Memory Support: (Continued)
Building a Design with Purpose
In 2014, the community received the
necessary approvals to move forward in
creating a new state-of-the-art memory
support center, breaking ground on the
project as part of a community-wide
expansion that September.
The result was a 12,000 square foot,
$9 million memory support neighborhood which opened in May 2016. It provides private accommodation for 16
residents living with dementia, including Alzheimer’s. The neighborhood features a “Great Room” with a community
kitchen and living room. A sunroom offers space for group activities, and a library offers privacy for family visits and
individuals hoping to learn more about dementia care.
The highlight of the community is an outdoor discovery garden complete with rocking chairs, a waterfall and sun
swing, and even a garden featuring tactile plants cared for by the members themselves.
“The floor plan features a continuous design, so individuals can always move on to the next destination, whether it
be a garden, library or sunroom, never reaching a dead end, so to speak,” said Garrett. “It was specifically designed
to help our members find a sense of purpose, offering multiple
places for comfort and interaction with staff and friends.”
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Understanding the value of partnering with specialists, the
community engaged experts in the industry to help guide it
through the build to implementing care. It also sought out
a training partner to help prepare its team for a lifestyle yet
to come.
“We identified a partner who had a similar philosophy,
Dementia Care Specialists. We felt that since they had the
training and supports we needed, it was in our best interest
to work with them,” Garrett said. “It was a key partnership
designed to make Peconic Landing self-sufficient in the end.”
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Syron said he believes the success of the program is
dependent on the commitment and passion of the care team,
and the ability to show the members who would be living there
that the new neighborhood was truly their “home.” Starting
with leadership and moving down the line, the community
ensured all active participants of the neighborhood received
the proper training.
“We took what’s known as the ‘Train the Trainer’ program,
giving us the foundational skills needed to prepare
our team for interacting and assisting those living with
dementia,” said Ackroyd. “The care team is key to any
successful memory support program, and this gave us the
knowledge needed to keep the philosophy and culture of
the neighborhood moving forward.”
Adviser a publication of LeadingAge New York | Spring 2017
(Continued)