Anyone with a loved one affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia knows that people suffering from cognitive losses have distinctive needs. These needs don’t always fit under the umbrella of traditional assisted or nursing care.

That’s why dementia care is unique among Meth-Wick Community’s styles of living. Meth-Wick has offered dedicated memory care services at our Arbor Place facility on campus since 1997.

Importance of Patient-Centered Care

The program at Arbor Place operates with a patient-centered care model. Small groups of residents live in cottage-style communities built to feel like a traditional family home with a low resident-to-caregiver ratio. According to research by the Alzheimer’s Association, this is the standard of care that provides the greatest benefit to people with cognitive losses.

Each cottage features private rooms centered around a peaceful common area and kitchen where residents eat their meals together, take part in wellness programs, and spend time with visitors.

Restyling Arbor Place

As the need for dementia care grows at an increasingly rapid pace, Meth-Wick is updating Arbor Place to improve the quality of resident’s lives. Social worker Andrea Santacroce explains how the renovations positively affect the residents’ quality of life:

 

The renovations have incorporated design details specifically for those living with mild to moderate cognitive loss. Registered nurse Teresa Minnis explains how the updated interiors impact residents in their daily lives:

 

Updates at Arbor Place include:

• Larger units.
  • Increasing the size and updating the décor of individual rooms in the cottages.
  • Creating units with in-room showers and kitchenettes.
  • Large windows help residents maintain the natural rhythms of day and night.
• Improved dining experience.
  • An expanded dining area and smaller table configurations are better suited for individuals with hearing and vision impairment.
• Modern interior design.
  • Refreshing the look and feel of common areas to make it more comfortable and attractive for residents and their families.
  • Even, consistent lighting creates a calming environment.
  • Clean design elements throughout, such as pocket doors, help eliminate vision clutter.
• New technology.
  • Only dementia facility in Cedar Rapids to feature a Tovertafel console. The Tovertafel is an award-winning, research-backed game system for individuals with dementia. Tovertafel means ‘Magic Table’ in Dutch.

Chris James’ mother is an Arbor Place resident suffering from the mental decline of dementia, however she is still physically capable of caring for herself. The shower and kitchenette updates in the single rooms allow her to remain independent as she is able while still benefitting from the safety measures of a dedicated dementia care facility. Chris explains why these renovations are meaningful to her mother and their family.

Construction Underway

One of the neighborhoods at Arbor Place was reserved during the COVID-19 pandemic to accommodate any Meth-Wick resident recovering from the virus. As we move into a new stage of pandemic management this neighborhood will be reverted to dementia care, giving us the opportunity to restyle the entire building, neighborhood by neighborhood. There are four cottages in Arbor Place. Stead and Friendship cottages have six resident apartments. Lynch and Koehler cottages have eight apartments, for a total of 28 resident apartments. Construction is complete in three cottages; renovations on the fourth will be begin next week.