The Bridges is really progressing in working with dementia. My mother has a severe form of dementia. They work with skilled staff to try to work with that group of people without confining them too much. It is in a nice area of town which is convenient for my dad. As far as the facility, you are allowed to put in any kind of furnishings for your parents. Otherwise, they can provide necessary things if you don't have anything or if you can't afford to put something else there. It is accommodating either way because you can go all out to put in anything you would like including pictures. The food is excellent. My mom used to have a lot of trouble with her stomach, but now she is really good with their three meals a day. They are always making snacks and baking. They have treat times and fruit times, and it is all different, so I never worry about the nutrition part. They are very open with suggestions to work with the people. They are trying to be very progressive and pro-advocates for people with dementia. As for the people I know personally in their caregiving, they really care, and they are very close to my mother.

The first place my mother-in-law went to was the Bridges. I didn't think she liked it very much -- partly because she had to share a room, and the lady that she shared it with wasn't very friendly. She felt that they weren't following her diet requirements very well. She actually made the decision to move herself from there to the place she is in now. I was there once when she was having lunch, and the food seemed good and served by friendly people. She was just concerned because she has a lot of dietary restrictions, and she would just pass the stuff that she wasn't supposed to have to other people at her table because they brought it to her anyway. I think they would have sing-along's and stuff. It is also kind of an older facility, so I am sure that they have a challenge to keep up with the maintenance of the building.