Syracuse, NY (October 19, 2018) – At a press conference and groundbreaking today, Loretto announced major renovations and new construction to expand and enhance dementia care at The Nottingham in Jamesville, as well as The Heritage and The Cunningham on Loretto’s main campus in Syracuse.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of Americans age 65 and older living with memory loss – including Alzheimer’s and other dementia conditions – is projected to increase from 5.1 million in 2016 to 16 million in 2050. Close to 18% of that growth will be right here in New York State.
“The United States is going to experience a surge of people requiring specialized memory care and memory care facilities, and Central New York will be no exception,” said Dr. Kimberly Townsend, Loretto President and CEO. “Loretto is the only organization in Central New York that can support all dementia levels and all income levels. Through this initiative, we are investing even more in the care that we provide as need the grows and this disease evolves.”
At The Nottingham, Loretto will open a Center for Aging Excellence, including a new living community dedicated to residents living with dementia. This state-of-the-art facility will enable residents to maintain their independence for as long as possible without jeopardizing their safety, and incorporate a true neighborhood feel with a streetscape design and interior park to optimize natural lighting and sound.
An additional 20,000 sq. ft. of space in the Nottingham Center of Aging Excellence will provide classrooms, offices and common spaces to support continuing education for staff and family on the care and treatment of those with dementia, as well as to accommodate partners advancing the latest research studies.
The Heritage, the first residential program of its kind in Central New York created to care for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, will undergo renovations to incorporate the latest designs and technology to support residents with dementia, including:
- New apartments that optimize natural light from large windows surrounding on three sides,
- Expanded kitchenettes to accommodate more residents with modern appliances and sensory additions to meet the unique needs of those with dementia,
- And a spa bathroom suite to provide an even more comfortable experience for residents.
Loretto Health & Rehabilitation Skilled Nursing [The Cunningham], which houses a dedicated dementia floor for the most advanced-stage residents, will also undergo renovations to implement the latest designs and technology to meet the needs of those in the late stages of this disease, including:
- Upgraded floor and wayfinding cues to make wandering and pacing more enjoyable,
- Softer lighting and upgraded scent system to address sensory needs,
- Unique gathering areas with themes and calming colors,
- Upgraded window treatments to optimize use of natural light,
- And new technology – headphones and computers to provide various options for residents to benefit from calming music and interactive games to stimulate memory and reduce agitation.
Generous Donation
At the organization’s annual luncheon yesterday, Loretto recognized Frank and Patti Borer with Loretto’s Legacy Award for their family’s pledge of $1 million to support this Memory Care initiative. With this commitment, the new building at the Nottingham will be named: The Borer Center of Aging Excellence. Thanks to the Borers and others who have already contributed to this campaign, Loretto is already over the $3.6 million dollar mark.
“James Borer and Andrea Waldman, children of Frank and Patti Borer, unveil the sign promoting the new building at the Nottingham to be named for their parents. The family donated $1 Million dollars to Loretto’s RememberMe Capital Campaign.”
“Creating the space to best provide memory care is critical and must be coupled with continued investments in our programs and care providers devoted to our residents and their families,” Townsend said. “The result will not only be an enhanced ability to provide outstanding care, but will also allow Loretto to step forward as the premier center of excellence in our region.”
Click here to watch the Nottingham Memory Care virtual tour.
Click here to watch the Capital Campaign video.
