Memory Care Program for Alzheimer's and Dementia Opens New Wing
One-of-a-kind facility assists the county's elderly population using innovative Montessori method
MIAMI, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to a rapidly growing local Alzheimer's and dementia population, Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon (RPBL) operated by the not-for-profit Assistance to the Elderly (ATTE), today announced the opening of a new wing of its Memory Care Program, the first of its kind in the state of Florida using the Montessori method to service Alzheimer's and dementia residents.
The Memory Care Program encompasses 16,000 square feet of full-time living and activity space for the care of 38 current full-time residents, with only 14 more slots available for interested incoming tenants.
"The program's early results have been impressive, we have been able to witness many of the residents flourish in their new environment with this kind of specialized care," said Barbara Galindo, Administrator for Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon. "But we depend on the generosity of the community to continue to expand for the growing number of affected families who so dearly need these affordable facilities."
Resident engagement has increased by 65% since the start of this Montessori-based program eight months ago, which involves a non-pharmacological approach that aims to reduce anxiety and engage the senses in order to help patients rediscover the world around them.
Housed on the penthouse floors of Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon, located at 5617 N.W. 7 Street, the Memory Care Program has beautiful, unobstructed views of Miami. The residents enjoy spacious rooms, communal sitting areas, safe access to outdoor spaces with plants, separate dining areas, and a home-like kitchen. All of the spaces in the program were designed with great attention to detail to improve cognitive abilities - from paint color to lighting specifications - and there are Montessori-trained staff and certified nursing assistants on the floor around-the-clock to provide the best care possible.
Specially-designed "stations" are located throughout the floors for residents to engage in activities without assistance. For example, a music station adorned with old-school records has instruments that they can pick up and play. A fashion station is popular among the women, who are able to borrow purses and try on hats in an area filled with posters of models from past decades.
To inquire about placement for a loved one families are welcomed to call Admissions at 305.267.2700 ext. 210. Tax-deductible contributions can be made by visiting residentialplaza.com/donate. The fundraising goal for their next phase of construction is $400,000.
Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon
Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon (RPBL) is a non-profit assisted living facility powered by Assistance to the Elderly, Inc, a 501(c)(3) organization providing exceptional care for South Florida's adult population since 1990. As the largest licensed assisted living facility in the nation, Residential Plaza's mission is to provide a home that allows elders to live in a safe, caring, and supportive environment while maintaining their dignity, independence, and purpose. For more information, visit residentialplaza.com.
SOURCE Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon
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