Irvine Cottage 2 sits in a quiet residential area at 16 Porter in Irvine and mainly helps seniors with Alzheimer's and other memory issues, and while it's not a large place, the staff focus on personal care for each resident. The building has a home-like feel, with wood padded floors you don't slip on too easily, and there's plenty of natural light coming in from skylights and extra windows, making the rooms feel open and bright even when people are having a tough day. The walls have calming murals, and the whole house has muted colors with contrasted doors so it's easier for folks to find their way, and memory boards and placemats help people remember who they are and where they're sitting, while an aroma diffuser adds a bit of comfort to the common areas.
Residents get help with daily needs, including medication, incontinence care, and support for those who can't walk on their own, and staff can handle high acuity care when needed. Meals come from the kitchen, put together by chefs and meal planners, aiming for good nutrition and taste. Each room includes a wheelchair accessible shower, and there are fall safety alarms and camera monitoring throughout the property, with locked garages that open by keypad for extra security, and every room has an outside door exit in case someone needs to leave quickly. Residents can get out for appointments or errands using the transportation services, and there's parking for families that visit, though folks usually come for the comfort and the calm that you feel all around the house.
Irvine Cottage 2 is part of the Irvine Cottages community and works with Alzheimer's Orange County (AlzOC) to give extra support, including care consultations, memory therapies, and brain health education. The staff put together community programs and support groups, and provide educational sessions for families dealing with dementia. The day health program lets some people come in for care during the day instead of living there, which helps families who need a break. The mix of safety features, calming decorations, and specialized care aims to make daily life more manageable and pleasant for people struggling with memory loss, and while no place is perfect, this one works hard to make each day safer and more comfortable for its residents.
