The Cottages Senior Living & Memory care

In the quiet, close-knit towns of Shawano, Oconto Falls, and Marinette, where The Cottages operates, senior care is a deeply personal mission steeped in compassionate care and community involvement. It takes a step further than just standard care, promoting a strong sense of community, particularly for most residents who have spent their entire lives in the small towns.

“The places we serve are small communities with populations ranging from 2,800 to 11,000, where everyone knows each other. Our employees are deeply connected through these long-standing personal relationships, often having worked with or known each other’s families for years,” says Cara Peterson, general manager of The Cottages. “We nurture this close-knit environment, creating a genuine sense of familiarity and belonging.”

The Cottages’ care philosophy centers on a tailored approach that values the specific needs of each resident while promoting and maximizing their independence. Unlike traditional models that can inadvertently encourage dependency, The Cottages emphasizes collaborative care. This approach ensures that support is provided “with” the person rather than “for” them, preserving their dignity and fostering confidence and self-respect.

The Cottages enriches the lives of its residents by providing personalized care, warmth and comfort of a real home within the community.

For instance, when Phil, a new resident, arrived at The Cottages, he had left behind his beloved garden, which he had tended to for the past eighty years. Gardening was more than just a pastime for him. Recognizing his passion for gardening, The Cottages built a large garden in the backyard, where he could continue his beloved hobby. The garden flourished, helping him adjust to his new home and feel a sense of continuity.

This story exemplifies how The Cottages, by honoring individual passions and personal histories, fosters a culture that helps every resident feel like they truly belong in their new environment.

The Cottages also addresses the challenges families face, grappling with balancing work, personal life, and the care of aging parents, all while managing affordability concerns. In rural settings, these challenges are often magnified by limited local resources and economic constraints.

Understanding that financial worries are a significant concern for many families, The Cottages offers tailored support to ensure that cost does not become a barrier to quality care.
Whether through assistance with family care plans or navigating insurance or Veterans Affairs (VA) payments, the team is committed to making assisted living accessible and affordable.

By alleviating family members of the burdens of caregiving, The Cottages also allows them to step back from their responsibilities as primary caregivers. This enables them to enjoy pleasant, meaningful visits with their loved ones rather than focusing on caregiving tasks. Residents can rely on professional care for their most personal needs without depending on family. This approach has been shown to enhance and improve family ties.

One of The Cottages’ standout features is its specialized memory care services. The organization is particularly proud of its memory care facilities, which are designed to cater to individuals with various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. The commitment to excellence in this area is underscored by the monthly dementia training provided by Dementia Solutions, based on the renowned methods of Teepa Snow. This ongoing education ensures that staff are equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques to offer the best care possible.

In addition to memory care, The Cottages provides a therapy program for residents transitioning from rehabilitation settings. This program supports individuals recovering from surgeries or injuries, ensuring a seamless continuation of care that promotes independence and overall well-being.

The Cottages’ distinction in the senior care market extends beyond its services to its workplace culture. The organization prides itself on its familial atmosphere, where long-term employees are celebrated and supported. This culture translates into exceptional care for residents, as the staff’s dedication and genuine concern are reflected in their everyday interactions.

As old age often brings the challenge of declining health, The Cottages responds with compassion and care. Recognizing that busy family schedules can make it difficult to provide the necessary support, The Cottages offers an environment that mimics the warmth and familiarity of home. Families seeking a nurturing and respectful atmosphere will find that The Cottages delivers positive, individualized care to each resident.