Alzheimer's Unit
Welcome to our secure unit, designed to accommodate the memory impaired and those at risk for elopement.
At Grandell we aim to relieve the anxieties, for both the resident and the family, that come with the challenges of those with memory impairments. Our secure Alzheimer’s and Dementia Unit can provide peace of mind. At Grandell you will achieve quality visits with your loved one and know they are being provided needed medical care, mental stimulation and socialization. You can go home at night knowing that your family member is in an environment that is secure.

To accommodate the increasing numbers of Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients, Grandell has dedicated two floors in our building, the 5th and 6th floor, to care for these special residents. We have installed doors and elevators that are alarmed and locked, and Wander Guard systems that may be used for those residents who are mobile. Each resident is evaluated as an individual and our interdisciplinary team develops a plan of care based on their specific medical needs and preferences.

Our team works together with the resident and family. At Grandell we believe that family involvement is a crucial factor in a patient’s well being. We welcome family and visitors between 10 am and 8 pm, as well as family participation at the interdisciplinary care team meetings for their loved one and the quarterly family council meetings.
The care provided and programs offered are tailored for this population. A hall monitor is stationed on each unit from 9 am to 9 pm. Roommates are matched to accommodate lower or higher functioning residents, and activities are coordinated with residents with other similar residents. Three dedicated therapeutic recreation staff are assigned to each unit, and, from 9 am to 8 pm, they engage our residents in activities tailored to meet their functional, physical and sensory needs. Activities include music programs and entertainment on the unit, cooking and baking, cake and ice cream parties, arts and crafts, sensory stimulation and pet therapy. Higher functioning and verbal residents may be escorted off the unit by our therapeutic recreation staff to participate in activities in other parts of the facility.

Two dedicated social workers are dedicated to each unit to work with families and staff. They act as advocates and offer support and counseling to residents and family members. Two physicians are also dedicated to care for the Alzheimer’s and Dementia residents in our facility, and a psychiatrist reviews medications and behavior problems of our residents.
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Menus for each resident are prepared based on the resident’s likes, dislikes and medical needs. If needed, Certified Nursing Assistants are assigned to assist a resident with feeding.