A Smile to Remember is Castle’s own approach to dementia care, designed around the things your loved one can still enjoy.
Castle Senior Living offers memory care in New Berlin and Mukwonago for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our homes are small and residential, so the caregivers your loved one sees each day are familiar faces who know their name, their story, and what helps on a hard afternoon. Every part of our care follows A Smile to Remember, a program created by a Certified Dementia Practitioner on our team.
Kevin and Kris Kiefer started Castle in 1992, and our family has cared for people with dementia for more than 25 years. Whether you’re reading this after a difficult week or after years of caregiving at home, we’re glad to talk it through. Call us or schedule a visit, and go at whatever pace feels right to you.
What is a Smile to Remember?
A Smile to Remember is Castle’s memory care program. Our Certified Dementia Practitioner designed it with our team of medical experts around one belief: people living with dementia, even in the later stages, can still feel joy, connection, and a sense of purpose. Even someone with advanced dementia can return a genuine smile, and our program is built around those moments.
A lot of memory care follows a generic protocol, with the day organized around tasks and schedules. Our program starts with the person. Before your loved one moves in, we learn about their history, their routines, the music they love, and the things that calm them [CONFIRM intake process]. A Smile to Remember guides our caregivers to build real relationships with each resident, meet their individual needs, and look for the moments that bring out a smile.
Families are part of the program too. We keep you updated on what we’re seeing, explain changes as they come, and offer family education so you understand what your loved one is experiencing and how to connect with them during visits.
Have questions about dementia care? Talk to our Dementia Specialist. No commitment, just answers.
What Does a Day in Memory Care at Castle Look Like?
Days in memory care follow your loved one’s natural rhythm. Some residents are early risers who like to help set the table. Others do better with a slow morning and a walk after lunch. Our caregivers plan each day around those patterns.
Music and sing-alongs, including music therapy
Pet therapy visits
Gentle exercise and walks through safe, secure spaces
Reminiscing with old photos, favorite recipes and familiar objects
Everyday tasks that feel useful, like folding towels or helping in the kitchen
Home-cooked meals and snacks made in our own kitchen
Our Lifestyles Activity Program is led by a Nationally Certified Activity Director, and every memory care activity is adapted so residents can join in at their own level. Secure walking areas let your loved one move around freely and safely.
Who cares for your loved one in memory care?
Good dementia care for seniors comes down to the people who provide it. Here’s who your loved one will see at Castle.
A Certified Dementia Practitioner
The creator of A Smile to Remember guides how our memory care team is trained and how each care plan is written.
A Registered Nurse, Day and Night
A registered nurse is on call 24 hours a day for health questions, medication changes and anything unexpected.
Caregivers with Specialized Training
Every memory care caregiver completes Castle’s own A Smile to Remember training, on top of what Wisconsin requires, and their education continues after they’re hired.
Health Care That Comes to You
A visiting physician group, podiatrist, pharmacy and lab all come on-site, so your loved one makes fewer trips out of the home.
”My mother recently moved to Grand Hills in assisted living / memory care. The facility is bright and airy, The meals are very good. The staff is extremely attentive and has provided good care. Everyone, from the people in the business office, to kitchen staff, to the hands-on care givers interact with the residents with an attitude of "how can I help you" and make your day a good one.
L. Maass
Where is Castle’s memory care in New Berlin and Mukwonago?
Castle has two locations in Waukesha County, each a short drive from Milwaukee. Each memory care community is small enough that staff know every resident and family by name.
New Berlin
The Grand Hills Castle
Dementia care in New Berlin, WI, in a home-like residential setting.
Mukwonago
Birchrock Castle Community
Memory care in Mukwonago, WI, on Birchrock’s 17-acre campus, home to independent living and assisted living as well.
How is memory care different from assisted living?
Both offer help with daily routines, meals, and medications. Memory care adds a secure setting and caregivers with dementia-specific training.
Hero
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Who it’s for
People who want help with some daily tasks and enjoy an active, open community
People living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia who do best with more guidance and a secure setting
Setting
Residents come and go freely
Secure spaces designed so residents can walk and explore safely
Staff training
Beyond state requirements
Beyond state requirements, plus A Smile to Remember dementia training
Activities
Lifestyles Activity Program
Lifestyles activities adapted for memory and attention
Not sure which one fits? It’s one of the most common questions families ask us, and we’ll give you an honest answer. Some residents start in assisted living and move into memory care later without ever leaving the Castle family.
How do families pay for memory care in Wisconsin?
Cost is one of the first things families ask about, and we’re happy to talk about it openly. Memory care costs more than assisted living because of the added staffing and training, so it helps to know your options early.
Families at Castle often use a mix of:
- Private savings or proceeds from the sale of a home
- Long-term care insurance
- Veterans benefits
- Wisconsin’s Family Care program or Medicaid, accepted at many of our communities
Our leases are month-to-month, so you’re never locked into a long contract. Contact us, and we’ll be happy to walk through the options with you.