Monday’s ribbon cutting at the Perry Lutheran Home Main Campus gave the Perry-area community its first look at the new St. John Dementia Wing, a sensory-connected environment.
Upwards of $1 million was invested in remodeling the Main Campus’ east wing, St. James’ Place, according to Assistant Administrator Doug Wood, a 20-year member of the Perry Lutheran Home staff. Changes include a westward expansion and reconfiguration of the wing, he said.
“We’ve put in some new walls and opened up the former nurses’ office into a chapel and school area,” Wood said. The new areas are part of the sensory-connected treatment plan for dementia sufferers.
A nursery, sitting room and outdoor patio area are also new additions and help to stimulate residents’ memories of earlier life experiences, Wood said.
“It’s all about ‘engagement.’ That’s the latest theory in memory care,” he said.
St. James’ Place currently has 13 residents with room for five more.
Activity Director Linda Mozena, another longtime member of the Perry Lutheran Home team, greeted visitors to Sunday’s two-hour open house, which featured free hamburgers, hot dogs, a variety of summer salads and desserts.
“It’s a wonderful day for an open house,” Mozena said, “and the memory-care unit is a valuable addition to all the services we offer here at the Perry Lutheran Home Main Campus.”
Perry-area residents interested in the Perry Lutheran Home’s memory care, long-term care or assisted living services should call 515-465-5342 for more information or to arrange a tour.
