Inspired Spaces®
What if meaningful engagement didn't have to wait for a scheduled activity?
WHAT ARE INSPIRED® SPACES IN MEMORY CARE?
Inspired Spaces® are thoughtfully designed areas within Benchmark's Mind & Memory Care neighborhoods where residents living with dementia can take part in familiar routines and purposeful activities throughout the day.
Rooted in Montessori for dementia principles, they are structured, adaptable and dignified, and they encourage residents to make choices, use their strengths and participate in their own way, independently, with an associate or alongside others.
Activities range from gardening, cooking and laundry to reading, art and games, for individuals and groups alike. Associates tailor the spaces at each community to the interests of the residents who live there. Inspired Spaces® are a key component of Benchmark's Mind & Memory Care program.
examples of INSPIRED SPACES®
- Comfort Cove: A calming, low-stimulation space for meditation, chair yoga, aromatherapy, reading and quiet visits.
- Creative Arts Corner: A welcoming space for painting, crafting and hands-on creative expression.
- Listening Lounge: A music-focused space for sing-alongs, dancing or independent listening.
- Nature Nook: A nature-inspired space for gardening, flower arranging, sensory activities and birdwatching.
- Purposeful Place: A familiar, home-like space for meaningful tasks, such as folding laundry and sorting utensils.
how do INSPIRED SPACES® benefit residents and families?
As dementia progresses, independence, connection and a sense of purpose can become harder to hold onto. For families, that is where much of the emotional weight sits. Inspired Spaces® bring familiar routines, interests and meaningful roles.
A sense of connection: Sharing coffee, working on a familiar task or simply being in the company of others creates natural moments for residents, associates and families to connect.
Preserved dignity: Residents take part in familiar experiences, from folding laundry to creating art to listening to a record, in ways that build on their abilities and reinforce confidence and choice.
Renewed purpose: Rather than focusing on what has changed, Inspired Spaces® build on retained abilities and familiar roles, creating opportunities to participate, contribute and experience success.
who supports residents in INSPIRED SPACES®?
Associates trained in Benchmark's signature Connect First program and in specialized dementia care practices help residents use each space to build on retained abilities, make choices, ease anxiety and connect with others. Benchmark's Mind & Memory Care Directors also receive specialized training to become Certified Dementia Care Practitioners and Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professionals, equipping them with additional strategies to support residents' independence, choice and meaningful engagement.
INSPIRED SPACES® IN PRACTICE
Inspired Spaces® give residents room to return to what they have always loved. A longtime gardener may find a familiar rhythm arranging flowers in the Nature Nook. A lifelong artist may return to sketching in the Creative Arts Corner. Late in the afternoon, when restlessness can build for some people living with dementia, an associate may invite a resident to fold napkins or sort socks in the Purposeful Place, offering comfort and purpose before the busiest hours of the evening.
HOW DO INSPIRED SPACES® WORK WITH OTHER MIND & MEMORY CARE PROGRAMMING?
Inspired Spaces® work in tandem with Benchmark's therapeutic programming, including Connection Kits, Meaningful Moments and Creative Expressions, to give residents comfort, familiarity and routine. Engagement is available throughout the day, not only during scheduled activities, and residents can participate independently or with personalized support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Inspired Spaces® in Mind & Memory Care?
Associates tailor the spaces at each community based on who their residents are and what they enjoy, so the spaces and activities can vary.
Do residents need to attend a scheduled activity to use Inspired Spaces®?
No. Inspired Spaces® make meaningful engagement available throughout the day, so residents can follow their interests and use familiar abilities in their own time.
What principles guide Inspired Spaces®?
Inspired Spaces® are rooted in Montessori for dementia principles. They are structured, adaptable and dignified, and they encourage choice, strengths and independent participation.
Are Inspired Spaces® the same at every community?
Associates tailor the spaces at each community based on who their residents are and what they enjoy, so the spaces and activities can vary.
How do Inspired Spaces® support dignity and independence?
By building on retained abilities and familiar roles, Inspired Spaces® give residents opportunities to make choices, contribute and participate in ways that feel natural to them.
Can families see Inspired Spaces® in person?
Yes. Benchmark invites families to visit a community and see how thoughtful spaces, meaningful engagement and compassionate care come together.
How do I learn more about Inspired Spaces®?
To find a Benchmark Senior Living Mind & Memory Care community near you, visit OUR COMMUNITIES to schedule a visit today!
