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Memory Care at Grace Commons

Grace Commons features Capri Communities’ signature Blu Grotto® Memory Care programming for our Memory Care residents. This unique and research-based programming helps engage our Memory Care residents in mind, body and spirit every day. Our wonderful and compassionate Memory Care staff are highly trained to work with residents living with memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s to ensure that calm, peace and joy are possible.

Memory Care Amenities

  • Private and semi-private studio apartments with private bathroom
  • Select studio apartments include full private bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Secured neighborhood with automatic notification system to ensure resident safety
  • All utilities included plus basic cable and telephone connection
  • Secure outdoor patio with shade and seating areas
  • Life story shadow boxes outside each resident apartment
  • Thoughtful, home-like common areas to promote friendship and community

Memory Care Services

  • Personalized care plans
  • 24-hour on-site care staff
  • Routine monitoring of health vitals and weight
  • Pharmacy and medication management services
  • Three nutritious meals served daily
  • Routine housekeeping and laundry services
  • Signature Blu Grotto® Memory Care programming
  • Enjoy Life group outings
  • Respite and short-term stays based on availability
  • Partnership services available: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, home care, podiatry and visiting physician*

Memory Care Rates start at $7,900/mo. Price includes base care services.
*Amenities and services offered for an additional fee

Memory Care Floor Plans

Studio
Apartments

Grace Commons Leadership Team

Erin Gutsmiedl

Executive
Director

Eric Peters

Community
Relations Manager

Sarah McGowan

Memory Care
Manager

enjoy life with us!

Erin Gutsmiedl

Executive Director

Erin is our amazing Executive Director at Grace Commons! Erin had always seen herself on the acute side of care, but her first position out of college was in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) and she fell in love. Erin loves that she gets the opportunity to love and care about the residents in the community and make a difference in their lives. Erin prides herself in coming to work every day with genuine care, follow through and love. Something working with the residents has taught Erin is that there is joy in everything you do, sometimes you just have to look deep to find it! On the days Erin isn’t at Grace Commons you might find her reading a book on her patio with a cup of coffee, spending time with her family at cookouts, bonfires and kids adventures or putting a new stamp on her passport.

Eric Peters

Community Relations Manager

Eric is a passionate and intense individual who takes pride in his role at his community. He enjoys working with adults and cherishes the daily interactions. Although he never envisioned himself in this role initially, a friend recognized his potential and suggested it, for which he’s very grateful. Eric admires Jon Bon Jovi for his philanthropic work and dedication to providing meals to those in need through the JBJ Soul Kitchen. He also deeply admires his wife, an expert teacher, for her exceptional skills in navigating the challenges of teaching in a polarized world. 

A typical day for Eric at Grace Commons is always action-packed and different, but the constant is being able to spend time with people. Few people know that Eric has learned enough card tricks to put together a show, and has been coaching basketball for nearly 25 years! When not at Grace Commons you can find Eric hiking with his family, doing Wordle in Spanish and English, grilling while shooting baskets in the driveway with his daughters or solving crossword puzzles. Eric’s personal motto is, “People will teach you how to treat them.”

Sarah McGowan

Memory care manager

 Sarah McGowan holds a Bachelor of Science degree as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS) and has worked in various clinical and educational settings. She gained additional skills and experience as a Volunteer Services Coordinator and leader in a Children’s Ministry program. Recently, Sarah earned certification as a Dementia Live Coach. In this role, she provides the Dementia Live experience to staff and family members, helping them gain a better understanding of how dementia symptoms impact daily life.

Sarah’s diverse education and experiences have thoroughly prepared her for her role as Memory Care Manager at Grace Commons. She is passionate about her position in the Blu Grotto Memory Care neighborhood and has a heart for serving others.

Sarah’s approach to programming is hands-on, innovative and focused on resident success by recognizing each individual’s abilities. She is willing to pilot programs that have been researched as beneficial for residents experiencing dementia symptoms. Her dedication and innovative approaches led to her being recognized and honored as Capri’s Blu Grotto Memory Care Manager of the Year during the 2023 Jimmy Awards.

To Sarah, “enjoy life” means spending time with her family, especially her three grandchildren, volunteering at church, working on home improvement projects, trying new restaurants, playing games and bike riding.