When Sarah Baptiste talks about the residents at Village Park Alpharetta, her passion is unmistakable. As Executive Director, she's seen firsthand how the right support can transform the lives of people living with dementia – and that's exactly what's happening through their partnership with Emory's Integrated Memory Care (IMC) Community Program.

"You know what families tell me most often?" Baptiste shares. "They finally feel like someone truly understands what they're going through. They're not alone anymore."

The IMC program brings something special to Village Park – specialized healthcare delivered right where residents live. For an additional monthly fee, residents get their own nurse practitioner who specializes in dementia care, plus weekly visits from a dementia care assistant who becomes like an extended family member.

But what really makes the difference, according to Baptiste, is how everyone works together. "Imagine having your doctor, your caregivers, and your assisted living team all on the same page, all talking to each other about your loved one," she explains. "That's what we've created here. No more repeating the same story to different providers. No more wondering if important information got lost in translation."

The results speak for themselves. Baptiste has watched residents who were struggling suddenly start thriving again. "I've seen residents who were withdrawn start joining activities again. Families who were considering memory care units decide they can stay in assisted living longer. It's remarkable."

Some residents see especially dramatic improvements. Take those who've been in and out of the hospital, or whose families live far away and worry constantly. "We had one gentleman whose daughter lived in California," Baptiste recalls. "She used to call every day, anxious about her dad. Now, with the IMC team's regular updates and oversight, she knows exactly how he's doing. She told me she finally sleeps through the night."

The program particularly helps residents with complicated medical needs or those experiencing behavioral changes that come with dementia. The IMC team catches problems early – maybe noticing a medication needs adjusting or spotting a UTI before it lands someone in the emergency room.

"What I love most," Baptiste reflects, "is that residents stay themselves longer. They maintain their independence, their routines, their dignity. The weekly visits from the dementia care assistant aren't just medical check-ins – they're relationship-building moments. These professionals truly know each resident's story, their preferences, what makes them smile."

For Baptiste, the partnership between Village Park and Emory's IMC program represents what senior living should be. "We're not just providing a place to live. We're creating a community where people with memory challenges can genuinely thrive, where families find real support, and where excellent care means treating the whole person."

The IMC Community program currently serves select senior living communities throughout metro Atlanta, bringing specialized dementia care directly to where residents call home – because sometimes, the best medicine is being able to stay in familiar surroundings, surrounded by people who truly understand.