The Gardens of St. Francis adds new Memory Care Suites

        The Gardens of St. Francis, located at 930 S. Wynn Road in Oregon, announced 19 new, private memory care suites are under construction and will be available for occupancy in early 2020.
        The suites will be in their own secured area with more intensive personal care and closer supervision by staff specialists 24 hours a day. Common areas, onto which many of the suites open up, include three living rooms, a music area, a library and an expansive activity room.
        By dedicating significant space and strategically placed common areas, The Gardens of St. Francis is aiming to subtly increase interaction and activity among residents.
        Memory care will have its own dining and serving areas for culinary-prepared meals. Residents will enjoy the freedom to move about while remaining safe and secure.
        A secure garden area on the campus will allow memory care residents to take advantage of the serene grounds.
        “There is a need in our community for families with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s and dementia-related illnesses,” said Curtis Woodward, executive director of The Gardens of St. Francis. “The facts are staggering. In Ohio alone, there will be an increase of 13.6% of Americans age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia between the years 2018-2025. It was essential that The Gardens of St. Francis take action to add memory care suites for area families and their loved ones for their need now and in the future.
        “The memory care floor will open in early 2020 and already we have families working with our admissions counselor to select suites for their loved ones,” he said.
        Adding memory care was a natural addition to the campus that offers independent and assisted living, long-term care along with skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. The Gardens of St. Francis in its present building has been part of the Oregon community for over 15 years.
        “Our memory care will nurture the special needs due to Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of memory impairment with a holistic and person-centered approach to care,” Woodward said. “Our specially trained caregivers will provide compassionate care in a safe and engaging therapeutic environment. A dedicated activity person for our memory care residents will work with them on activities that stimulate, as well as encourage them to interact with others.”
        Steeped in Christian tradition, the memory care program will nurture the healing ministry of the Church that is an important part of The Gardens of St. Francis by providing comprehensive and spiritually enriching services for residents of all faiths.
        Woodward encourages families and caregivers to select suites. “Our early 2020 time frame allows families to make necessary arrangements and share the holidays with their loved ones,” he said.
        To learn more about The Gardens of St. Francis senior living community, call 419-698-4331 or go to www.homeishere.org.