In senior care, the dedication and understanding of the team are crucial to residents’ well-being.
At The Courtyards at Mountain View, a senior living community in Denver, CO, Molly Clancy, the Memory Care Director, exemplifies this commitment.
Molly brings a deep connection and dedication to her role, where she oversees the Connections program — a research-backed memory care program designed by Dr. Petersen, Senior VP of Health and Wellness at Pegasus Senior Living, the management company of The Courtyards at Mountain View.
This program is specifically tailored to support residents with cognitive impairments, ensuring they receive the best possible care.
Molly’s Personal Journey into Memory Care
Molly’s journey into memory care is deeply personal, shaped by her relationship with her grandmother.
“She was hard on me, and I took offense for a long time,” says Molly. “When I became a teenager, I really valued what she gave me, and I found myself compelled to be a part of her life as she aged.”
This understanding made her grateful, as Molly recognized how much her grandmother helped her to grow and push herself.
Her close relationship with her grandmother inspired her to pursue a career in senior care. A year ago, she joined The Courtyards at Mountain View, where she has since brought a blend of determination, compassion, and insight to her role as a director of memory care.
Understanding Residents: The Core of Effective Memory Care
For Molly, effective care for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia is rooted in truly understanding each resident.
“The biggest part of memory care is getting to know what the residents liked doing in the past,” says Molly. “When you know their history, you can find out how to connect with them in meaningful ways.”
Molly emphasizes that understanding a resident’s history allows her and her team to create personalized care plans that resonate with each individual. This approach ensures that each day at The Courtyards at Mountain View is meaningful and engaging for the residents.
One way Molly connects with residents in the Connections neighborhood is through creative activities, such as art projects.
She recently planned a three-day art project where residents could choose between different pictures to paint, using a unique medium that included salt to create interesting textures.
“We’re going to do it on three different days,” says Molly. “That would be too overwhelming to do it all in one day.”
This careful consideration of the residents’ needs is a hallmark of her approach, ensuring that activities are both enjoyable and manageable.
The Role of a Memory Care Director: Engaging Families
Molly places great importance on involving families of Connections residents in the care process. She encourages open communication with families from the start, helping them understand how to support their loved ones effectively. As the Memory Care Director, she frequently engages with families, discussing how they can contribute to their loved one’s well-being.
“The relationship with the residents is the most important, as far as I am concerned,” she says.
Molly also mentioned how families often bring in small treats or participate in activities, such as helping with snacks or simply spending time with their loved ones. These moments of involvement are encouraged as they help strengthen the bond between the resident, their family, and the caregiving team.
She shares that some family members come in with questions, wanting to know how they can best help the resident. Molly values these interactions and works to provide guidance that aligns with the resident’s needs and preferences.
The Reward of Making a Difference in Memory Care
For Molly, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing the positive impact on the residents.
“The best is when a resident is so excited about an achievement they have made,” she says.
Whether it’s a simple smile or a moment of engagement, these small victories are a testament to the power of thoughtful, personalized care.
At The Courtyards at Mountain View, Molly Clancy’s approach to memory care is grounded in understanding and empathy, making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents and their families.
Meet Our Memory Care Director in Denver, CO
Arrange a tour of the Connections memory care program at The Courtyards at Mountain View. Molly and our team members look forward to supporting you and your loved one.