01
Dementia-trained caregivers
Awake and on their feet all night, with the same faces on the same household.
24/7Memory care · Emporia, Kansas
Grandpa Walt has fourteen new students.
Kite Hill is home to 28 people living with dementia, and to the preschool that shares our courtyard. Every weekday the two classes meet for songs, snacks and stories.
Why a preschool?
Little kids don't mind if you tell the story twice.
When we opened Kite Hill, we noticed something during visiting hours. Residents who barely spoke to adults would light up the minute a grandchild walked in. Children don't correct you, don't rush you and don't care that you asked the same question five minutes ago. They just want you to do the voices again.
So in 2016 we opened a small preschool on the other side of our courtyard. Every weekday morning the two groups meet: residents read aloud, help with snack, teach finger games and clap through music class. The kids learn patience and kindness. Our residents get to be grandparents again, every single day.
— Marcus Ellery, executive director
Sample family reviews
Notes from families
Dad taught high school band for thirty years. Now he conducts the preschool's rhythm-stick section every Thursday, and he takes it very seriously.
My mom forgets most things by lunch. She never forgets that a little boy named Theo sits next to her at story time.
Our son went to the preschool for two years. He still asks about Miss Dorothy, who taught him to tie his shoes.
Gloria called me the morning Mom had a fall, before I'd even had coffee. Nothing broken, a full plan by noon.
I was worried the kids would be too loud for my husband. Turns out they're the only thing that makes him laugh out loud anymore.
Kite Day was the first family event in three years where Grandma was part of it instead of watching from the side.
For families
For families
Ways to stay close, and what to expect.
- 01
Shared mornings
Weekdays at ten. Come watch, or bring the grandkids and join in.
- 02
Kite Day
Every April on the hill behind the house. Families, residents, preschoolers and a lot of string.
- 03
Your first month
Our nurse calls you every few days for the first month with a short report on meals, sleep and mood.
- 04
Paying for care
Our business office will walk you through private pay, long-term care insurance, VA benefits and KanCare waiver options.
Photo tour
Mornings on the hill
What sets us apart
Where we shine
02
Story time with the preschool class
Residents read aloud or just listen. Picture books welcome everyone.
Weekdays
03
Kite Day every April
Families, kids, residents and a hill full of kites.
Yearly- 28residents in two households
- 14preschoolers across the courtyard
- 5shared mornings a week
- 2013first kites flown on the hill
Our team
Grown-ups in charge
Marcus Ellery
Executive Director
Grew up in Emporia, spent ten years running a senior center in Topeka and came home to open Kite Hill.
Gloria Mendez, RN
Director of Nursing
A geriatric nurse for sixteen years who can calm a worried resident and a worried daughter in the same five minutes.
Dr. Arjun Patel
Medical Director
An Emporia family physician who sees residents here every month and returns calls the same day.
Jenna Ruiz
Preschool Director
Early childhood teacher who plans every shared morning with our activities team. Her rule: nobody is too old for finger paint.
Carla Whitfield
Life Enrichment Director
Keeps the calendar full and the craft cabinet stocked. Former Emporia State music education major.
Ratings & recognition · sample
- Readers’ Choice · Best Memory Care
- Chamber of Commerce · Small Business of the Year
- Regional Health System · Preferred Partner
- Statewide Aging Network · Innovation Award
Now hiring
Caregivers who don't mind a little glitter.
Visit
Find us in Emporia
- 1410 Kite Hill Drive
Emporia, KS
Park in the north lot. Morning drop-off for the preschool is 7:30 to 8:30, so tours are easiest after nine. - (620) 555-0147
- Text us
- hello@kitehillmemory.example
- Kite Hill Memory Care
Tour & office hours
- Tours, Mon – Fri9a – 5p
- Tours, Saturday10a – 2p
- Families visitAny time
Families are welcome any time. If you'd like to sit in on a shared morning, let us know the day before.
Come fly a kite with us.
Every April we hold Kite Day on the hill, and every other day we'd still love to meet you. Call or text Marcus to set a time.