You Are At Home With Us
Memory Lane provides women in York Region experiencing memory loss with a unique home-like environment, where meaningful connections are made to flourish.
We foster a community that brings out the best in all of its members as they face changing abilities.
A home-like environment encourages everyday living as they would experience in the comfort of their own home. The familiarity of this home environment gives families peace of mind, knowing their loved ones feel safe.
Our Mission
To connect and empower women and families affected by dementia.
Our Vision
We enhance dementia support by transforming the way care is delivered – using a cooperative model where families are not just recipients, but active partners in the journey.
Our Values
Our values guide everything we do.
Accountability: Remaining transparent and responsible in our actions
Intentionality: Ensuring every decision supports the well-being of those we serve
Forward- Thinking: Always striving to improve and innovate in dementia care
Connection, Community, and Compassion: Shapes how we build relationships, foster belonging, and provide care with empathy and dignity.
Our Story
Your story is our story…
Memory Lane Home Living Inc. was intended to house my mother, who passed away before its completion. Our dementia journey was an inspiration for this home. Mom would have flourished in a small home environment that promoted purposeful living in a socially connected community setting. When I asked our Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) worker about such a home, she said, “you are ahead of your time”.
We experienced the frustrations that come with institutional settings, which began with the “premature” entry into assisted living or retirement residences — as there were no smaller scale options.
Mom endured the feelings of disconnect and loneliness that come with a large, impersonal setting, where person-centered support was not part of the culture of care; a setting where dementia care was integrated with seniors who were uncomfortable around people with dementia. Although Mom had a dementia diagnosis, she could certainly feel when she was being judged by others.
The message I clearly got from the staff in the institutional settings, from the beginning through to Mom’s passing, was that they did not have the time or organizational capacity for family input, due to time and financial constraints. The ratio of care in 2016 was as limited as they still are today. The ratio of 10 residents to 1 care support (during the day) and approximately 30 residents to 1 care support (at night) left me feeling uncomfortable about Mom being alone in her dementia journey. This is a diagnosis that needs continued “cueing support”, to assure those a quality of life they deserve.
Another frustrating aspect of large institutional settings was the lack of understanding regarding the importance of relationships and purposeful activity in dementia care. My mother loved to go for outdoor walks, yet the staff were too busy with task-based care to support Mom’s need to enjoy the beauty of nature. Outings were limited and activities in the facility were crowded and chaotic. Too many residents congregated in a very small space, and we found that these moments were stressful rather than enjoyable for her.
My mother was 1 of 8 siblings. In her later years, 5 of her 6 surviving siblings, including herself, died of complications from dementia. Our house and our programs were inspired by my mother and her siblings that journeyed through dementia. We are dedicated to making a difference that allows other families and their loved ones to feel supported and connected.
Mona Lancaster – Founder
