Lynn and I were delighted to attend the ribbon-cutting for Cape Memory Care in Cape Elizabeth yesterday. The community specializes in care for people with memory problems like Alzheimer’s. It’s part of the Woodlands Assisted Living family of communities.
Laurie Trenholm, the new executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter, spoke briefly at the ceremony, remarking on the increased need for dementia-related care facilities as Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases grow in the US population in the next 20 years. She noted that of the 18,434 residents of Maine nursing facilities in 2008, 65% were suffering from dementia. About an equal number of Maine residents have a dementia diagnosis and are living at home, with about 50,000 Mainers involved in their care.
Lon Walters, CEO of Woodlands Assisted Living, cut the ribbon after introducing key staff and community members. Cape Memory Care will have 72 beds available by the spring, with 36 opening November 15.
Woodlands Assisted Living has communities in Hallowell, Waterville, Brewer and Rockland that also care for Alzheimer’s and dementia residents. The community, at 126 Scott Dyer Road in Cape Elizabeth, is hosting an open house from 2-7 p.m. all week, November 5 – November 12. David Rogers, Cape Memory Care’s director of admissions and community relations, can be reached at drogers@woodlandsalf.org
November also marks National Alzheimer’s Month and National Family Caregiver Month. Hats off to families and caregivers who care for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias with grace, humor and respect. Deborah