Join us for a day in the life of a memory care resident.

When you’re making the decision to help a loved one move to memory care, there are so many challenging questions. Will memory care be better than home? Will my loved one be okay without me there? And, what exactly will their days look like?

Having a window into the daily life of a memory care resident can help answer some of those questions.  

Today we’re following Catherine, who moved to Recollections Memory Care last year. Catherine is a retired professional, a mom, and a community volunteer with a knack for numbers. Significant memory loss made living at home unsafe for her, even with frequent check-ins and help from her daughter and son-in-law. 

Through Catherine’s story, you’ll get to know what a day in Recollections Memory Care really looks like: morning routines, guided programs that spark connection, shared meals, and purposeful activities that bring comfort and familiarity.

Although there is no “typical” day in memory care – needs can change quickly – having a steady, reliable routine with familiar faces helps people thrive. 

Come spend the day with Catherine and see how her memory care community supports her. 

Names and some personal details have been changed for privacy.

Morning: Rise & Shine

Catherine’s day begins with a friendly knock on her door and a greeting from Nicole, a specially trained aide in Recollections Memory Care. Nicole is a familiar face for Catherine, and will be assisting Catherine and a small group of memory care residents today, ensuring that their day goes smoothly and that they have everything they need. 

With gentle cues and assistance from Nicole, Catherine picks her outfit and accessories, completes her morning hygiene routine, and does her hair. Dani, the nurse, stops in to help with her medication. 

Once she’s dressed and ready for the day, she’s guided to the dining room, where the aroma of fresh coffee, and the sounds of music on the stereo and people chattering around the café tables signal that breakfast is on the way. 

She sits down with her regular tablemates, and although they may all have different degrees of recollection from the day before, they are smiling and Catherine knows this is a group of friends. When the meal is served, she enjoys “the usual” – her favorite breakfast of black coffee, eggs, and toast. 

Mid-Morning: Purposeful Programming & The ‘Life Recipe’

After breakfast, Catherine joins a group to read the Daily Chronicle, a journal of historical facts and trivia for the day. Guided by activities staff, they read the paper aloud and discuss the topic of the day. The conversation is a pleasant way to settle into the daily routine together before everyone gets moving with the mid-morning exercise program. 

As the exercise program begins, Catherine is also ready to get moving… to something else! She doesn’t like the exercise program as much as the others do. Instead, she and Nicole go to the Recollections sensory room for something more her speed: math. 

When the staff get to know residents fully – both their history and their present – they can naturally guide residents toward activities and programs that are satisfying, meet them where they are now, and keep them feeling like themselves.

Working with numbers is natural and purposeful for Catherine, after a three-decade career in accounting. Catherine’s career, her likes and dislikes, and the singular experiences that make her “her,” are all part of her Life Recipe. Developed by our memory care neighborhood coordinator, the Life Recipe is a guide for the community and staff to give each resident a personalized experience that feels natural and like home.  

In the sensory room, Catherine’s full attention goes to working through the sheets of math problems.  For her, solving math problems is more than a pastime and more than a way of maintaining sharpness. They’re comforting and help her express herself. 

After the sheets of math problems are completed to her satisfaction, more residents join her in the room for the next activity, a group craft, before heading to lunch. 

Afternoon: Lunch & Lively Activities

At lunchtime, Catherine is back with her tablemates. The lunch menu for the day is Greek chicken salad or salmon. Menus in memory care are simplified to make choices easier and when neither option is appealing, other favorites are available. Catherine chooses salmon, and for dessert enjoys chocolate pudding with whipped cream. 

After lunch, Catherine and some of her friends head out to the private terrace to take in the fresh air and sunshine. They’re joined by Nicole and an activities assistant, who ensure that everyone is comfortable and safe. 

Music from inside wafts onto the terrace, mingled with the gentle breeze and birdsong. Dance Yoga is underway in the living room. Magi, the instructor, plays upbeat music and encourages everyone to mirror her movements. Some follow the movements precisely, while others tap their feet to the music. 

The last activity for the afternoon is bingo, which Catherine loves. Nicole helps Catherine with her bingo board, and Catherine wins one of the rounds! Today’s prizes are delicious sweet treats, and she picks her favorite from the cart. 

Evening: Dinner and Community

As everyone gets ready for dinner, some residents’ children stop by for a quick visit on the way home from work. Visitors check in, visit with their family members, and chat with staff. 

Catherine’s daughter visited yesterday, and will be back again over the weekend, so Catherine is ready to sit down with her tablemates the very moment dinner starts. The dining room bubbles with conversation about the day and the evening’s menu. Catherine chooses chicken parmesan for dinner and ice cream for dessert. 

After dinner, the living room fills with laughter. The Carol Burnett Show is on television and keeps Catherine and the rest of the group laughing as they wind down for the day. 

Bedtime: Nighttime Routines & Rest

When it’s time for bed, an evening aide, Glenda, steps in to help Catherine with her nighttime routine. Glenda and other evening aides will be here in the memory care neighborhood throughout the night, in addition to nursing staff in Sunnyside Manor’s assisted living and long-term care neighborhoods. Should Catherine or another resident awaken overnight, they’ll be met by a calm and friendly helper.

Catherine’s day draws to a close back in her own space, ready to rest. Tomorrow she has a visit with the hairdresser here at Sunnyside Manor – something she always looks forward to! – and a fulfilling day ahead in her community. 

Questions about memory care? You can learn about memory care and get answers to frequently asked questions in our memory care blogs.

Learn More About Why Families Rely On Sunnyside Manor

When you have questions about senior living, we are here to help. Sunnyside Manor offers assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Learn more about Sunnyside Manor’s resources for caregivers. Whether you’re looking for short-term support or a longer-term plan, begin with our “Getting Started” guide. Please call us at 888-696-2052 to speak with a senior living expert.

Sunnyside Manor, located in Wall NJ, is the area’s premier family-owned senior living community. The community features three distinctive neighborhoods: Independence ‘Plus’ Assisted Living, Recollections Memory Care, and Long-Term Care & Short-Term Rehabilitation. Respite stays and palliative care are available in all neighborhoods.