Navigating Memory Loss with Love: What Families Should Know About Compassionate Dementia Care
When a loved one begins to show signs of dementia, the emotional terrain shifts for the entire family. The questions multiply, the worry deepens, and the desire to do what’s best becomes both urgent and overwhelming. At Oakwood Manor in Victoria, we understand that navigating memory loss is not just a clinical challenge—it’s deeply human. We’re here to walk with you as you explore the path ahead with clarity, empathy, and unwavering support, so your loved one can live with dignity, comfort, and care.
Index / Key Takeaways
Understanding dementia and its impact on families
Dementia is not a single disease but a set of symptoms that affect memory, reasoning, and behaviour. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, but there are others like vascular dementia or Lewy body dementia. Each form presents differently, but all require increasing levels of care as time progresses.
For families, the emotional weight can be heavy. Watching a loved one forget familiar names or lose interest in long-loved hobbies can feel like grieving someone who is still with you. Guilt, confusion, and exhaustion often accompany caregiving—and it's okay to acknowledge that.
Oakwood Manor’s approach to memory care reflects many of the evidence-based strategies championed by Canadian researchers at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging. Explore their extensive library of resources here to learn more about programs that support people living with dementia and their families.
What compassionate memory care really means
Memory care is not just about safety and medical monitoring—it’s about meeting people where they are, with gentleness and respect. Compassionate memory care acknowledges the individual behind the diagnosis.
At Oakwood Manor, this looks like:
Personalized routines that offer comfort through familiarity
Purposeful programming designed to stimulate memory and joy
Thoughtfully designed spaces that reduce confusion and promote calm
Care staff trained in dementia-sensitive communication and engagement
Our philosophy is grounded in person-centred care, meaning your loved one is treated with a holistic approach — with a history, preferences, and emotional world that matter every single day.
Signs it might be time for long-term care
Families often wrestle with the timing of transitioning to a care community. While there's no perfect moment, there are signs that can help guide your decision:
Safety concerns: Wandering, forgetting to turn off appliances, or increased falls
Caregiver burnout: Emotional or physical exhaustion from constant supervision
Declining hygiene or nutrition: Skipped meals, missed medications, or poor hygiene
Social isolation: Withdrawal from friends, hobbies, or community
If you’re seeing any of these signs, it may be time to consider supportive care for your loved one.
Therapeutic activities in memory care
At Oakwood Manor, memory care goes beyond managing symptoms—it’s about enriching life. Therapeutic activities are central to our approach, offering moments of joy, familiarity, and connection that support emotional well-being and cognitive stimulation.
Some of the key activities that make a difference are:
Art and music therapy: Creative expression allows residents to reconnect with memories and emotions. Whether it's painting with soft pastels or singing along to favourite songs from decades past, these sessions offer calm, confidence, and connection.
Sensory stimulation: Gentle sensory activities—like handling textured fabrics, enjoying calming scents, or engaging with tactile art—can reduce anxiety and evoke comforting memories, especially in later stages of dementia.
Pet therapy and intergenerational visits: Interactions with visiting pets or local school groups spark joy and social connection. A soft wagging tail or a child’s laughter can brighten the entire day.
Nature walks and gardening: Set in beautiful Victoria, Oakwood Manor offers access to outdoor spaces and local parks like Beacon Hill and Clover Point. Time spent in nature promotes calm, improves mood, and supports gentle physical activity.
Intergenerational programs—like those modeled in the SIIP initiative from the Research Institute for Aging—have shown how connection between youth and older adults can spark joy, reduce loneliness, and enrich the lives of seniors living with dementia.
These experiences are not just pleasant—they’re backed by research. Studies show that therapeutic recreation can improve mood, reduce agitation, and help maintain daily functioning for people living with dementia.
The role of family in creating a supportive care plan
At Oakwood Manor, we believe the best care plans are built in partnership with families. You know your loved one’s life story—their quirks, preferences, and what brings them comfort. We work closely with you to integrate those insights into their care.
Family members are invited to:
Join care planning discussions
Share personal history and preferences to guide daily routines
Participate in visits, celebrations, and meaningful moments
Receive regular updates and opportunities to collaborate with care teams
This collaborative approach helps maintain a sense of continuity, even as care needs evolve. Even after a loved one moves into a memory care community, families remain an essential part of their world. The Alzheimer Society of Canada offers a guide on ways to help your loved one thrive in this new chapter—through presence, patience, and meaningful shared moments.
Supporting yourself: Caregiver well-being and resources
Caring for someone with dementia often means putting their needs ahead of your own—but sustainable caregiving starts with caring for yourself. Whether you’re in the early stages of exploration or nearing a decision, know that your well-being matters too. Caring for someone with dementia can be rewarding, but it also takes an emotional toll. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, the Alzheimer Society of Canada offers helpful tips for reducing caregiver stress, including how to build a support network and practice self-care.
Ways to support yourself include:
Joining caregiver support groups (try the Alzheimer Society of BC)
Talking to a counsellor or therapist familiar with caregiving transitions
Practising self-compassion and setting boundaries
Educating yourself with trustworthy resources
Every caregiving journey is unique. One touching example comes from Mildred Lynn McDonald, who reflects on her emotional and enlightening experience supporting a loved one with dementia. Read her full story here.
What to expect from memory care at Oakwood Manor
Located in the heart of Victoria, Oakwood Manor is a community grounded in kindness and connection. Our memory care program is designed to balance safety with autonomy, comfort with stimulation, and care with dignity.
Key features and amenities include:
Secure, homelike living areas designed to reduce stress
Therapeutic recreation including music, art, gardening, and reminiscence activities
On-site medical and nursing care available 24/7
Nutritious, homemade meals served in a calm and social setting
Access to peaceful outdoor spaces and local parks like Beacon Hill
Exploring your next step with confidence
Deciding to move a loved one into long-term care is one of the most courageous decisions a family can make. It’s a decision rooted in love—one that honours the dignity of your loved one while recognizing your own limits.
At Oakwood Manor, we’re here to guide you through each step: touring the community, answering your questions, creating a personalized plan, and ensuring your loved one is welcomed with warmth and care.
You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Caring for a loved one with dementia is a path filled with questions, emotions, and deeply human choices. At Oakwood Manor, we meet you with compassion, experience, and a belief in the power of dignified care.
Contact us or Book a Tour to discover how compassionate care and a true sense of community come together at Oakwood Manor—creating a life of comfort, dignity, and meaningful moments for your loved one.
Continue your journey here
Looking to take the next step or simply stay connected? Here are a few helpful links:
Contact us – We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
Book a tour – Come experience our community in person.
Virtual tour - Discover the warmth of our community from wherever you are.
Visit our YouTube channel – See daily life, special moments, expert interviews and resident stories in action.
About Oakwood Manor
Nestled in the heart of Victoria, Oakwood Manor is a welcoming long-term care community committed to providing compassionate, person-centred support. Designed for seniors who require full-time care, Oakwood Manor offers a safe and nurturing environment where residents feel truly at home. The community features private and semi-private rooms, 24-hour nursing care, and tailored services that honour each individual’s dignity, preferences, and wellness needs. As part of the Optima Living family—with over 15 years of experience in senior care across Western Canada—Oakwood Manor upholds a legacy of respect, empathy, and doing the right thing. Here, residents and their families find peace of mind knowing their loved ones are supported every day with heartfelt care and connection.