Soaring Georgia Alzheimer's Numbers Prompt $9.5 Million Roswell Dementia-Care Expansions

-- Projects Creating over 30 New Jobs --

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Dec 01, 2015, 08:00 ET

ROSWELL, Ga., Dec. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- With the number of people with Alzheimer's in Georgia expected to rise by 46% in the coming decade, two local Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE: BKD) communities are investing a combined $9.5 million to expand their capacity to serve those with memory-impairing diseases. Alzheimer's and dementia residents at both will be served by the Clare Bridge program, developed by Brookdale with a focus on the individual. The two expansions will create over 30 new jobs, including care, activities, culinary, programming and other positions.

Brookdale Roswell, located at 1000 Applewood Dr. in Roswell, GA., is constructing an $8 million single-story building that will offer Alzheimer's and dementia care and accommodations for 36 people with dementia in 34 apartments. The project is scheduled to be finished by spring of 2016. Brookdale Roswell, whose campus spans 32 acres, already offers independent living villas as well as independent and assisted living apartments.

Brookdale Roswell, located at 1000 Applewood Dr., is constructing an $8 million single-story building that will offer Alzheimer's and dementia care and accommodations for 36 people with dementia in 34 apartments. The project is scheduled to be finished by spring of 2016. Brookdale Roswell, whose campus spans 32 acres, already offers independent living villas as well as independent and assisted living apartments.

Brookdale Historic Roswell, at 75 Magnolia St., is investing $1.5 million in dedicating an entire floor to the Alzheimer's and dementia care program, expanding the number of dementia-care apartments from the current number of 19 to 34. The dining room is being expanded, and a state-of-the-art spa and more activity, programming and common areas are being added, with work expected to be completed by the end of the year. Brookdale Historic Roswell also offers 58 assisted living apartments; the project includes a new salon and larger Internet center and library for those residents.

The hallmark of the Clare Bridge dementia care program is its emphasis on each individual. "When new residents move in, we learn as much as possible about their life stories," said Kelly Scott, vice president of dementia care for Brookdale. "We design activities that meet their interests, stir their memories and match their current abilities so they can be successful in their daily lives. This provides our residents with a sense of purpose and accomplishment that raises self-esteem. In making sure the memory-impaired have daily moments of success, we can help to ward off the depression that often accompanies dementia and can aggravate its symptoms."

By 2025, 190,000 Georgians are expected to have Alzheimer's, compared with 130,000 currently, according to the Alzheimer's Association. "Behind these numbers are seniors and families in need of high-quality care and support," said Reg Strickland, executive director of Brookdale Roswell. "In expanding the dementia care programming available in Roswell, we seek to help more individuals and their loved ones confronting this issue."

For more information on 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 primarily 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 1,132 communities in 47 states and the ability to serve over 110,000 residents. Through its ancillary services program, the Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health, personalized living and hospice services.

Contact: Kristin Puckett, 615-564-8481, [email protected]

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SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living