Memory Care at Grace Commons

Grace Commons features Capri Communities’ signature Blu Grotto® Memory Care programming for our Memory Care residents. This unique and research-based programming helps engage our Memory Care residents in mind, body and spirit every day. Our wonderful and compassionate Memory Care staff are highly trained to work with residents living with memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s to ensure that calm, peace and joy are possible.

Memory Care Amenities

  • Private and semi-private studio apartments with private bathroom
  • Select studio apartments include full private bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Secured neighborhood with automatic notification system to ensure resident safety
  • All utilities included plus basic cable and telephone connection
  • Secure outdoor patio with shade and seating areas
  • Life story shadow boxes outside each resident apartment
  • Thoughtful, home-like common areas to promote friendship and community

Memory Care Services

  • Personalized care plans
  • 24-hour on-site care staff
  • Routine monitoring of health vitals and weight
  • Pharmacy and medication management services
  • Three nutritious meals served daily
  • Routine housekeeping and laundry services
  • Signature Blu Grotto® Memory Care programming
  • Enjoy Life group outings
  • Respite and short-term stays based on availability
  • Partnership services available: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, home care, podiatry and visiting physician*

Memory Care Rates start at $7,900/mo. Price includes base care services.
*Amenities and services offered for an additional fee

Award-Winning!

Grace Commons is a Capri Community. We are proud to have been recognized again in 2024 by readers of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as the Top Choice for Memory Care in the Greater Milwaukee Area – marking our fourth consecutive award in this category. Come see for yourself why we are consistently voted the best in the business!

Explore Our Community!

Memory Care Apartment Floor Plans

We offer a variety of floor plans to meet your needs.

Grace Commons Leadership Team

Erin Gutsmiedl

Executive
Director

Eric Peters

Community
Relations Manager

Laura Vandewalker

Memory Care
Manager

enjoy life with us!

Erin Gutsmiedl

Executive Director

Erin is our amazing Executive Director at Grace Commons! Erin had always seen herself on the acute side of care, but her first position out of college was in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) and she fell in love. Erin loves that she gets the opportunity to love and care about the residents in the community and make a difference in their lives. Erin prides herself in coming to work every day with genuine care, follow through and love. Something working with the residents has taught Erin is that there is joy in everything you do, sometimes you just have to look deep to find it! On the days Erin isn’t at Grace Commons you might find her reading a book on her patio with a cup of coffee, spending time with her family at cookouts, bonfires and kids adventures or putting a new stamp on her passport.

Eric Peters

Community Relations Manager

After spending over 20 years in education, Eric knew he wanted a new challenge. One where he could still work closely with people and hear their stories. He found exactly that in senior living and hasn’t looked back since!

Eric holds a degree in history from St. Norbert College and has also studied psychology and business.

Outside of work, Eric enjoys life by spending time with his family and finds great joy in coaching basketball, something he’s been passionate about for more than two decades.

Laura Vandewalker

Memory Care Manager

Laura has known since high school that she wanted to work with older adults. Laura graduated from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Dementia Live coach and is trained in Total Brain Health programming. Before Grace Commons, Laura worked at sister community St. Catherine Commons in Kenosha.

Laura has helped transform the Blu Grotto neighborhood into a place where neighbors are always looking out for one another and don’t ever want to miss a program. She has helped to bring out the best in the residents experiencing dementia and continues to encourage strong bonds between residents, care staff and families. “Whether it’s going down to Lake Michigan to listen to live music in the summer, catching a movie or driving over to Lake Geneva for a boat ride, I love to take our Blu Grotto residents out in the community to enjoy life.”

When Laura isn’t at Grace Commons, she likes spending time with friends and family, being outside and trying out new places to eat. She loves to read, listen to music and go for hikes and walks with friends. Laura is an avid traveler with a dream of exploring multiple European countries – a top priority on her bucket list.