According to Mandy Quinn, Executive Vice President of The Cottages Senior Living, the progression of dementia can look different for every person. Clarity often comes when memory loss affects daily life.
What are the early signs of dementia?
“Dementia can be caused by so many different things,” Quinn said.
Symptoms often vary depending on whether the cause is Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, a stroke or vascular changes. Because of that, there’s no single red-flag symptom.
Instead, families often notice more significant behavioral or daily-living changes. These may include:
- Wandering or getting lost in familiar places
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Confusion with time or place
- New difficulties with words
- Mood or personality changes
For many families, the clearest sign that support is needed is when a loved one is no longer safe at home. Quinn shared that many people move into memory care only after a medical crisis, such as an injury from a fall, but earlier planning can prevent stressful, hurried transitions.
How can I plan early?
Talking about future care can be emotional and complex, especially before a crisis happens. Quinn said these discussions can take time and should involve the entire family.
“It [should be] a very gentle discussion, and it might occur over a long period of time,” Quinn said.
Starting these conversations early can help families understand their loved one’s wishes, complete essential legal steps and avoid making tough decisions during a stressful moment.
How can The Cottages help?
When a family is ready for memory support, Quinn said The Cottages offers a uniquely specialized environment.
“We only [provide] memory care,” Quinn said. “From the moment someone moves in, that is our focus and our specialization.”
Unlike traditional assisted living communities that separate general care from memory care, The Cottages was designed from the ground up specifically for residents with memory loss.
Quinn and her husband personally design, build, own and manage each property, a rare model in the industry. This allows them to prioritize what residents truly need:
- Natural light
- Open outdoor spaces
- Safe walking paths
- A home-like layout, rather than an institutional setting
Other features include tall ceilings and residential finishes, similar to what someone might find in a family home.
Beyond the physical environment, The Cottages focuses heavily on staff training and consistency. Caregivers undergo in-depth Alzheimer’s-specific training before they begin working with residents, and compassion and dedication are top hiring priorities.
A partner for families
For many families, one of the most meaningful parts of The Cottages’ approach is the sense of connection. Quinn said families often describe staff and leadership as an extension of their own support system.
“I think they look at us as an extension of their family, and we look at them as an extension of ours as well,” Quinn said.
With nearly three decades of service and a deeply hands-on ownership model, The Cottages aims to offer clarity, comfort and stability during what can be one of the most challenging journeys families face.
Click here to learn more about The Cottages Senior Living’s memory care communities in Frisco and Round Rock, schedule a tour or speak with a team member about early signs and support options.
Locations:
- 8111 Wade Blvd., Frisco
- 2351 N. AW Grimes Blvd., Round Rock
- 2401 N. AW Grimes Blvd., Round Rock
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
