The Atrium at Faxon Woods Appoints Alzheimer’s Expert as Executive Director
Sandy West, CDAL, CDP, Brings Over 30 Years Experience Caring for Those with Alzheimer’s & Dementia to Memory Care Assisted Living Community
The Atrium at Faxon Woods, a Benchmark Mind & Memory Care community, today announced that Sandy West, CDAL, CDP, has been appointed executive director. West has over 30 years of experience in senior living operations, 25 with Benchmark, and has a specialty in caring for those with memory loss.
Most recently, West oversaw and redesigned Benchmark’s specialized Mind & Memory Care program for those with dementia, which is offered at nearly 60 Benchmark communities throughout the Northeast.
For over 12 years, she served as executive director of Benchmark’s Harbor Point at Centerville Mind & Memory Care community in Centerville, Mass. Under West’s direction, Harbor Point won multiple awards, including the U.S. News 2023-2024 Best Memory Care Excellence award two years running. Harbor Point is the only senior living community on all of Cape Cod to have earned this prestigious award.
West has also served as regional director of operations for Benchmark as well as vice president of sales and corporate director of sales for several local and highly regarded senior living providers.
Since she joined Benchmark in 1999 when assisted living with memory care was a new concept, West has continued to innovate in all aspects of the field, including operations, programming, resident and associate satisfaction and recruitment. Her innovation has been continually recognized with several Benchmark awards. She is the four-time recipient of Benchmark’s Ripple Award, an annual award recognizing the Benchmark community that consistently achieves the highest employee trust scores, maintains the highest associate retention and the lowest turnover rates.
“Sandy’s commitment to excellence and her passion for memory care is second to none. I can’t think of a more perfect person to lead our premiere Boston area community,” said Mike Lord, regional director of operations.
The Atrium at Faxon Woods provides assisted living for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia who would benefit from a safer, engaging environment, chef-prepared meals, supportive living services, transportation and assistance with daily activities, such as getting dressed and medication management. Residents enjoy connecting over programs and amenities offered in many common spaces including a secure outdoor courtyard offering seasonal dining, hair salon, recreation room, library and walking path.
Faxon Woods’ Mind & Memory Care program offers carefully created living environments and unique opportunities for those with memory impairment to find joy in each new day. Residents are supported by long-time staff and 24/7 care providers who have been hired for heart and educated in memory loss, communication and empathy. Neighborhoods provide the comforts of home and have unique features that help those with memory impairment stay connected to who and what matters most to them. Thoughtful touches, visual cues and purposeful amenities further promote familiarity and wellness.
