Mosaic Dreams made possible by Azura Memory Care

By Celeste Lightner-Greenwalt

Clinton Topper

CLINTON – Even those with memory issues have dreams. Dreams of long ago wishes, a cherished childhood aspiration, or ambition. That is the goal of “Mosaic Dreams” by Azura Memory Care.

One such dream became a reality for Clinton Azura Memory Care resident Joan Phillips.

Joan, originally from Chicago, and a seven-year resident of Azura Memory Care in Clinton, had spent her life in retail, specifically at Marshall Fields.

When asked if she could have one day to do whatever she wanted, Joan replied, “Shopping! And a nice meal at a nice restaurant!”

So the Executive Director of the Clinton Azura facility, Tracey McWilliams and her staff went to work to make Joan’s Mosaic Dream a reality.

The Mosaic Dream concept by Azura has been existence for about year, company-wide. Dreams are put together for residents and families are encouraged to participate.

“We focus on the moment,” McWilliams explained. “Just to be able to get that sparkle in their eye, even if it is only for a short time, a moment, an hour, four hours…it touches your heart!”

Those with memory issues, dementia, as well as Alzheimer’s disease, can still have dreams, McWilliams reassures. “They are still human; they are still people. They need to be treated with dignity…treated with respect.”

Joan’s dream of shopping was accomplished by a $50 gift card from the Sear’s Department Store in the Janesville Mall.

She received a Sear’s personal shopper, where Tracey, along with Life Enrichment Specialist Jennifer Gross, and Director of Community and Business Relations with Azura Memory Care Paula Gibson, spent a fun-filled time shopping with Joan.

At one point, Joan was mesmerized with the walls of purses, and told her companions to “go ahead of her and shop, she would just stay here with the purses!” McWilliams laughed while telling the story.

After their shopping spree, Joan and her companions were treated to a “nice meal at a nice restaurant” as part of her Mosaic Dream at Famous Dave’s, also in Janesville.

“We let them decide what their dream is,” McWilliams explained. “We want it to be a positive experience.”

“A lot of thought and planning go into each dream,” Tammy Pence, Director of Community Relations with Azura, continued. “We cater to the individual and encourage their family to be a part of the experience.”

Other dreams that have been gifted to residents in the Azura Memory Care family include the gift of golfing, fishing, and a Brewer’s game. One resident, who was a life-long NASCAR fan, received the gift of a real dragster brought to the facility! Another dreamer became an honorary graduate of the University of Wisconsin.

“We will fit the dream to the person,” McWilliams said. “We want to always incorporate their past joys and passions.”

Azura Memory Care, transforming the culture of care, owns and operates eleven memory care homes in Wisconsin, including the one in Clinton. It is expanding its reach and services to those with memory issues by opening up a 20-bed home in Kenosha in August.

Azura Memory Care homes are required to provide Mosaic Dreams twice a year to their residents.

The Clinton home is located at 805 Sue Lane.

www.azuramemorycare.com

Photo courtesy of Azura Memory Care

As part of her Mosaic Dream, Joan Phillips received “a good meal at a great restaurant” at Famous Dave’s in Janesville.