New Memory Care Unit Opens at East Aurora Nursing Facility - East Aurora Chamber of Commerce (original) (raw)

Absolut Care of Aurora Park is proud to announce the opening of a 74-bed memory care unit designed to provide holistic, person-centered care for individuals with all stages of dementia.

The newly renovated and fully secured unit includes evidence-based features that benefit those with memory loss including custom lighting, visual cues, an enclosed outdoor courtyard and sensory nooks that allow residents to mimic past-life activities in office, laundry and nursery settings. “Many of the therapeutic tasks that our residents take part in involve activities and experiences from their younger days,” stated Kate Hassett, RN, BSN, assistant director of nursing. “The nooks provide stability and purpose, with the environments reflecting activities they once enjoyed such as office work or rocking babies.”

Programming on the unit encourages participation and self-expression. Daily activities are individually designed to enhance the overall quality of the residents’ lives and can include music, art, baking and therapeutic tasks. Aurora Park’s administrator and licensed occupational therapist, Kate Gahr, will also work with the rehabilitative team to implement dementia-focused therapy programs into the care planning. “Our staff-to-resident ratios are based on each individual’s need, which fosters highly personalized care experiences,” Hassett stated.

Thirty-five-year employee Michele Mendola serves as the unit coordinator. She began her career at Aurora Park as a certified nursing assistant and has held multiple nursing positions within the facility. The unit also features licensed nursing staff 24 hours a day and specialists who have received dementia-specific training including the Alzheimer’s Association’s Project ECHO certification. The ECHO training series is one of the first in the country focused on improving access to quality dementia care in the long-term care setting.

Respite stays are available for up to 30 days, as are memory care services for patients participating in the short-term post-acute rehabilitation program. Individuals can also transition to the long-term care unit after a respite or rehab stay, if appropriate.

The unit is a redeveloped version of the dedicated memory care unit previously located in the on-campus multi-level Hamlin building. The new unit was moved to the first floor to give residents access to more space and a dedicated outdoor area. “Many of our residents benefit from walking and physical activity, so the enclosed courtyard plays a significant role in their overall quality of life,” Hassett remarked.

The facility plans to host educational events in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association and anticipates the development of a monthly support group.

Absolut Care of Aurora Park provides 24-hour skilled nursing care, post-acute rehabilitation, memory care, in-house dialysis, hospice and respite/short-term care. Learn more at www.livinglegendshealth.com/aurora-park