Westlake Village opens new memory care unit
Brian Appleby of Westlake Village stands beside a life skills station with a workbench and tools. A variety of stations throughout the community stimulate the minds of residents and reinforce memories of familiar activities, while reducing stress and anxiety.
Westlake Village is growing to meet the demand for Alzheimer’s and dementia-related services, with the opening of a new, 32-bed memory care unit. This new unit expands the current independent, assisted living and skilled nursing already offered at Westlake Village, which can meet the needs of more than 300 residents. A grand opening, ribbon-cutting event was held on Feb. 26 and the community expects to begin accepting residents in March.
“Memory care communities are specially designed living spaces where the environment supports our residents as they handle the cognitive challenges brought on by Alzheimer’s and other dementias,” said Sheryl Ludeke-Smith, a dementia care specialist with Westlake Village's parent company, Brookdale, who attended the grand opening. “Things like specialized flooring or certain wall colors help cue residents about aspects of their daily lives. Areas of the community are also set up for safe engagement in activities such as gardening or kitchen work that provide meaningful moments for residents.”
The unit will have activity programming throughout the day and 24-hour nursing care in a homelike environment that helps seniors stay engaged and socially active. A growing body of research on aging shows that well-designed programs can help sustain mental functions that are often impacted in early to mid-stages of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Trained associates work closely with residents to promote well-being, dignity and choice and to provide opportunities for residents to find happiness and meaning in support of their unique needs.
“We are excited to be able to provide another senior living solution to the Westlake community,” said Westlake Village Executive Director Patrick Payne. “The addition of memory care services allows us to better achieve our mission to enrich the lives of those we serve with compassion, respect, excellence and integrity.”