Ebenezer’s Arbors at Ridges opens memory care addition in Burnsville

In conjunction with Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Minneapolis-based Ebenezer Society has opened its new memory care addition at Ebenezer Ridges in Burnsville, Minn.  The new addition for the first time brings memory care residences to the campus, which currently provides independent and assisted living, as well as skilled nursing care, transitional care, and adult day and child care.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 5.2 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease in 2013.   By 2025, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer's disease is estimated to reach 7.1 million—a 40 percent increase from those currently affected.  Even more alarming, by 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer's disease may nearly triple to a projected 13.8 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or stop the disease.
Ebenezer is all too aware of the gaps in Alzheimer's and dementia preparedness.
“Sadly right now, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease,” says Erin Hilligan, campus administrator at Arbors at Ridges.   “So it’s imperative to recognize the symptoms, understand the process and prepare an action plan for the future.”
Hilligan strongly recommends meeting with a doctor when changes are noticed.  Occupational therapists can also complete cognitive tests that can give patients and their families a base line of the progress of the disease.  This is an important step in planning what kind of care is necessary.
In the early stages of the disease, caregivers can hire assistance to provide care at home or at the residence of a loved one.  Support can include household chores, running errands and personal assistance.  In addition, there are adult day programs available that offer recreational and social activities for the patient, while providing well-needed breaks for the caretaker.
As the disease progresses, 24-hour continuous care becomes necessary and is usually overwhelming for the caretaker.
“Typically, some of the initial reasons to consider moving into a memory care unit are a person’s security and safety,” says Hilligan.  “Around the clock supervision, nursing and therapeutic recreation are available at Arbors at Ridges to make sure those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia are safe.  We also have a support group that can help family members and loved ones cope with the range of emotions and needs associated with caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.”
Arbors at Ridges Memory Care Unit
Constructed by Kraus-Anderson, the renovation at Arbors at Ridges features a third-story secured memory care unit with 18 apartments; a second floor unit with 13 independent living and assisted living apartments and secured 13-apartment memory care; and a first floor with a main dining room, meeting space, an intergenerational studio and family room.
Teams from the Ebenezer Society and Arbors at Ridges will be participating in the Alzheimer’s Walk on September 21 at Target Field (www.mnnd-walk@alz.org).