With the number of people in Westchester County diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia climbing each year, the need for high-quality memory care services in our region is acute. We’re thrilled to announce that we have expanded our memory care facility to help meet ongoing demand, with 17 new additional private beds opening at Willow Gardens Memory Care – The Patricia and Malcolm H. Lazarus Pavilion.
Nationally recognized for its commitment to quality care, Willow Gardens can now accommodate up to 69 residents with cognitive impairment. For families struggling at home to care for loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, especially with the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, this is welcome news! We’re meeting their needs by providing more options for supportive, specialized dementia care right here in Westchester.
We couldn’t have done any of this without the support of Malcolm Lazarus, a board member, long-time supporter and friend to United Hebrew for over 35 years; he and his late wife, Patricia Lazarus, have provided major financial support for this project. Their generosity over the years has allowed us to be the best at what we do, to provide the highest-quality care from staff trained in the latest and best practices in dementia care, in concert with an incredibly enriching array of programs. We also extend our gratitude to board member Anthony Nardozzi. His building and development expertise helped us tremendously through the last 12 months of construction.
Thoughtful design, enriching activities
When we first opened Willow Gardens Memory Care in 2016, Westchester’s first free-standing dementia care facility, the need for high-quality care facilities for individuals with cognitive impairment was great. Our existing memory care facilities — in our nursing home and in our senior living community, Willow Towers Assisted Living — were full and operating with waiting lists. Over the past six years, the need has grown even greater.
Our expansion continues to follow the philosophy and design elements that were central to the initial construction of Willow Gardens. The new garden-level floor features bright, light-filled interiors and a secure, comfortable residential setting that aims to preserve independence, promote self-confidence, and enrich the lives of people affected by dementia.
Residents have the freedom to explore beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, all thoughtfully designed to give residents freedom to explore. The areas are all laid out to be easy to navigate, encourage social interaction, and ease the anxiety so often experienced by those with dementia.
Our residents will also benefit from our specially trained staff who understand the challenges and frustrations that dementia brings for individuals and their families. Through the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, staff members from every department—including administration, clinical, activities, housekeeping, dietary and more—are educated to become comfortable and confident in interacting and caring for individuals with dementia. Our staff has also been certified in Music and Memory™, which helps those with dementia find joy and connection to life through personalized music.
Learn more about Willow Gardens Memory Care or schedule a tour.
