Dementia is a progressive condition that damages areas of the brain involved in memory, intelligence, judgment, language and behavior. It is the most common form of mental decline, or dementia, in older adults.

Dementia is more severe than the mild memory loss that many people experience as they grow older. It affects not only memory but also behavior, personality, the ability to think, and the ability to function from day to day. Close family members usually notice symptoms first, although the person affected also may realize that something is wrong.

Dementia is caused by changes or deterioration in certain areas in the brain that control thinking, communication and behavior. Some of the deterioration may be related to a loss of chemical messengers in the brain (neurotransmitters) – acetylcholine, in particular – that allow nerve cells in the brain to work properly.

Individualized programming

We take pride in the quality of our therapeutic programming. Monitored on a full-time basis by our Director of Nursing, our care is based on a Parallel Programming approach designed to assure that each resident receives activities which promote self-esteem and accomplishment at any level of cognitive ability.

Comprehensive Assessment

The cornerstone of our treatment hinges on comprehensive assessment procedures which dictate future care and programming needs for each resident. Residents of Petersen Health Care are provided with a daily activity program focusing on sensory and cognitive stimulations, enabling residents to function at the highest level of their ability.

Specialized Dining

In addition to the specialized activity programming, Petersen Health Care also offers nutritional and dining procedures specifically designed for the dementia resident. Smaller, independently served portions, attention to color and presentation of food, and nutritional assistance programs ensure that residents receive maximum enjoyment and benefit from the dining experience.

Petersen Health Care’s Memory Care Unit’s are committed to the provision of the most dignified, respectful and highest quality long-term care for residents with Dementia. We believe that development of a safe, homelike environment, coupled with individually designed therapeutic programming, are the cornerstones to achievement of our goal. We pledge to employ all of our energies to assure that our residents reside in an environment which maximizes resident abilities and feelings of self-worth.

We feel confident that we have created a state-of-the-art environment for the care and treatment and hope that you will feel the same.