Evergreen House at The Village at Summerville
Evergreen House, located within The Village at Summerville in Summerville, SC, is a freestanding memory care neighborhood designed with Montessori principles. At approximately 19,600 SF, it is one of the few communities in the U.S. intentionally designed around Montessori for Aging and Dementia principles.
Montessori Design Principles in Memory Care Communities
The five core Montessori tenets include respect for the person, observation, meaningful work, encouragement of independence, and recognition that learning and engagement can happen everywhere. Using these core tenets, Evergreen House creates a prepared, purpose-driven environment through thoughtful design.
Montessori-Based Wayfinding and Senior-Friendly Navigation
The design creates clear neighborhood identities that improve orientation and safety. Color-coded “pods” organize resident rooms, each featuring accent walls, carpets, and artwork in a signature hue. Bathrooms continue the pod colors and incorporate textured flooring, high-contrast finishes, and easily recognizable pictorial signage.
Purposeful Daily Activities for Dementia Care Residents
To foster engagement and a sense of purpose, Evergreen House integrates everyday activities into the design. The living and dining room serves as a flexible space for both meals and larger group gatherings. Built-in shelving with cart storage allows residents to help set the table and assist with cleanup, reinforcing daily routines.
Specialized stations support hobbies and interests such as music, arts and crafts, flower arranging, and woodworking. A fully equipped laundry room provides opportunities for residents to wash, fold, iron, and hang clothes, activities that feel familiar and meaningful.
By participating in these daily tasks, residents tap into procedural memory while building confidence and connection. Care Partners encourage involvement and provide gentle support so residents can contribute rather than having tasks completed for them. This approach creates consistent opportunities for purposeful engagement throughout the day.
Flexible Memory Care Layout and Resident Engagement Spaces
Shared living areas are centrally located, and short pod-based corridors reduce dead ends to support natural movement and pacing. Instead of a rigid schedule, Evergreen House follows an organic daily rhythm where residents can freely join community activities. Additional amenities, including a secure courtyard with raised beds and circular walking paths, a game room, salon, and spa foster relaxation, social interaction, and sensory engagement.
Learn More / Read our Blogs:
- Montessori for Memory Care: Empowering Residents with Dementia
- Best Practices for Designing Memory Care Facilities, Provider Magazine