145 memory care facilities in Dane County, WI have costs between $1,500 to $11,991, have input from 1,220 reviews, and 69% have photos. Seniors in a memory care facility would appreciate Dane County, Wisconsin, for its enriching programs and supportive community. The vibrant local culture is exemplified by the Goodman Community Center, which offers numerous activities tailored to seniors, fostering social interaction and engagement. Additionally, the Dane County Farmers' Market provides an opportunity for fresh produce and socialization, while the vibrant parks system—such as Olbrich Botanical Gardens—offers tranquil spaces for relaxation and leisure walks. These features create a nurturing environment that promotes well-being and connection among residents.
Homey Again community in Waunakee is praised for its beautiful facilities, attentive staff providing exceptional medical care, strong communication, diverse recreational activities, and a supportive environment that fosters social engagement and belonging among residents.
Family Satisfaction
All Saints Assisted Living
Madison
4.8 from 11 reviews
$4,710 per month
All Saints offers a well-established memory care program with professional staff, engaging activities, and a supportive environment that enhances resident happiness and fulfillment.
Friendly Staff
Oak Park Place Madison
Madison
4.3 from 79 reviews
$2,744 to $5,834 per month
Oak Park Place has mixed reviews, with concerns about chronic understaffing, inadequate medication management, and communication issues overshadowing some positive staff interactions and facility cleanliness, suggesting potential residents should carefully evaluate its suitability for memory care needs.
Great Staff
Coventry Village
Madison
4.4 from 50 reviews
$3,250 to $5,500 per month
Coventry Village offers a friendly community atmosphere and engaging activities, but potential residents should be cautious due to reported issues with staffing shortages, inadequate training for memory care staff, and overall care quality.
Small Community
Main Street Quarters Assisted Living
Oregon
5 from 7 reviews
$4,110 per month
Oregon Manor is a compassionate community that prioritizes personalized care, dietary accommodations, and engaging activities, fostering deep connections between staff and residents while promoting overall well-being.
Individualized Care
Timberwood Lodge Assisted Living and Memory Care
Madison
5 from 7 reviews
$4,000 to $4,500 per month
Timberwood Lodge is highly praised for its friendly staff, clean environment, personalized care, engaging activities, and a strong sense of community that makes it feel like home for residents with memory care needs.
Cleanliness
Brookdale Sun Prairie
Sun Prairie
4.4 from 40 reviews
$8,635 per month
Brookdale Sun Prairie offers a nurturing environment with dedicated staff and engaging activities for memory care residents, but potential families should be cautious of staffing inconsistencies and operational issues following recent management changes.
Staff Support
KindredHearts of Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove
4.5 from 12 reviews
$2,775 per month
While the facility is praised for its dedicated staff and cleanliness, reviewers noted a need for a warmer, more inviting atmosphere and improvements in room arrangements to better support residents' comfort and well-being.
Outings
Reynolds Assisted Living Home LLC
Monona
5 from 6 reviews
$3,500 to $3,750 per month
Reynolds Assisted Living provides exceptional, personalized care for residents with memory challenges through engaging activities, communal dining, a nurturing environment, and meaningful connections to nature and community.
Friendly Staff
Milestone Senior Living Cross Plains
Cross Plains
4.4 from 25 reviews
$5,600 to $6,400 per month
Milestone Senior Living in Cross Plains offers a warm environment with caring staff, but faces serious concerns regarding resident safety, staffing levels, cleanliness, and quality of activities that potential residents should carefully consider.
Amazing Care
Brightstar Senior Living
Madison
4.5 from 16 reviews
$6,570 to $7,372 per month
BrightStar Senior Living is a highly praised memory care facility known for its compassionate staff, spacious and well-equipped rooms, specialized dementia care knowledge, engaging activities, and modern amenities, although it comes at a higher cost compared to alternatives.
Community
Brookdale Madison West
Madison
4.3 from 53 reviews
$5,385 to $7,410 per month
Brookdale Madison West offers a clean and aesthetically pleasing environment with good food and caring staff, but concerns about inconsistent care responsiveness and communication highlight the need for improvement in support for residents, making it crucial for families to consider these factors when seeking Memory Care options.
Friendly Staff
Oak Park Nursing And Rehab Center
Madison
4.4 from 20 reviews
Oak Park Place Madison is praised for its compassionate staff and engaging environment with various activities, but prospective families should be vigilant about care consistency and operational challenges affecting resident well-being.
Friendly Staff
New Perspective Sun Prairie
Sun Prairie
4.4 from 20 reviews
$2,390 to $4,279 per month
While New Perspective Senior Living boasts modern amenities and attentive staff, families have raised concerns about insufficient care for residents needing memory support and issues with staffing consistency.
Cleanliness
Brookdale Middleton Stonefield
Middleton
4.2 from 47 reviews
$5,870 per month
Brookdale Middleton Stonefield is highly regarded for its compassionate staff, engaging activities, quality meals, and intimate community atmosphere that collectively create a supportive environment for residents with memory care needs.
Brightstar Senior Living Of Waunakee
Waunakee
5 from 5 reviews
$6,160 to $8,008 per month
BrightStar Waunakee is highly praised for its compassionate, individualized dementia care, engaging activities, exceptional dining experiences, and dedicated staff who foster meaningful connections and provide peace of mind for families.
Supportive Environment
Attic Angel Community
Middleton
4.1 from 27 reviews
$2,364 to $7,650 per month
Attic Angel Community's memory care unit, The Haven, is praised for its caring staff and personalized activities that enhance residents' experiences while also receiving mixed reviews regarding management practices and financial transparency.
Friendly Staff
Cottages of Madison
Madison
4 from 21 reviews
$5,200 per month
The Cottages has received severe criticism for neglect and abuse, including inadequate care, poor dietary management, lack of activities, and unresponsive staff, making it an unsuitable choice for those seeking a Memory Care facility.
Social Activities
Cardinal View Senior Living
Middleton
4.4 from 16 reviews
$3,800 to $5,000 per month
Cardinal View Senior Living is praised for its friendly staff and clean, modern environment, but concerns about food quality and staffing levels, particularly in Memory Care, may affect the overall experience for residents.
Lots Of Activities
Hyland Crossings
Sun Prairie
5 from 4 reviews
$6,120 per month
Hyland Crossings Memory Care is highly regarded for its compassionate staff, personalized care, clean environment, and supportive community atmosphere that ensures residents thrive despite cognitive challenges.
Family Satisfaction
Talamore Sun Prairie
Sun Prairie
4.2 from 24 reviews
$2,660 to $3,655 per month
Talamore in Sun Prairie offers a clean environment and engaging activities but faces significant challenges with food quality, communication, management transparency, and healthcare oversight that potential residents should consider.
Excellent Care
Sienna Crest Waunakee
Waunakee
4.4 from 12 reviews
$4,675 to $5,000 per month
Both Sienna Crest and Creekwood provide caring, home-like environments with strong staff-resident connections and engaging activities, though families should consider the level of care needed as Sienna Crest has limitations for higher physical needs while Creekwood excels in personalized support.
Personalized Care
Oakwood Village University Woods
Madison
4.1 from 29 reviews
Oakwood Village University Woods offers appealing amenities and a vibrant community atmosphere, but concerns about caregiver attentiveness, management responsiveness, and potential neglect make it important for families to carefully assess the quality of memory care services available.
Engaging Activities
Homestead Living
Waunakee
4.2 from 18 reviews
$5,300 to $6,150 per month
Homestead Living is a small, 16-bed memory care facility renowned for its compassionate staff, personalized attention, engaging activities, and high-quality homemade meals, creating a warm and supportive environment for individuals with dementia.
Friendly Staff
Brookdale Madison West - Assisted Living/Memory Care
Madison
4.3 from 12 reviews
Brookdale Madison West and Wynwood of Madison West are positively reviewed facilities known for their attentive staff and clean environments, though prospective residents should consider potential extra charges for services at Brookdale and mixed feedback on activities and food quality at Wynwood.
Friendly Staff
Heritage Middleton
Middleton
3.8 from 38 reviews
$4,795 to $6,295 per month
Families seeking Memory Care facilities should thoroughly research options, focusing on staffing levels, cleanliness, management integrity regarding Medicaid transitions, and the quality of resident engagement activities.
BeeHive Homes of Oregon 2
Oregon
5 from 3 reviews
$4,900 per month
BeeHive Homes is highly recommended for its compassionate, attentive staff, excellent cleanliness, delicious meals that foster social interaction, strong family communication, and a nurturing environment, making it an exceptional choice for memory care.
Beehive Homes Of Oregon
Oregon
5 from 3 reviews
BeeHive Homes of Oregon is highly praised for its compassionate and personalized care, warm and welcoming environment, strong community connections, and exceptional cleanliness, making it an exemplary choice for those seeking a Memory Care facility.
Kind Staff
All Saints Memory Care
Madison
4.8 from 4 reviews
All Saints Assisted Living in Madison, Wisconsin, offers compassionate staff, engaging activities, excellent dining, spiritual support, personal grooming services, and dedicated transportation assistance, making it a nurturing environment for seniors with memory care needs.
Friendly Staff
Deerfield Place Assisted Living
Deerfield
3.9 from 21 reviews
$3,850 per month
The Deerfield dementia center offers a cozy, home-like atmosphere with compassionate staff and personalized attention, but experiences vary widely, with some families expressing concerns about inadequate Alzheimer's care and privacy issues.
Oakwood Village University Woods
Madison
4.1 from 16 reviews
$6,120 per month
Oakwood Village presents a mixed reputation, with some families expressing dissatisfaction over management prioritizing luxury and profitability over care quality, while others commend the dedication of staff and engaging activities, highlighting the need for thorough research when considering memory care options.
Friendly Staff
Cedarhurst of Verona
Verona
3.8 from 36 reviews
$3,200 to $4,650 per month
Willow Pointe Memory Care is praised for its attentive and dedicated staff providing compassionate care, though some reviewers noted inconsistencies in service and management organization.
Great Staff
Avalon Assisted Living Community 600
Madison
4.3 from 14 reviews
Avalon Assisted Living Community offers a pleasant outdoor atmosphere and attentive care, but potential residents should consider mixed reviews regarding staff engagement, activities, and communication.
Great Location
The Legacy of DeForest
DeForest
4.4 from 8 reviews
$2,440 to $4,140 per month
The Legacy of DeForest is praised for its strong communication, compassionate staff interactions, and support for families, though it faces challenges with meal quality and consistent staffing in its memory care program.
Great Staff
Lodi Assisted Care
Lodi
5 from 2 reviews
Our House Senior Living - Lodi offers a nurturing, close-knit environment with caring staff who foster meaningful connections and personalized activities, ensuring residents feel valued and engaged while enjoying a comfortable and appealing physical space.
Experienced Staff
Oak Ridge Living Sun Prairie
Sun Prairie
5 from 2 reviews
$4,000 per month
This Memory Care facility offers personalized, compassionate care led by a dedicated caregiver with over 25 years of experience, focusing on improving life quality for residents with Alzheimer's and Dementia through tailored activities and continuous staff training in a secure, intimate environment.
Clean
Artisan Senior Living Middleton II
Middleton
4.2 from 6 reviews
$4,600 per month
Sage Meadows is praised for its clean environment, attentive staff, and well-designed memory care spaces, while Artisan Senior Living Middleton is noted for its warm atmosphere but raises concerns about staff adequacy and training for behavioral dementia care.
Great Staff
Sage Meadow Middleton
Middleton
3.7 from 23 reviews
$4,465 per month
Reviews of Sage Meadow highlight serious concerns about inadequate care and poor communication, while Artisan Senior Living receives mixed feedback for cleanliness and staff engagement but struggles with inconsistent resident activities due to understaffing, making both facilities challenging choices for memory care.
Great Food
Heritage Monona
Monona
3.7 from 58 reviews
$4,995 to $6,495 per month
Heritage Monona offers appealing amenities but faces critical issues with staffing shortages, inconsistent care, and inadequate nutritional standards that may compromise the well-being of residents needing memory care.
Great Food
Sylvan Crossings Of Fitchburg
Madison
3.7 from 23 reviews
$3,620 to $6,400 per month
Sylvan Crossings of Fitchburg offers a clean environment and attentive staff for memory care, but concerns arise over staffing levels, food variety, activity organization, and consistency in care quality, which families should consider when seeking a facility.
Great Staff
The Koselig House
DeForest
3.3 from 27 reviews
$5,028 to $6,255 per month
The Koselig House offers a caring environment with friendly staff and appealing aesthetics, but concerns about high turnover, inconsistent meal quality, neglectful oversight, and operational shortcomings suggest families should carefully weigh the facility's strengths against its ongoing challenges before making a decision for memory care.
Friendly Staff
Serenity Homes
Windsor
3.6 from 8 reviews
$3,400 per month
The reviews of the memory care facility reveal a mix of concerns about resident safety, hygiene, and staffing issues, contrasted with positive feedback on some staff interactions and management, highlighting the need for prospective clients to carefully consider both strengths and weaknesses before choosing this facility.
Cleanliness
Sylvan Crossings In Westshire Village
Waunakee
3.5 from 23 reviews
$6,500 per month
Sylvan Crossings at Westshire has received mixed reviews, with concerns about food quality, communication issues, and activity programming for memory care residents, but some families appreciate the compassionate staff and recent management improvements.
Great Activities
Four Winds Manor
Verona
4 from 5 reviews
Four Winds offers a range of rehabilitative services and compassionate staff engagement, but experiences vary regarding personalized attention, making it essential for families to consider individual care needs when selecting a memory care facility.
Haven Hills
Lodi
5 from 1 review
$4,000 per month
Haven Hills offers specialized memory care services with 24-hour supervision and trained staff, but potential residents should be aware of the need for personalized care coordination and the challenges associated with transitioning into a new environment.
Sienna Meadows Memory Care
Deforest
5 from 1 review
$4,325 per month
This highly recommended memory care facility is praised for its compassionate staff, effective communication with families, and a commitment to prioritizing residents' emotional well-being and dignity.
Great Staff
Sienna Crest Oregon
Oregon
5 from 1 review
Sienna Crest offers compassionate care from a dedicated staff, delicious homemade meals, a clean environment, and a warm community atmosphere, making it an exceptional choice for those seeking a supportive living space.
Great Staff
Madison Heights Senior Community
Madison
3.3 from 40 reviews
$4,500 per month
When seeking a Memory Care facility, prioritize cleanliness, staff engagement, and emotional connection to ensure a safe and supportive environment for loved ones experiencing cognitive decline.
Family Involvement
Faith Living Center
Sun Prairie
3.4 from 15 reviews
$3,300 to $5,000 per month
Faith Living Center's personalized care from attentive staff is praised, but concerns about understaffing, food variety, and engagement highlight the importance of evaluating care quality and community dynamics when choosing a memory care facility.
Great Staff
Capitol Lakes Terraces
Madison
3 from 2 reviews
$7,499 to $11,991 per month
Capitol Lakes has received mixed reviews, with concerns about staffing and medical oversight contrasted by praise for the dedication and organization of its staff, highlighting the importance of both quality care and resident engagement for families considering memory care options.
Community
Drumlin Reserve Memory Care
Cottage Grove
3.7 from 7 reviews
$5,250 per month
Families should carefully evaluate memory care facilities by considering both positive aspects, like staff friendliness and cleanliness, and negative factors such as inadequate caregiver engagement, limited meal choices, and high costs.
Clean
Tennyson Retirement Living
Madison
3.5 from 11 reviews
$4,400 to $5,500 per month
Tennyson Senior Living features a compassionate management team, led by dedicated professionals like Julie and Cathy, who enhance resident engagement through varied activities and warm environments, while also addressing staffing challenges to ensure quality care for families considering memory care options.
Compassionate Care
Faith Gardens
Sun Prairie
3.3 from 18 reviews
$3,300 per month
Faith Gardens Memory Care is marked by compassionate staff interactions and a clean environment, but serious concerns regarding inadequate staffing, safety incidents, poor managerial oversight, and facility conditions may affect overall resident well-being.
Room Quality
The Legacy at Noel Manor
Verona
3.8 from 4 reviews
$5,865 per month
A family?s experience at The Legacy highlighted the importance of effective communication, comprehensive medical care, and meaningful activities in memory care facilities, while also acknowledging the staff?s kindness and potential suitability for residents under different circumstances.
Sebring Assisted Care Residence
Madison
2.8 from 6 reviews
Sebring Assisted Care Residence has received mixed reviews, with some praising its compassionate staff and engaging activities for residents, while others raise serious concerns about neglect, unsanitary conditions, and chronic staffing shortages that could impact the quality of memory care provided.
Oak Park Place Of Nakoma
Madison
2.2 from 19 reviews
$6,144 to $7,900 per month
Oak Park Place receives mixed reviews due to chronic understaffing, inadequate patient care, poor meal service, hygiene issues, disrespectful staff interactions, and a lack of communication regarding care plans, leading many families to feel disappointed and reluctant to recommend the facility.
Unified Adult Family Home
Madison
1 from 1 review
$4,000 per month
Recent reviews highlight significant issues in Memory Care facilities, including inconsistent staff presence leading to feelings of insecurity and isolation, limited engagement opportunities resulting in monotony and stagnation, inadequate resident involvement in meaningful activities, poor hygiene standards compromising dignity, and insufficient dietary options affecting nutrition and meal satisfaction.
Hannahs House East
Madison
3 from 2 reviews
The author's reflections on a dilapidated property evoke the importance of cherishing and preserving spaces that once held vibrant memories, highlighting the need for environments that nurture emotional connections and dignity for individuals with memory impairments.
Timberwood Lodge
Madison
1 from 2 reviews
$3,200 per month
An abrupt change in management at a memory care facility led to broken assurances, lack of support for families, and poor communication, highlighting the critical importance of stable leadership in ensuring quality care.
Sylvan Crossings At Chapel Valley
Madison
2.6 from 7 reviews
$6,300 per month
Families seeking memory care at Sylvan Crossings report a mix of urgent availability and serious concerns about service quality, high costs, and staff limitations, underscoring the importance of thorough research before choosing a facility.
Advanced Family Home
Madison
1 from 3 reviews
$3,600 per month
This account warns that some memory care facilities may make false claims about their qualifications and ethical standards, leading to inadequate care and distress for patients and families.
Oak Park Place Autumn Lane II
Madison
Oak Park Place Autumn Lane II in Madison, WI offers specialized memory care with 24-hour supervision, but residents may be challenged by the need for constant support and the transition into a communal living environment.
Serenity Homes I
Deforest
Serenity Homes I in Deforest, WI offers specialized memory care for seniors with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, but may lack extensive activities or community engagement options.
Brighter Life Living
Madison
Brighter Life Living in Madison, Wisconsin offers specialized memory care services for individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments, though potential drawbacks include the challenges of relocation and reliance on staff for medication management and daily activities.
Chhy Home Sweet Home
Madison
Chhy Home Sweet Home in Madison, WI offers specialized memory care but may involve a stressful transition process and reliance on staff for daily activities and medication management.
Vista West
Madison
Vista West offers memory care with 24-hour supervision, medication management, and engaging activities, but may lack extensive outdoor recreational options and direct access to specialized dementia care professionals.
Tender Care Adult Family Home
Verona
Tender Care Adult Family Home in Verona, WI offers memory care services and amenities, but potential downsides may include dependency on staff for daily activities and the challenge of transitioning to communal living.
Oakwood Village Tabor Oaks
Madison
Oakwood Village Tabor Oaks in Madison, WI, offers 24-hour supervision and specialized memory care programming but may lack the vibrancy of more active communities due to its focus on residents with cognitive impairments.
Sonrisas Assisted Living
Verona
Sonrisas Assisted Living in Verona, WI offers specialized memory care and a variety of activities for residents with dementia or cognitive impairment, but may not provide the level of independence some seniors seek.
Trinity Adult Family Home
Madison
Trinity Adult Family Home in Madison, WI may lack diverse therapeutic activities and specialized services that some memory care residents might require for optimal cognitive support.
KindredHearts of Cottage Grove Memory Care
Cottage Grove
KindredHearts of Cottage Grove Memory Care provides 24-hour supervision and individualized care for residents with memory needs, but may lack the expansive activities or amenities found in larger facilities.
Comfort Care 4 U
Madison
$3,000 per month
Comfort Care 4 U in Madison, WI offers memory care services but may face challenges related to individualized attention and the potential for residents to feel isolated in a larger community setting.
Able Home
Madison
Able Home in Madison, WI offers memory care services tailored to residents with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, but may lack flexibility in accommodating specific personal preferences and needs.
Willow Pointe Memory Care
Verona
Willow Pointe Memory Care in Verona, WI offers 24/7 specialized support for individuals with memory impairments, but may lack certain recreational amenities and activities that some residents might desire.
Capitol Lakes Health Center
Madison
Capitol Lakes Health Center in Madison, WI, offers specialized memory care with trained caregivers, but may not suit those seeking a more diverse array of community engagement or customized dietary preferences beyond basic accommodations.
Sonrisas II
Verona
Sonrisas II in Verona, WI offers memory care services with specialized programming but may lack personalized activities for individual cognitive needs and a potentially impersonal atmosphere due to communal living.
Total Care
Madison
Total Care in Madison, WI offers specialized memory care services but may not be ideal for those requiring extensive individual attention or advanced medical support, as it primarily focuses on basic daily activities and general wellness.
Hannahs House West
Madison
Hannahs House West in Madison, WI, offers specialized memory care for individuals with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, but the transition to such care can be overwhelming.
The Maher Home
Madison
The Maher Home in Madison, WI offers memory care services in a comfortable setting, but may lack certain recreational activities or stimulation options for residents.
Shangri-La Senior Living
Madison
$3,500 per month
Shangri-La Senior Living in Madison, WI specializes in memory care for individuals with memory impairments but does not mention any activities or facilities specifically designed to accommodate severe mobility issues.
Hammersley House
Madison
Hammersley House offers specialized memory care services in a peaceful neighborhood but may lack extensive independence and outdoor engagement options for residents.
Girlies Manor III
Cross Plains
Girlies Manor III offers specialized memory care services in a warm environment, but potential residents and families should be aware that transitioning may involve challenges, and specific health needs may require additional accommodations.
The Artisan Middleton I
Middleton
4 from 3 reviews
Artisans Seniors Living Community, known for its supportive and creative atmosphere, offers excellent physical therapy services, comfortable accommodations, and good dining options, making it a strong choice for memory care residents seeking a charming environment with artistic activities.
At Home Again Columbus Memory Care
Columbus
At Home Again Columbus Memory Care in Columbus, WI offers specialized care for residents with memory needs but is located in a potentially isolating environment without immediate access to diverse activities or social opportunities.
Concord Adult Family Home
Madison
$3,659 to $4,756 per month
Concord Adult Family Home in Madison, WI provides specialized memory care programming for seniors with cognitive impairments, ensuring individualized support but may lack extensive outdoor activities and social engagement opportunities.
Cottages of Madison - Applewood
Madison
$5,200 per month
Cottages of Madison - Applewood provides specialized memory care with access to local amenities, but may lack variety in transportation options and on-site spiritual services.
Comfort Care Adult Family Home
Madison
Comfort Care Adult Family Home in Madison, WI offers memory care services with a focus on personalized support and amenities but may have limited options for nearby leisure activities beyond basic necessities.
Reynolds Assisted Living
Madison
Reynolds Assisted Living in Madison, WI offers specialized memory care programming and assistance with daily activities, but may not suit those seeking extensive recreational activities or a fully independent lifestyle.
Milestone Senior Living Mesta Ln
Madison
Milestone Senior Living Mesta Ln offers specialized Memory Care in a supportive environment, but it may not provide enough individualized attention for residents with significant memory impairments.
Cottages of Madison- Elmwood
Madison
$5,200 per month
Cottages of Madison- Elmwood offers specialized memory care but may lack on-site devotional services and sufficient engagement activities, potentially limiting residents? spiritual and social interactions.
Considerations for seniors living in Dane County, WI
Access to healthcare: Dane County has some of the best healthcare facilities in the state, including world-renowned hospitals and medical centers.
Senior-friendly communities: Many neighborhoods and communities in Dane County are designed with seniors in mind, offering services and amenities that cater to their needs.
Vibrant cultural scene: With a thriving arts and cultural scene, seniors can explore museums, galleries, theaters, and other cultural institutions throughout the county.
Natural beauty: The county is home to numerous parks, lakes, trails, and wildlife areas that provide beautiful scenery and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Social opportunities: Seniors can participate in clubs, social groups, volunteer work and many community events that allow them to meet new people and make new friends.
Educational opportunities: Dane County is home to several universities & colleges where seniors can take classes or join lifelong learning programs.
Transportation services: There are various transportation services offered such as public transit options like buses which go across Madison and beyond making it easier for seniors who don't drive or don't want to anymore to get around town safely while maintaining independence.