Com p l e t i n g
t h e
c o n t i n u u m
T h e c a m p a i g n f o r S p r i n g h i l l ’s M e m o r y S u p p o r t N e i g h b o r h o o d
Approximately one in 10 Americans over age 65 ...
Nearly 6,800 older adults in Erie County ...
Dementia
A n d e a c h y e a r, d o z e n s o f S p r i n g h i l l r e s i d e n t s . . . All suffering from the devastating effects of dementia.
We c a n c a l c u l a t e t h e n u m b e r o f p e o p l e a f f e c t e d b y A l z h e i m e r ’s d i s e a s e a n d r e l a t e d d e m e n t i n g i l l n e s s e s .
What cannot be measured is the impact these disorders have on the lives of a spouse, family members and friends who want their loved one to remain in the community they call home – b u t c a n ’ t . Wi t h y o u r h e l p , w e c a n c h a n g e t h i s .
C o m p l e t i n g
t h e
c o n t i n u u m
Since 1990, Springhill has served thousands of older adults with residential choices and services that allow them to enjoy t h e i r r e t i r e m e n t y e a r s i n c o m f o r t a n d s e c u r i t y. A n d w h e n h e a l t h challenges arise, Springhill provides residents with assisted living and skilled health care services right on its campus.
But we must do more for those affected by dementia.
The Memory Support Neighborhood
As more and more people live longer lives, the need for specialized dementia care increases as well.
“I remember that I felt like I had let my husband down because I couldn’t take care of his dementia at home. Following his death, I remarried and now I’m confronting it again.”
Springhill is determined to meet this urgent
Janet and Wilson Nixon
S p r i n g h i l l ’s c o n t i n u u m o f c a r e .
Residents since 2005
need…to sustain residents and their families and friends in meaningful relationships…to enhance the type of services available…to complete
U nders tanding
t h e
n e e d
Dementia is not a normal part of aging.
Dementia disorders such as Alzheimer ’s d e s t r o y b r a i n c e l l s – i m p a i r i n g m e m o r y, s e n s o r y p e r c e p t i o n , t h i n k i n g a n d b e h a v i o r. T h e y a r e d i s orders that cause disorientation to time, place and person. They are disorders that ultimately lead to death, often in as little as eight years. The Memory Support Neighborhood
“Although my wife’s Alzheimer’s progressed, we tried to remain together in our apartment... perhaps too long. But we didn’t know exactly what to do since Springhill doesn’t have a specialty unit.” Don and Betty Robins Residents since 2001
In our region, there are just 129 specialized beds for the care of the estimated 6,800 people afflicted by dementia. Springhill currently has none.
The campaign for Springhill’s Memory Support Neighborhood is a campaign about community – our community – family members, friends and neighbors trying to cope with the devastating effects and emotional and financial burden of Alzheimer ’s disease and related dementia.
Alzheimer’s
A
f a c i l i t y
a s
u n i q u e
a s
t h e
n e e d
Several years ago, Springhill recognized the growing need for specialty care of people with dementia. Further analysis of existing community resources and the region’s aging population confirmed that it was imperative that Springhill establish a Memory Support Neighborhood on its campus.
The specialized facility now planned will offer those with dementia disorders a physical and therapeutic environment unique to the region.
Springhill’s Memory Support Neighborhood will be designed to promote wellbeing…to ensure safety and security…to convey a greater sense of belonging…to c o n n e c t t o p a s t m e m o r i e s a n d i n t e r e s t s … t o s u p p o r t p r i v a c y, d i g n i t y a n d c h o i c e .
The philosophy of care will be person-centered, encouraging participation by family and friends and extending to the physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational and social needs of everyone involved.
“A facility like the one Springhill is planning is so very important. Knowing that my mother can remain among friends with caregivers we trust really gives our family peace of mind.� Carol Joyce
Daughter of Lynette Joyce, Springhill resident since 1999
The Memory Support Neighborhood
The need is great; the plan well-conceived. But Springhill needs your generous support to make the Memory Support Neighborhood a r e a l i t y.
Making it a reality
Yo u m a y b e s u r p r i s e d t o l e a r n t h a t t h e o n l y r e v e n u e S p r i n g h i l l receives is from its resident fees, fees that are dedicated to the o p e r a t i o n a n d m a i n t e n a n c e o f t h e e x i s t i n g c o m m u n i t y. U n f o r t u n a t e l y, long-term financing would increase monthly and daily rates, making fees prohibitive for those most in need.
T h e c o s t o f t h e p r o p o s e d f a c i l i t y i s $ 1 . 7 m i l l i o n . H o w e v e r, w h a t it will mean to the lives of its residents and their families and friends cannot be measured.
Unlike past initiatives at Springhill, the creation of the Memory Support Neighborhood
depends entirely on charitable contributions. For some people, this will mean writing a
check or giving stock. Others may consider donating all or part of their resident
d e p o s i t , a n I R A a s s e t o r e s t a b l i s h i n g a c h a r i t a b l e g i f t a n n u i t y.
Regardless of the type of gift, the urgency to raise the funds does not change. And if you understand the impact of dementia on i n d i v i d u a l s , f a m i l i e s a n d t h e c o m m u n i t y, y o u u n d e r s t a n d t h a t i t is time to complete the continuum.
The Memory Support Neighborhood