Brookdale makes space for early Alzheimer’s residents

Brookdale Senior Living is adding a new level on the continuum of care: mild dementia.

The nation’s largest long-term care provider is expanding its range of services for those living with the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The Clare Bridge Crossing program is designed to provide a transitional living situation for residents who need more care than what’s offered in assisted living but don’t yet need the full range of memory care services offered in the company’s Clare Bridge program.

Brookdale Tramway Ridge in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is one of 11 in the nation to offer the new program.

“The overall idea is to get away from the feel of a typical nursing home,” says Damian Chavez, executive director of Brookdale Tramway Ridge to the Albuquerque Journal.

The project, which began last fall, involved remodeling the third floor of an assisted living area. There are 24 private rooms, a spa room with an easy-access bathtub, laundry facilities, garden room, fully-equipped kitchen and common room.

The facility offers gardening, art projects, outings and social gatherings to help residents remain mentally and socially engaged, important for people who are aware of their cognitive decline as people in the early stages of dementia can withdrawal or become depressed.

Nicole Stempak

Nicole was Senior Editor at I Advance Senior Care and Long Term Living Magazine 2015-2017. She has a Journalism degree from Kent State University and is finalizing a master’s degree in Information Architecture and Management. She has extensive studies in the digital user experience and in branding online media. She has worked as an editor and writer for various B2B publications, including Business Finance.