As Alzheimer's Soars in Kentucky, New Early-Stage Care Program Opens

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Apr 08, 2016, 10:30 ET

EDGEWOOD, Ky., April 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With the number of Kentuckians with Alzheimer's disease expected to increase over 26% in the coming decade, a local senior living community is investing back into its community to meet seniors' soaring needs. Brookdale Edgewood, managed by Brookdale Senior Living, will launch a special program called Clare Bridge Crossings designed to slow dementia's progression for those in its early stages. This $2 million project is part of a capital and investment and community management joint venture between Brookdale and Health Care Properties (HCP), further solidifying the long term relationship between the two companies.

Brookdale Edgewood has recently completed a $2 million expansion.

Brookdale, the nation's largest dementia care and senior living provider, developed Clare Bridge Crossings based on the newest findings about the disease. "Studies are showing it's possible for people in the early phase to maintain abilities and even slow the disease's advancement by participating in activities that build up brain synapses and resilience," said Juliet Holt Klinger, Brookdale's senior director of dementia care program development. "This is the focus of Clare Bridge Crossings' programming, which also provides residents the wonderful benefit of daily joy and purpose."

Those residing in Clare Bridge Crossings take part daily in activities that engage mentally, socially and physically. On a given day, they might visit a museum to discover its exhibits; learn square dancing as a way to practice processing information and moving the body; write their life stories in a journal; expand their horizons through technology; and make friends.

Brookdale Edgewood has converted 19 apartments and special common areas dedicated to Clare Bridge Crossings. The makeover also includes a spa, activity room, dining room and screened porch to give residents access to the outdoors in a secure environment. Renovations have also been made through the remaining areas of the community, which offers 52 personal care apartments and 24 apartments in the Clare Bridge program of memory care for residents whose dementia has moved beyond the earliest stages.

"With more individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease, there is ever greater need for innovative care," said Cheri Cones, executive director of Brookdale Edgewood. "Our new Clare Bridge Crossings program offers an important option for dementia's early stages. By increasing our size and scope, we can serve more seniors and provide a greater range of options. This means even as their needs may change, our residents can remain here in the community that has become their home."

Brookdale Edgewood is located at 2950 Turkeyfoot Rd.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, 86,000 people in Kentucky will have dementia by 2025, compared with 68,000 currently.

For more information about Brookdale, visit brookdale.com.

About Brookdale

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is the leading operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The Company is committed to providing senior living solutions within properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide the highest-quality service, care and living accommodations for residents. Currently Brookdale operates independent living, assisted living, and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers, with approximately 1,123communities in 47 states and the ability to serve approximately 108,000 residents. Through its ancillary services programs, the Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health, personalized living and hospice services.

Contact: Shawna Zody, 615-564-8207, [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160330/349731

SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living