When one spouse is diagnosed with dementia, the entire relationship changes. But that doesn’t mean it has to be put on hold. At Kensington Place Redwood City, we recognize the profound connection between partners, and we’ve built a memory care model that helps preserve that bond.
Couples in Memory Care: The Emotional Landscape
For many couples, the decision to move into memory care is triggered by increasing needs, safety concerns, or caregiver burnout. It’s a deeply emotional transition. Spouses often ask:
- “Can we stay together?”
- “Will they still recognize me?”
- “How do I stay involved?”
We support couples through these questions and beyond, with compassion, flexibility, and individualized care.
Options for Couples to Stay Connected
1. Shared Suites
We offer shared accommodations for couples in our Suites & Floor Plans, allowing:
- Daily closeness and companionship
- Familiar routines and shared memories
- A soothing sense of continuity for the resident with dementia
2. Private Residence + Proximity
Sometimes, one partner may require memory care while the other does not. We can create living arrangements that allow proximity with independence, ensuring both partners receive the right level of support.
Emotional and Social Support for Spouses
Spouses remain active members of our community. We offer:
- Open visiting hours and private spaces to connect
- Family events, concerts, and shared meals
- Life Enrichment activities couples can do together
You’ll often see spouses walking through our garden or participating in music therapy side by side.
Clinical Support for Every Couple’s Journey
At Kensington Place Redwood City, we honor the unique dynamics between couples, especially when one partner faces cognitive changes. We use Positive Approach to Care® (PAC), Teepa Snow’s relationship-centered techniques to support both individuals with empathy, connection, and clinical excellence.
- 24/7 licensed nursing provides a consistent foundation of safety and support
- Care plans include spouse input, respecting shared history and emotional bonds
- We offer grief and resilience guidance as cognitive changes progress
- Our PAC-trained team navigates evolving relationship roles with warmth, insight, and respectful communication
With PAC at the heart of our approach, we create space for continued love, mutual respect, and meaningful moments—no matter where the journey leads.
When Caregiver Stress Becomes Too Much
If one spouse is caregiving for the other at home, they often experience physical exhaustion and emotional strain. Our Promise is to lift that burden—so you can return to being a partner instead of a nurse.
Many spouses say that after moving into our community, they’ve reconnected in new and beautiful ways.
Schedule a Tour to Explore Couples Support Options
Whether you’re considering a move now or planning for the future, we’re here to guide you with honesty and compassion.
Schedule a private tour to learn how we help couples stay connected through every stage of memory care.
Read Next
Explore more about how Kensington Place Redwood City supports relationships, dignity, and whole-family care:
- Personalized Care Plans: How We Support Every Resident – Discover how we tailor care to each resident’s—and couple’s—unique history, routines, and needs.
- Dining with Dignity: Our Culinary Philosophy – Learn how shared meals become meaningful moments for couples and families alike.
- Life Enrichment Activities at Kensington Place – See how couples engage in daily activities together, from music and art to guided movement and garden strolls.
- Our Promise: How We Care for Your Loved One Like Family – Read the heart behind our care approach—designed to honor relationships and ease the caregiving burden.
Have more questions? Contact us today—we’re here to help you every step of the way.