Private pay
One all-inclusive monthly rate. No separate level-of-care charges.
Memory care · Lawrence, Kansas
Every face here has a story. We hang it on the wall.
Sable House is a 26-resident memory care home in Old West Lawrence where each resident sits for a portrait, and the portraits line our halls like a gallery.
The portrait wall
A person with dementia is still a person. We want everyone to see that.
When we opened Sable House, a photographer friend offered to make a portrait of every resident. We hung them in the hallway at eye level, each with a short line written by the family: taught fourth grade for thirty-one years; made the best cherry pie in Douglas County; flew B-52s.
Something changed. Caregivers started greeting residents by their histories. Visitors stopped looking past people. Residents stopped in front of their own pictures and smiled. Twelve years later, the portraits are still the first thing you see when you walk in, and they're still the best way we know to explain what we do.
— Nadine Okafor, executive director
Photo tour
The portrait wall
Sample family reviews
From families
Mom's portrait says 'Set type at the newspaper for 38 years.' The aides read it, and now they bring her the morning paper to proofread.
I walked in for a tour, saw all those faces on the wall and knew. These people see who my dad is.
The portrait they made of my husband is the best picture anyone ever took of him. We used it at his memorial.
Paula took Mother off two medications she didn't need. She's brighter now than she's been in a year.
Portrait evening is the only party my aunt still enjoys. She stands by her own picture and greets every visitor.
It's calm here. No loudspeakers, no TV blaring in the hall. Dad sleeps through the night again.
Jada knew Mom was getting a cold before Mom did. That kind of attention is rare.
They wrote down the songs my grandfather sang in the Navy. Now the whole house sings them on Thursdays.
For families
For families
How to stay close, and what to expect.
- 01
The portrait
Within a month of move-in, our photographer sits with your loved one. You'll get a print to keep.
- 02
The life-story line
We'll ask your family for one line to hang beside the portrait. Take your time choosing it.
- 03
Visiting
Any time. Sunday supper and portrait evenings are lovely times to come.
- 04
Support
First Wednesday evening, our social worker hosts a support group open to any family in Douglas County.
Insurance & payment
Paying for memory care
Most families combine sources. Our social worker can help.
Long-term care insurance
We'll help with claims and the monthly paperwork your insurer needs.
VA benefits
Wartime veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for a pension benefit that helps with the cost of care.
KanCare waiver
Some Kansans qualify for Medicaid home and community-based services. Ask about current availability.
Our team
The people behind the portraits
Nadine Okafor
Executive Director
Paula Reyes, RN
Director of Nursing
Dr. Samuel Haddad
Medical Director
Aaron Velasquez
Resident Photographer
- 26residents, all private rooms
- 140+portraits made since 2014
- 1:5caregivers to residents by day
- 2014first portrait hung
What sets us apart
Where we shine
01
Dementia-trained caregivers
Awake overnight, with consistent assignments so faces stay familiar.
24/7
02
The portrait sitting
Every resident is photographed after move-in, and again each year if the family wishes.
Included
03
Life-story interviews
We sit with your family to write the line that hangs beside the portrait.
IncludedRooms & suites
Private rooms
Each room is private, with a window and space for the furniture and pictures that make it home.
01
Private room
Our standard room, with a large window and space for a favorite chair and dresser.
- Private
- Large window
- Bring your own furniture
02
Garden room
Looks out on the walled courtyard, with morning light.
- Courtyard view
- Private
03
Room with private bath
An accessible private bath and walk-in shower.
- Private bath
- Walk-in shower
04
Parlor suite
A larger room with a small sitting area, suited to couples.
- Sitting area
- Suits couples
Ratings & recognition · sample
- Readers’ Choice · Best Memory Care
- County Arts Commission · Community Partner
- Chamber of Commerce · Small Business of the Year
- Regional Medical Center · Preferred Partner
- Statewide Aging Network · Person-Centered Care Award
- University Gerontology Center · Field Placement Site
Activities & dining
A week at Sable House
A sample week. The calendar is posted in the parlor and emailed to families.
Mon
- Newspaper circle
- Chair stretch
Tue
- Music school volunteers
Wed
- Salon & barber
Thu
- Navy song sing-along
Fri
- Walk to the park
Sat
- Chess & coffee
Sun
- Family supper
Now hiring
Caregivers who are curious about people. We'll teach you the rest.
Visit
Find us in Lawrence
- 1012 Sable Street
Lawrence, KS
Street parking on Sable and in the small lot behind the house. The garden gate on the north side has no steps. - (785) 555-0116
- Text us
- visit@sablehouse.example
- Sable House Memory Care
Tour & office hours
- Tours, Mon – Fri10a – 5p
- Portrait evenings, last Friday6p – 8p
- Families visitAny time
Families visit any time. Portrait evenings are open to the public.
Come meet the people on the wall.
Call or text Nadine to set a time. Tours take about forty-five minutes and end with coffee in the parlor.