St. Mary’s – a mission-driven, not-for-profit Catholic health system known for its compassionate, high-quality care – is building an Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care Facility on the campus of Highland Hills Village Retirement Community.

Construction of the 34-bed facility is expected to be completed in summer 2010. When finished, the facility will greatly expand the options in our area for safe, compassionate care for people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

St. Mary’s Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care Facility will incorporate the latest innovations in dementia care for those who require assistance with daily living. The facility will be designed to maximize safety and comfort, decrease stress and confusion, and encourage visits from family members and loved ones. Highlights of the facility will include:

• Spacious, open layout, allowing staff to monitor residents at all times
  
• 34 private rooms, including six suites for couples. Your loved one will not have to share a room with a stranger
  
• Home-like, low-stress environment to minimize agitation and wandering
  
• Unfurnished apartments with plenty of space for personal furniture, belongings and reminders of family
• Open-air courtyard with a water feature in the center of the facility to provide an outdoor experience without leaving the building
• Unobtrusive, state-of-the-art security system to help protect residents who are prone to wandering
• An open invitation to friends and family to visit, and plenty of comfortable visiting areas
• Three meals a day plus snacks, with a kitchen staff experienced in preparing meals for residents who have special dietary needs
• Resident care coordinated by a Registered Nurse
• St. Mary’s compassionate touch, with staff fully trained in providing care with dignity and respect
• Structured activities designed to increase stimulation and reduce agitation
• Enclosed, all-weather connection to Highland Hills Village, a full-service retirement community providing 77 independent living apartments, 18 assisted living rooms, meals and activities
• Convenient access to St. Mary’s continuum of care for older adults, including Home Health Care/Hospice Services, Lifeline, Wellness Center, Oconee Heart and Vascular Center, St. Mary’s Inpatient Hospice House, and St. Mary’s Hospital

What is dementia?

Dementia is a number of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, that damage the brain and reduce the individual’s ability to function. Roughly half of all Americans age 85 and over suffer some degree of dementia. Symptoms, which typically are mild at first but become worse over time, include confusion, anxiety, memory loss, sleep disturbances, personality changes, and – most painful of all – loss of recognition of friends and loved ones.

People with dementia may not be able to live alone, and providing care at home may become overwhelming for their loved ones. Those with dementia may wander, looking for a home they have not lived in since childhood. They may buy the same product over and over, or get lost driving in familiar places. They may sleep during the day and become confused and agitated at night. They may become frightened and combative. Keeping them safe and calm requires constant vigilance and tremendous patience.

If you have a loved one with dementia, you know how frightening and exhausting daily life can be – both for your loved one and for you. St. Mary’s Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care Facility may be the option you need.

Costs
Exact rates are still being determined; please call us for details.

If you wish to help
St. Mary’s Foundation continues to raise funds to augment the new facility and help patients who need financial assistance. If you would like to make a donation, please contact our Foundation office at 706.389.3926 or visit this Foundation Page.

For more information
Call us or visit our facility at Highland Hills Village. Our staff will be happy to meet with you to answer all your questions and, if you wish, can add your loved one to our waiting list.

706.353.8840
1660 Jennings Mill Road
Bogart, GA 30622
email: cspayd@stmarysathens.org

“With Alzheimer’s patients, it is vital to create a calm, secure environment that minimizes anxiety, emphasizes dignity and encourages connections with family and friends. Because St. Mary’s has always been a leader in providing care with dignity and reverence, we feel that there is no one better suited to provide these services.”

– Crysty Odom, Director, St. Mary’s Foundation