‘We have fun but also have a purpose.’ Here’s what makes memory care community unique

Dan Bryson of Overland Park remembers visiting his mother-in-law in a nursing home years ago and how pained he was to see residents sitting listlessly in wheelchairs in hallways.

Contrast that to Bryson’s first visit to Prairie Elder Care in Overland Park last summer.

“When the door opened up, I saw residents bouncing a balloon up and down,” he said. “There was all kinds of activity.”

Prairie Elder Care, a memory care community, is home to 18 residents who live in two houses on a 5-acre spread that is also home to goats, chickens and pot-bellied pigs.

Nine residents live in each house with two caregivers. Two full-time nurses care for residents in both houses.

Since August, Bryson, 82, has returned every day to Prairie Elder Care to visit his wife, Beverly, 81. He knew from that first visit that this was the home for Beverly, who was diagnosed 10 years ago with Alzheimer’s.

“She’s happy here,” he said. “She eats, she participates.”

Michala Gibson and Mandy Shoemaker founded Prairie Elder Care in 2014 to care for and provide a vibrant lifestyle for those in various stages of dementia.

“Our goal is to meet all their needs through the end of life,” Gibson said.

Residents receiving hospice services mingle with others as they share a laugh at the antics of two dwarf goats or bask in the sunshine on a bench by a vegetable garden.

Although all staff members are certified as nursing or medical assistants, Gibson says the model at Prairie Elder Care is “a very social model and not so heavy on the medical.”

Residents enjoy the freedom to rise when they want to in the morning and eat breakfast at any time before noon. If they’re craving an ice cream bar, they can open the refrigerator and help themselves.

Menus are designed around the preferences of the residents: They can eat what they want.

Prairie Elder Care is part of the Care Farming Network — “the therapeutic use of farming practices for marginalized or vulnerable groups of people,” Gibson said.

“Everything we do is intentional,” said Lisa Elliott, director of engagement. “We have fun but also have a purpose.”

Raised garden beds allow residents to plant, water and pick strawberries, potatoes, green beans, carrots and other edibles.

If they aren’t able to pick strawberries, “they can help make a strawberry pie,” Elliott said.

A red barn provides the setting for workshops. Residents enjoy music, art and nature as they create artwork, write poetry and chat with the staff.

“I like these friends,” said Barbara Cattle during one of the workshops. “They make me feel good.”

A poster outside the barn reads “Barn Poetry” and displays a poem entitled “Young Summer,” written by resident-poets Gene, Ray, Matt, Beverly, Eileen and Barbie.

The founders designed the farmstead care community not only for the residents but also for family members.

Unlike visiting loved ones in an institutional facility, family members can come to the farmstead and tend to the garden with their resident. Or they may sit quietly and watch the goats or cuddle with a pet hen.

On one afternoon, Mike Ashley belts out “Runaround Sue” and other familiar tunes by Buddy Holly, the Beach Boys, Elvis and others from the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Ashley, a volunteer from Prairie Village, entertains residents often as he plays the guitar and sings. Residents join in and sing and dance.

“They remember these songs,” Ashley said.

More residents will be welcomed to the farmstead soon. A third house is under construction for eight more residents. Opening this summer, the house will have a community room for families and residents, a covered porch area and a fishing pond.

“We’ll be fishing by Father’s Day,” Gibson said.

Prairie Elder Care is at 10034 W. 151st St. in Overland Park. It accepts long-term care insurance. The monthly rate is about $9,000. For more information, call 813-257-5425 or visit prairieeldercare.com.