Walking Beside Families: Transitional Living at Eastcastle Place

When families begin to consider memory care for a loved one, the decision is rarely simple. It’s filled with questions, emotions, and the desire to ensure that someone dear to them continues to live with dignity, joy, and connection. At Eastcastle Place, our Transitional Living program is designed to meet families exactly at this crossroads — offering specialized memory support in a deeply personal, family-centered environment.

Ashley Orlinski’s Journey: From Caregiver to Leader

Few people embody Eastcastle’s mission more than Ashley Orlinski, our Healthcare Manager. Ashley’s career began as a CNA in our health center nine years ago, where she learned firsthand the importance of compassionate, hands-on care. After working in medical records, she felt a calling to deepen her impact and pursued her CBRF administrative certification — a turning point that eventually brought her back to Eastcastle Place in a new capacity.

Ashley didn’t stop there. She earned her instructor certification so she could lead training for caregivers in our memory support neighborhood. Her training focuses on understanding dementia in all its forms — walking caregivers through diagnoses, characteristics of the disease, and practical approaches to meet residents in their reality. This empowers our team to re-approach, redirect, and provide the most supportive care possible.

Specialized Training for Every Team Member

At Eastcastle, memory care isn’t limited to nurses and caregivers. Ashley ensures that everyone — from activity coordinators to housekeepers and maintenance technicians — is trained to support residents living with dementia. This team-wide approach creates an environment where every interaction contributes to quality of life.

It’s not just about clinical care; it’s about creating a community where residents feel safe, understood, and celebrated. Families often remark how reassuring it is to know that every staff member is part of the care journey.

A Partnership with Families

Ashley’s role goes beyond training. She gets to know residents and their families on a personal level, walking alongside them through the care planning process. Families have direct access to Ashley whenever they have questions or concerns, and she welcomes the opportunity to partner together.

Working closely with Lena, our nurse of 28 years, Ashley blends clinical expertise with personal connection. Together, they ensure that every resident’s needs are met both medically and emotionally. This partnership gives families peace of mind that their loved one is cared for holistically.

Celebrating Small Victories

Memory care can be a deeply difficult and personal journey. At Eastcastle, we acknowledge those challenges, but we also celebrate the small victories. Ashley and her team find joy in moments of connection — a smile, a shared story, a resident engaging in an activity. These moments remind families that quality of life is not only possible, but thriving, within Transitional Living.

Aging in Place with Dignity

One of the most common questions families ask is: “When is the right time?” Ashley often shares that there isn’t a perfect answer. Instead, it’s about considering whether a loved one can maintain their best quality of life where they are, and how sustainable that is.

At Eastcastle Place, families can rest assured that residents are supported as their needs change. Our Transitional Living program allows individuals to age in place, surrounded by a community that adapts with them.

Why Families Choose Eastcastle Place

• Family-focused care: Every decision is made with residents and families at the center.
• Specialized training: All staff members are equipped to support residents with dementia – including but not limited to mild cognitive impairment, alzheimer’s disease, lewy-body dementia, or parkinson’s disease.
• Personal connection: Ashley and Lena lead with compassion, ensuring care is both clinical and personal.
• Peace of mind: Families know their loved one is safe, supported, and celebrated.
• Community environment: Personalized care plans allows for a resident to move freely within Eastcastle, engaging with the larger community while receiving specialized support.

Choosing memory care is never easy, but at Eastcastle Place, families find comfort in knowing they are not alone. With leaders like Ashley Orlinski guiding the way, Transitional Living becomes more than a program — it becomes a partnership, a community, and a promise of dignity and joy for every resident.