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February 14 Press Release
Local Alzheimer's Unit to Open Soon
Persons living with Alzheimer's deserve respect, safety and love.
ST. MARYS - There was a time when few options were available for precious family members with Alzheimer's Disease. But that is changing - right here in St. Marys, Ohio.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, four million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. A national survey conducted in 1993 indicates that approximately 19 million Americans say they have a family member with Alzheimer's, and 37 million know someone with the disease. This disease affects the patient's memory and produces a decline in ability to think, remember, and reason severe enough to interfere with everyday life.
Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is planning to open a 26 – bed unit dedicated to Alzheimer's patients this spring within its facility. Construction has begun and the anticipated opening in April 2001.
"There is a growing need for dedicated Alzheimer's units in our community as more and more people are diagnosed with having the disease," said Jeff Eyrich, Executive Director. "We are introducing an alternative in residential healthcare for residents with Alzheimer's or similar conditions that produce a decline in ability to think, remember and reason severe enough to interfere with everyday life. Every aspect of the unit -- from the décor to the meals to the quiet atmosphere -- will create a soothing, homelike setting and lifestyle that promote dignity and allow memory-impaired residents to live life to the fullest. Our philosophy is to adapt to there needs, not reorient them to ours. Families are considered to be valuable members of the caregiving team and are helped in learning how to better communicate with their family member. This approach promotes tolerance and respect for the person behind the disease."
The unit will offer the following services to residents' families and friends: monthly family support group, quarterly family and community education night, newsletters, monthly special events for families and residents.
The unit will have special features such as a kitchen, dining room, walking path, activity areas and more. A safe home, all exterior entrance doors will be secured or alarmed to ensure the residents' well being.
Staff specialists will be hired to work in the new dedicated Alzheimer's Unit. According to Eyrich, "All staff will be trained to understand what it's like for someone living with Alzheimer's and each day will care for the same resident's needs. This approach to care will create continuity and enable the staff to develop personal relationships with each resident."
Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is operated by Beverly Healthcare, a wholly owned subsidiary of Beverly Enterprises, one of the leading providers of post-acute healthcare in the United States. The company provides around-the-clock caregiving to more than 65,000 people in 561 skilled nursing facilities and 32 assisted living centers.
For more information contact Jeff Eyrich or Pam Prater at 419-394-3308. Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is located at 1140 Knoxville Avenue in St. Marys, Ohio.
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