Community Design
At Artis, safety, comfort & freedom go hand in hand.
A community intentionally designed for people with memory loss, with features that promote safety and independence.
- Four distinct, locally themed neighborhoods, each with a dedicated interior front porch, living room, dining room, and kitchen, 10,000+ sq. ft. of indoor space accessible to all residents
- 12,000+ sq. ft. of secure outdoor patio, porches and courtyards, with walking paths and seating for rest and family visits
- Town Square with amenities including a barbershop and beauty salon, program center, wellness center, and art studio
- Wi-Fi in common spaces
Why Design Matters
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a memory care community dementia-friendly?
Artis communities are specifically built for dementia and feature secure layouts, intuitive navigation, and calming environments designed for cognitive support. Residents have daily choices and access to expansive, secure outdoor spaces that encourage movement, fresh air, and a sense of freedom.
Why is design important in Alzheimer’s care?
Thoughtful design reduces confusion and anxiety, supports safety, and promotes independence. Features like natural lighting, clear signage, circular hallways, and personal display cases outside each suite help residents orient themselves, while smaller, distinct neighborhoods with centralized amenities create a sense of familiarity and ease.
Are Artis communities secure?
Yes. Communities provide discreet security allowing residents freedom of movement within safe boundaries, indoors and out.
Do residents have access to outdoor spaces?
Yes. Outdoor courtyards or decks encourage fresh air, movement, and social connection. Outdoor spaces feature walking paths, seating and gardens, and are enclosed with decorative fencing.
How does environmental lighting affect well-being for people with dementia?
Natural lighting helps regulate circadian rhythms and improves sleep patterns.
Are there smaller “neighborhoods” within the community?
Yes. Residential neighborhoods help support familiarity and reduce overstimulation. Each neighborhood features a distinct local theme and its own interior front porch, kitchen, dining room, and living room.
How does community design reduce risks associated with wandering?
Continuous walking paths and visual cues support safe exploration throughout the community.
Are common areas designed for engagement?
The community features a centralized Town Square with amenities including a barbershop and beauty salon, program center, wellness center, and art studio. Spaces encourage social interaction, programs, and family visits.
Is noise considered in memory care design?
Yes. Acoustic planning minimizes confusion and sensory overload. Most Artis communities are designed with smaller, more intimate neighborhoods that mitigate ambient noise.
Our dining service also keeps the environment quiet and focused. We play soft, familiar music, curated with resident favorites in mind, to set a warm and comforting tone. Televisions stay off during mealtimes, and our team is trained to communicate gently and quietly, so nothing disrupts the calm we work so hard to create.
Even the details matter. Dishes are cleared softly, heavy cleaning waits until residents have left, and tables are reset between services – not during – so the dining room never feels rushed or chaotic.
Can residents personalize their suites?
Yes. Personal items like photos, souvenirs, knickknacks and furniture help maintain a sense of identity and comfort. Every suite also features a Resident Life Portrait shadowbox outside the door that helps the resident with wayfinding and shares their story with other residents and staff.
