The Grove exists to celebrate and support each individual resident and provide a safe, dignified environment and unique program to enhance the quality of life as each resident experiences it.

The Grove first opened at Plymouth Village in Redlands, Calif., in 1996, just as the American public was learning about the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease. President Reagan’s announcement in 1994 that he had Alzheimer’s raised the nation’s consciousness of the disease and opened up new conversations. Still, advances in special care settings were minimal. Providers often relied on physical restraints and the use of medications.

With a contribution from a Redlands citrus grower, Plymouth Village set about creating a very different memory support program. Here, the staff would follow a social model rather than a medical model. The building design would create a homelike feel and provide visual cues to residents. The schedule and activities would be built around the resident’s interests and habits.

“In the past, if you woke in the night, staff would give you drugs to help you go back to sleep,” explains Kay Kallander, ABHOW senior vice president and founder of The Grove. “Now we enter your world. We’re on your schedule rather than expecting you to be on the staff’s schedule. Instead of complicating a person’s life, we’re participating in it.”

Read more about the history of The Grove here.

Philosophy of Care

ABHOW has adopted the following Philosophy of Care for The Grove:

* Each human being is valuable, precious and unique.

* Rational thinking is not the only way to experience life; feelings can long be meaningfully expressed and received.

* The focus on abilities instead of disabilities offers residents dignity.

* Activity program is based on integration of knowledge of each person’s unique history and background.

* Overlearned skills are integrated in customized activity program.

* Life includes mental, physical, emotional and spiritual opportunities for all.

* The environment, both internal and external, promotes beauty, security, dignity and emotional support. 

* Most current, innovative and thorough ongoing education for staff and families will be provided.

* The home environment supports the needs of memory support programs.

* Residents’ special needs and those of their families are met with sensitivity.

* Joining the residents’ reality, wherever that might be, is an opportunity and privilege for staff and families.