can lead to wandering.

Therapeutic Outdoor Access

Going outside can relieve anxiety and improve sleep. Our secure outdoor area allows residents to enjoy fresh air safely. Paths are continuous and free of dead ends. Benches and shaded areas are inviting. Gardening and seasonal activities provide purpose and a sense of normalcy, which further reduces exit-seeking behaviors.

Technology That Supports Human Care

Technology should enhance personal care, not replace it. In our waterford memory care community, we use unobtrusive tools that help staff monitor safety while protecting dignity and privacy.

• Controlled access with alerts at key doors
• Door and window alarms that notify staff when a secured area is opened
• Sensory beacons or motion notifications in high-risk zones to prompt timely checks
• Wearable identification options for residents who benefit from extra support
• Nurse call systems and pull cords for quick assistance
• Integrated life safety systems for fire and severe weather

We combine these tools with frequent rounding and a warm staff presence. Technology helps us prevent elopement and respond faster, but the heart of safety is still people caring for people.

Staff Training and Protocols

Every resident deserves a team that understands dementia. Great Lakes Senior Living invests in training that exceeds basic requirements and reflects our WALA Diamond Accreditation. Our caregivers and nurses learn how to gently redirect, read nonverbal cues, and prevent agitation before it escalates. We practice response scenarios so problem-solving becomes second nature.

• Dementia-specific orientation for all memory care staff
• Ongoing training in communication, validation, and redirection
• Behavior mapping to spot patterns and triggers
• Low-stimulation approaches to reduce anxiety
• Emergency procedures for missing person events
• Family-centered care conferences and coaching

Individualized Risk Assessments and Care Plans

No two people experience dementia in the same way. We create a detailed plan at admission and update it often. We talk with the resident and family to learn former routines, career history, hobbies, and comfort items. With this information, we can predict when wandering may occur and design gentle supports to keep the person safe without limiting joy.

• Wandering risk screening on admission and at set intervals
• Personal history review to uncover triggers and calming strategies
• Physician and pharmacy collaboration to review medications
• Environmental cues tailored to the resident’s preferences
• Flexible routines aligned with lifelong habits
• Data-driven updates when behaviors change

Daily Rhythm and Engagement That Reduce Exit-Seeking

People with dementia feel calmer when their day has structure and meaning. Our waterford memory care team builds a rhythm that blends activity and rest. Movement supports sleep. Purposeful tasks reduce boredom. Social time eases loneliness. All of these reduce the urge to wander.

• Morning stretch classes to build energy and routine
• Creative arts and crafts to spark memory and fine motor skills
• Reminiscence groups with music and familiar themes
• Walking clubs in secure indoor and outdoor areas
• Hydration breaks and nutritious snacks
• Restful afternoons with sensory activities tailored to the person
• Evening wind-down to prevent late-day confusion

We also set up memory stations that mirror lifelong roles, like a workbench or a fold-and-sort area. These stations give residents a sense of purpose and help channel energy in a positive way.

Family Partnership and Transparent Communication

Families know their loved one best. We partner closely and keep everyone informed. When we work together, residents feel seen and supported, and safety improves.

• Regular care conferences and updates about progress and concerns
• Education for families on dementia behaviors and communication tips
• Support with familiar items like photos, music, and favorite routines
• Clear explanation of safety features and how they protect residents
• Rapid notification if wandering risk increases or changes

What Happens If a Resident Attempts to Leave

Even with strong prevention, a resident may try to exit. Our response is calm, quick, and person-centered. Every step focuses on safety and dignity.

1. Observe quietly and approach with a calm voice
2. Validate the person’s goal or concern and offer reassurance
3. Redirect to a purposeful task or a familiar comfort item
4. If an exit alarm sounds, nearby staff respond immediately
5. Assess for needs like hunger, pain, restroom, or thirst
6. Notify leadership and document the event for care plan updates
7. Inform family if risk has changed and discuss next steps

If a resident leaves a secured area, our missing resident protocol begins at once, including a coordinated search, local notifications as required, and a full review to prevent future events. Practice drills prepare staff to act quickly and effectively.

Touring Tips for Families Considering Waterford Memory Care

When you tour memory care communities, look beyond the brochure. Ask about real-life processes and see how teams interact with residents.

• How are residents assessed for wandering risk?
• What safety technology and door controls are in place?
• How often are care plans updated, and who is involved?
• What is the ratio of staff to residents on days and nights?
• Are there secure outdoor spaces for walking and fresh air?
• How are exit alarms handled in the moment?
• What training do staff receive in dementia-specific care?
• Can I see a sample daily schedule and activity calendar?
• How will you communicate with me if risk behaviors change?

About Great Lakes Senior Living

Great Lakes Senior Living is a trusted provider of assisted living and memory care in Wisconsin. We opened our first community in 2001 and have grown to serve more families with three locations in Milton, Waterford, and Beloit. All locations are Diamond Accredited by the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association, which demonstrates our commitment to quality, safety, and resident-centered care.

We offer assisted living with one- or two-bedroom apartments, compassionate memory care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and a full calendar of activities that support physical, mental, and social wellness. Our mission is to deliver care with dignity and respect while setting a high standard for excellence in senior living.

• Beloit Senior Living and The Gardens: 2250 W Hart Rd, Beloit, WI 53511
• Milton Senior Living: 600 W Sunset Dr, Milton, WI 53563
• Waterford Senior Living and Memory Care: 301 S. 6th St, Waterford, WI 53185

Why Families Choose Waterford Senior Living and Memory Care

Families choose our waterford memory care community because it blends small-community warmth with high standards. Residents benefit from a secure layout, consistent caregivers, and a program that is designed around the person. Our team knows each resident’s story and uses that knowledge to support safety and comfort. We stay connected with local health partners and keep care plans aligned with physician guidance. Above all, we create a place where people feel at home.