Carthage health center opens Alzheimer’s unit w/ dementia diagnosis, treatment info

By Susan Redden

sredden@joplinglobe.com

CARTHAGE, Mo. — An open house Wednesday marked the addition of specialized services for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia-related illnesses at the Carthage Health and Rehabilitation Center.

The new, secure unit just opened and has the capacity to serve up to 18 patients, said Emily Williams, marketing and admissions coordinator for the center at 1901 Buena Vista Road. Offerings of the unit were previewed for local physicians, social workers and others.

The goal of the service “is to meet a growing need in a way that will help the patient and the family,” said Mike Ricks, administrator of the center.

The number of patients with dementia-related diseases is expected to increase over the coming years, “so this is a service we want to make available to the community,” he said.

The unit, called Maple Leaf Lane, includes separate dining and recreation rooms, plus a family room for visitors and a “low stimulation room.” Williams said that room will have low lights, a fountain, soothing sounds and other features designed to calm a patient who may be suffering from stress or anxiety.

The separate wing is designed to keep the patients in a secure area where they can receive specialized treatment, Ricks said.

Services will include therapy designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia, said Michael Ona, a therapist at the center.

“Some of it will be crafts, games and group activities, and some of it is designed to stimulate their long-term memory by doing the types of things they did in their working lives,” he said.

The unit also has a secured outdoor area where residents will be encouraged to work in flower and vegetable gardens next spring.

“We’re partnering with a local hospice program,” Ricks said. “We’ll grow flowers that they will take to their patients each week.”

The unit has its first patient, and Williams said she is receiving inquiries from Carthage and surrounding communities.

The unit is located in a wing of the health center formerly used for patients receiving short-term rehabilitation. Williams said that operation, which works with patients after hospitalization and before they return home, was moved to an area with a separate entrance that is more accessible to family members.