Osborn to Open Memory Care Center for Dementia, Alzheimers Care

I am pleased to announce the upcoming opening of our new Memory Care Center in March 2013. The center is located on the first floor of the Sterling building on the East side of our campus adjacent to the beautiful Betty Neagle Perennial Garden. This secure center is our first facility dedicated solely to the care of older adults with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. It will be licensed as a Special Needs Assisted Living Residence by the NY State Department of Health.  

The Memory Care Center is designed for those individuals who can still perform most of their activities of daily living but would benefit from a "neighborhood" environment where they can socialize and enjoy their favorite pursuits in a safe, therapeutic environment.

 The neighborhood concept has evolved as a part of the "person centered care" movement; a philosophy widely adopted in the field of chronic health care today. It has come to the forefront as a movement away from the institutional model of nursing home care and toward a more homelike environment in which residents have a greater say in their day-to-day lives.

The foundation of our Memory Care Center is our innovative "H.O.P.E."program. The program is based on four key concepts:

• Homelike environment - The center is comprised of a neighborhood of thirteen private bedrooms, each with its own private en suite full bathroom, surrounding the spaces you would enjoy in your own home - a working Kitchen, an expansive Great Room with fireplace and flat panel TV for entertainment, a Creative Arts Center, and an open and airy Sunroom with access to the Betty Neagle Perennial Garden, our secure Wander Garden.
• Optimism - We believe that regardless of a person's diagnosis or health status, they remain an individual with a rich life story and much to share with others. We focus on each person's capabilities, what they like and can accomplish. 
• Passion- Staff has a shared passion for enriching the lives of residents affected by dementia and their families. We are passionate about the work we do and the innate potential in every human being.
• Empathy - As our staff gets to know our residents and learn more about them, they develop in-depth knowledge to understand each resident's situation and appreciate their feelings and motivations. A life filled with dignity and respect flows from empathy.

The Memory Care Center is the first such neighborhood at The Osborn. It was designed to reflect the current best practices for older adults affected by dementia to live their lives to the fullest.