NEW ROCHELLE, NY — United Hebrew of New Rochelle is expanding its memory care facility in New Rochelle, Rita Mabli, president & CEO announced today. The project includes 16 new apartments to be built on the garden level at Willow Gardens – The Patricia and Malcolm H. Lazarus Pavilion, nationally recognized for its commitment to quality care. Construction is expected to be completed by January 2022. The expanded facility will be able to accommodate up to 69 residents.
“The decision to expand memory care on United Hebrew’s campus was due, in large part, to ongoing community demand,” according to Ms. Mabli, who pointed out that the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to climb to 50,000 by 2025, according to the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Many families are struggling at home to care for loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, especially with the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re meeting the need by providing more options for supportive, specialized care right here in Westchester.”
United Hebrew also cares for residents with cognitive impairment in its skilled nursing home and assisted living community. The organization’s three memory care communities are currently at or near capacity.
In addition to private, spacious apartments, plans call for a secure outdoor garden area, activity room where residents will enjoy enriching programs, an attractive living and lounge area, and new, state-of-the-art kitchen, where Willow Gardens’ executive chef, Jahmal Guinyard, will prepare resident meals. These elements are part of United Hebrew’s holistic approach to memory care, which has been recognized by the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living with a Bronze Quality Award.
Residents also will benefit from a specially-trained staff which understands the challenges and frustrations that a dementia diagnosis brings for individuals and their families. Through the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, staff members from every department—including administration, clinical, activities, housekeeping, dietary and more—are trained so that they are comfortable and confident in interacting and caring for individuals with dementia.
The expansion follows the philosophy and design elements central to the initial construction of Willow Gardens, which opened in 2016 and has since earned national recognition for quality care. The new garden-level floor will offer a secure, comfortable residential setting that aims to preserve independence, promote self-confidence, and enrich the lives of people affected by dementia.
“Our residents will have the freedom to explore beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, all thoughtfully designed to give residents freedom to walk as they please,” notes Nora O’Brien, DPT, executive director for Willow Gardens and Willow Towers at United Hebrew. “The areas are all laid out to be easy to navigate, encourage social interaction, and ease the anxiety so often experienced by those with dementia.”
