Tapestries Memory Support Residence Opened at United Methodist Communities at Collingswood
COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. — A global aging population is one of the most far-reaching developments in the 21st century, bringing both challenges and opportunities. While someone develops Alzheimer’s every 65 seconds, approximately 5.7 million Americans of all ages currently have the disease.
With a senior-focused mission, United Methodist Communities opened Tapestries, its fourth Memory Support Residence for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias on their Collingswood campus. The public attended the Open House from 4 to 6pm on Thursday, June 14, 2018.
Alzheimer’s, a brain disorder and the most common form of dementia, robs people of their intellectual abilities and daily functioning. Because the progressive illness diminishes skills over time, the Tapestries program revolves around activities associated with living at home and has been designed to emulate a home environment.
Fully furnished and appointed, Tapestries’ amenities include a fireplace, common open spaces, dining room, country kitchen, living room, large activity area, director’s office, consultation and meeting rooms and storage, complemented by 24 one-bedroom apartments. Two prominent assistive technologies will be employed: a nurse call and wander management systems to maximize safety.
Tapestries’ programming, based on individuals’ unique needs, preferences and strengths, also promotes dignity and independence. Therefore, for therapeutic value, everyday routines incorporate individuals’ at-home habits, such as setting the table, baking, cooking, folding clothes, socialization, and more. Other important programming components include fitness and sensory involvement, including music for stimulation and mood stabilization.
Ann Peters, the newly-appointed director of memory support services, observes, “Tapestries complements our current residential and assisted living. It provides opportunities for people with dementia to live their best lives in a nurturing, homelike environment where the goal is to continue to have meaningful experiences every day.”
Ms. Peters received a Bachelor of Social Work from West Chester University (West Chester, PA) and a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ). In addition to these credentials, she is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Certified Dementia Care Specialist with 23 years’ of extensive healthcare experience, including direct care, administration and supervision among diverse populations. Peters, formerly the social worker for United Methodist Communities at Collingswood’s Assisted and Residential Living seniors, advantageously brings personal knowledge of those residents to her new position.
Tapestries complements the services already offered at United Methodist Communities at Collingswood: residential and assisted living, respite care, short-term rehab, long-term care, and hospice and palliative care. To schedule a tour or obtain additional information visit UMCommunities.org/Collingswood or call Barbara Wrzeszcz at 856-854-4331.
# # #
About United Methodist Communities at Collingswood
In 1890 Mrs. Christianna Baird, seeing a need, led the founding of The Home for the Aged and Infirmed of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the County of Camden at 531 York Street in Camden. Prompted by the donation of a larger lot by E.C. Knight, a new structure with greater resident capacity was built in Collingswood. In 1910, the front received an addition, yielding an impressive brick and white-columned façade. Collingswood became part of the United Methodist Communities in 1971.
With approximately 163 residents of all faith backgrounds, Collingswood offers residential and assisted living, respite, rehabilitation, long term care, and hospice. The three-and-a-half-acre site has access to downtown Collingswood. For additional information visit UMCommunities.org/Collingswood or call 856-854-4331.
