Mary Immaculate Health/Care Services (MIHCS), a member of Covenant Health, is proud to announce the opening of its newly renovated memory care unit, which has been specifically designed to meet the changing needs of memory care residents and support their overall care experience.
This specialty unit includes 41-beds. Its cutting-edge design is based on research from the Alzheimer’s Association Habilitation Therapy Program, which found that creating a home-like environment helps a patient feel safe and valued while staving off anxiety and fear.
“The design of this unit is genuinely groundbreaking,” shares Rebecca Alfonso, ADC/MC/CDP/CMDCP and Program Director of Memory Care at MIHCS, who prides herself on being a hands-on care leader who focuses on engaging residents in meaningful programming and activities. “Our unit provides our residents a bright, defined environment. Our families appreciate knowing their loved ones are living in a beautiful space that serves their evolving care needs, offers a lovely quality of life and ensures their safety.”
Wayfinding cues help alleviate the distress memory care patients often feel when trying to find their way. Therefore, this unit’s living quarters include:
- Corridors and room doors designed in traditional styles
Residents live in a brick, clapboard or stucco ‘home’. Each is a different style, which assists in wayfinding. - Rooms designed with comfort and safety in mind
Each room features new skid-resistant flooring to reduce falls. New beds, dressers and other new furnishings to ensure a resident’s comfort and safety. - Window boxes filled with brightly colored flowers
Each designed in a specific color that assists a resident in navigating their way back ‘home’. - Light fixtures, color-coded doors, door knockers and mail slots are part of each resident’s entrance
Each of these are strategically positioned to help a resident find their way ‘home’.
The unit’s common areas were also thoughtfully designed with the goal of bringing the outdoors in. The overall theme focuses on nature — and even includes glimpses of simulated flowers, trees, birds, butterflies and fish.
The unit’s common space features:
- The Patio – Residents may sit in this indoor space, relax in glider rockers and enjoy a virtual view of a blue sky and green meadow that lies just beyond a white picket fence. The patio also has a television and piano.
- The Quiet Room – This space allows residents who may need some quiet time to enjoy a simulated fish tank or take in a relaxation video on the television.
- The Bus Stop – Many residents like to wander. They’re also often familiar with public transportation. The Bus Stop includes a virtual sky as well as a bench where residents can grab a seat and take a little rest.
- The Post Office – A destination spot, located at the nurse’s station, residents can take a walk and enjoy a visit with staff.
- The Memory Garden – This outdoor space includes raised vegetable and flower beds; which residents are encouraged to tend. In the good weather, residents may bask in the sunshine, sip on a lemonade, have some ice cream as well as enjoy entertainment.
If you’d like more information about MIHCS’ Memory Care Unit or to have your loved one evaluated for admission, please call 978.685.6321.
Corridors and room doors at Mary Immaculate’s new memory care unit have traditional styles, like brick, clapboard or stucco. Each is a different style to assist with wayfinding.
