United Hebrew Announces Opening Of New Wing at Willow Gardens

(New Rochelle, NY—September 28, 2022)….United Hebrew of New Rochelle expanded its memory care facility with 17 additional private beds opening at Willow Gardens Memory Care – The Patricia and Malcolm H. Lazarus Pavilion, Rita Mabli, president & CEO, announced today at a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Malcolm Lazarus, who provided major financial support for the project, and Anthony Nardozzi, whose building and development expertise guided the expansion. Both are long-time supporters and board members at United Hebrew.

Nationally recognized for its commitment to quality care, Willow Gardens can now accommodate up to 69 residents with cognitive impairment. “The decision to expand memory care on United Hebrew’s campus was due, in large part, to ongoing community demand,” according to Ms. Mabli, who noted that the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to climb to 50,000 by 2025, according to the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Many families are struggling at home to care for loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, especially with the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re meeting their needs by providing more options for supportive, specialized dementia care right here in Westchester. We thank Mr. Lazarus for his instrumental support,” Mabli added.

For 103 years, United Hebrew has been a leader in providing expert and compassionate care for the region’s most vulnerable residents. United Hebrew also cares for residents with cognitive impairment in its skilled nursing home and assisted living community. The organization’s three memory care communities are currently at or near capacity.

Thoughtfully-designed spaces, specially-trained staff

The expansion follows the philosophy and design elements central to the initial construction of Willow Gardens, Westchester’s first free-standing dementia care facility which opened in 2016 and has since earned national recognition for quality care. The new garden-level floor features bright, light-filled interiors and a secure, comfortable residential setting that aims to preserve independence, promote self-confidence, and enrich the lives of people affected by dementia.

In addition to private, spacious apartments, residents may explore tranquil outdoor spaces, common areas including an activity room where they will enjoy enriching programs, an attractive living and lounge area, and a new, state-of-the-art kitchen, where Willow Gardens’ executive chef, Jahmal Guinyard, will prepare resident meals. These elements are part of United Hebrew’s holistic approach to memory care, which has been recognized by the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living with a Bronze Quality Award.

Residents will also benefit from United Hebrew’s specially trained staff who understand the challenges and frustrations that dementia brings for individuals and their families. Through the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, staff members from every department—including administration, clinical, activities, housekeeping, dietary and more—are educated to become comfortable and confident in their interaction and care for individuals with dementia. Staff have also been certified in Music and Memory™, which helps those with dementia find joy and connection to life through personalized music.

“Our residents have the freedom to explore beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, all thoughtfully designed,” notes Nora O’Brien, PT, DPT, executive director for Willow Gardens and Willow Towers at United Hebrew. “The areas are all laid out to be easy to navigate, encourage social interaction, and ease the anxiety so often experienced by those with dementia.”

About United Hebrew of New Rochelle

United Hebrew of New Rochelle (uhgc.org) is a vibrant not-for-profit, non-sectarian, multiservice campus of comprehensive care nestled on 7.5 acres. United Hebrew has been serving the Westchester metropolitan area since 1919, and today, serves more than 1,000 residents and clients daily on its Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Campus and within the Westchester community. Services include: Long-Term Skilled Nursing (The Kramer and Skalet Pavilion); Burke Rehabilitation at United Hebrew; Willow Towers Assisted Living (The Beverly and Alfred J. Green Pavilion), Memory Care at Willow Gardens (The Patricia and Malcolm H. Lazarus Pavilion); The Phoenix Neighborhood and Griffen Program at Willow Towers; and Nightingale Neighborhood at United Hebrew; Independent Senior Housing at Soundview (Low-Savin Residence) and Meadow Lane Senior Apartments); Health at Home (AZOR Licensed Home Health Care and Certified Home Health Agency); and Private Geriatric Care Management Services (Raven Care Advocates). For more information, call (914) 632-2804 or visit www.uhgc.org