The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Memory care center breaks ground
An advanced memory care community setting new standards for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care will set down roots in Avon in 2021.
The Ganzhorn Suites Corporation, a developer and operator of highly specialized memory care assisted living communities, recently broke ground on the Ganzhorn Suites of Avon, at 33350 Health Campus Blvd., joining the city’s growing health care infrastructure.
Located next to the Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Avon, this new location will offer comprehensive advanced memory care services and personalized enrichment programming for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in the Cleveland area.
“There are many things that distinguish our care model from other memory care communities,” said Eleanor Alvarez, CEO of The Ganzhorn Suites. “For instance, our commitment to exceptional staffing sets new standards for memory care.
“Our staffing levels are nearly twice the number found in typical memory care centers. We also provide a team of certified dementia practitioners (CDP). This is a credential that represents a high level of training in Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
“This certification ensures that our staff understands the unique care needs and communication challenges of those with dementia.”
The $9 million, 51,000-square-foot facility was approved by the Avon Planning Commission in 2019 contingent on a traffic study on Nagel Road.
Beyond exceptional staffing, The Ganzhorn suites offers a unique, purpose-built design.
Avon Mayor Bryan Jensen said the project is another option for residents, which is a good thing.
While many projects in Ohio are on hold right now due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Ganzhorn is moving forward where construction crews were doing site work June 16.
“Ganzhorn specializes in memory care,” Jensen said. “I am happy to see that they are moving forward, given everything that is going on right now - with many things being put on hold.
“Them moving forward is very positive.”
Experts in environmental design were consulted to design a residential center that not only is beautiful, but incorporates stateof-the-art safety and monitoring technologies.
The center will have 64 furnished private suites split into four distinct households.
Each household can accommodate 16 residents.
“Research clearly supports that small, more intimate environments are best for people with dementia,” Alvarez said.
Safety and security are paramount as wandering is a common issue with dementia, she said.
The center will use Momentum Healthware’s realtime locating system for resident monitoring and tracking.
“Through small tracking devices and smartphones, our staff will know where each resident is at all times,” Alvarez said. “We can even program the system to alert staff to resident-specific needs and behaviors.
“Memory care is very close to our hearts as our team has extensive professional and personal experience caring for those with dementia. There is no one size fits all when it comes to memory disorders.
“Each resident is on a unique journey and we are here to provide personalized care and support for residents and their family members.”
The Ganzhorn Suites of Avon is expected to open in spring.