The community’s trusted
choice for memory care.
We are here to help.
Reach out for more information on how we help people who are living with dementia:
Scroll down to learn more.
When is it time to make a move to memory care?
What is it like to live in memory care?
The Cottages
The Cottages are Iowa’s first freestanding small house nursing home for people with dementia. The two cottages located at our South campus are home to 16 residents each. Each resident lives in a private bedroom with an attached bathroom. The Cottages are designed around our award winning Household Model of Care
The Household Model of Care
Private rooms
Short hallways
Open kitchen and sky lights
Secure outdoor courtyard
thermostat
Individually controlled thermostats
Our nursing care, skilled care, and memory care are designed as a small group of residents living in a family-style home, with a small group of close-knit caregivers who become family.
Each day offers new choices and experiences.
Security system
24/hr nursing care
Resident-directed living
In the household model of care, our residents live on their own terms, according to their rhythms and daily choices. They wake up when they choose and breakfast is prepared our open kitchen so that the smells and sounds of morning are normal and relaxed. Traditional schedules and boundaries such as wake-up lists, shower schedules, rigid menus, and activity schedules are eliminated so that life in the home is natural and tailored to each person.
Physical Environment
The physical environment is designed to be warm, accessible, and residential in nature. The number of residents is limited 16 people. Direct access to the kitchen; outside, well-protected private space; and comfortably shared spaces are key to the physical environment. This is truly a case where the small environment helps grow relationships and creates a sense of home. Private rooms and showers and individually controller thermostats.
Empowered staff
In a household model, CNAs are often referred to as care partners, since they support and uphold the philosophy of resident-directed care. The resident/care partner relationship is at the heart of the household. Care partners need the authority to respond to the choices and needs of each resident. If an resident wants to sleep until 10:30 a.m., the care partner needs the authority to respect that choice and the responsibility to uphold the resident’s decision. In traditional long-term care, those decisions sit with nurses and administrative staff, who are often far from the care.
Beyond providing direct care for residents, care CNAs may also order supplies; lead the cooking, housekeeping, and laundry; and be responsible for creating meaningful engagement. The team also does self-scheduling and holds regular team meetings for planning and decision making. This is an advanced level of staff empowerment.
atHome
The only provider in the Cedar Valley to offer a full range of options to keep you safe and independent atHome — where you want to be.
Thalman Square
Located inside Windhaven, Thalman square is a secure area for people living with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s or other dementia. It is two neighborhoods that connect with a central town square.
Thalman Square Assisted Living features the comforts of a well-known neighborhood:
→ Movie theater
→ Ice cream parlor
→ Barber and beauty shop
→ Secure outdoor courtyard
Western Home Communities is committed to making each resident’s day the best.
Resident lead scheduling
High quality nursing care
Transportation to medical appointments
On-site visits for podiatry, dentistry and vision care
Medication management
On-site physical, occupational and speech therapy. Learn more →
Safety Response Pendants
Music and Art Therapy
Life at Western Home Communities
At Western Home Communities, we know there is more to your story –
no matter your age! Explore the stories of our residents
