Legato Living – A New Way of Addressing Dementia Care
When someone you love has dementia and the time comes for them to transition from home to a place with more support, things can quickly become overwhelming. Fears about how your loved one will react, how they’ll settle in, and concerns about what their quality of life will look like are all things that can make families hesitate when deciding to move their loved one.
That’s where Taylor and Cole Bopes come in.
The Bopes are the newest owners of a Legato Living franchise, opening in Elkhorn, Nebraska, in the fall of 2022. Purchasing the franchise was an easy decision for the couple. It has always been Taylor’s dream to own an assisted living facility, and the couple has personal experiences with dementia. They’ve seen first-hand the devastation the disease can bring. So owning and operating a senior living community that focuses entirely on improving the lives of those in need of memory care is a perfect case scenario for the couple.
“We love the idea of offering those who have dementia the ability to transition to a less institutionalized setting and into an environment that is more similar to the one they have known and were comfortable in.”
The homes certainly feel comfortable when you walk in. Nestled within residential neighborhoods, the houses boast a large kitchen, where meals are made and served family-style. Throughout the homes, you can see residents socializing around the dining room table, enjoying comfort activities in the living room, or participating in therapies. Each house retains a small amount of staff, led by a registered nurse who serves as the Director of Clinical Services. This ensures that each individual receives an intimate, person-centered approach to their care. They pride themselves on attending to the individual needs of the
people living there to provide a true quality of life despite the disease. In addition, the Legato Living model offers respite and adult day care services, attending to the needs of family members, too.
“Legato creates a safe, life-enhancing environment for not only the residents but their loved ones as well. ” – Taylor Bopes.
The Bopes’s property, Legato Living at Five Fountains, will serve the families of Elkhorn, Bennington, Omaha, and surrounding communities. The Bopes are passionate about improving the lives of families and those with dementia. Taylor shares, “After we were
presented with the opportunity, we were able to quickly discover the potential success and impact we can make in the Greater Omaha Area.” Legato Living at Five Fountains is just the beginning for the Bopes, who hope to open a second location in Bennington in the near future.
“Our long-term goal is to create a safe, fun, and comfortable environment at each Legato location. We will soon be operating the Elkhorn location and, by 2024, the Bennington area. We are also interested in possibly opening Legato homes in South Central Nebraska, Arizona, and Colorado.”
Dementia is a difficult diagnosis that changes the way life looks for the person diagnosed, as well as the people who love them. But, for the Bopes, the transition from one’s home doesn’t have to be tragic. “I think there are a lot of misconceptions about aging. It does not need to be a dreadful process but just an opportunity to create a new chapter in life. My goal is to always make it an easy and comfortable transition for seniors and their families.”
The Legato model offers a full spectrum of services for those who have dementia, as well as their families. Taylor and Cole Bopes are passionate about improving the lives of those touched by the disease, and they are excited to serve the families of their community. If someone you love has dementia, reach out to us today to see the difference Legato Living can make.
