Fresno's Only Continuing Care Retirement Community Unveils New Memory Support Residences

Sept. 21, 2012 - PRLog -- FRESNO, Calif. – The number of Californians who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease is expected to rise to more than half a million by 2020, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. To proactively address this growing need, The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens has recently completed The Grove, which will be dedicated to Alzheimer’s and memory care, as part of its $120 million redevelopment project. The Terraces will host a special Open House featuring tours of The Grove and its five-star rated Health Care Center from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 27. The Terraces will donate $5 to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of Central California for each person who attends the open house.

As Fresno’s only continuing care retirement community, The Terraces is committed to bringing quality memory care to the area. The Grove features 24 private rooms, and is the only memory care service in the area based around person-centered care. This includes building relationships with residents and using insight from those relationships to shape individual care plans as part of the Best Friends™ Approach. A team of qualified caregivers focuses on sensory-stimulating and reminiscing activities along with exercise, wellness, music and art.

“Alzheimer’s is a growing concern among many people across the country,” says Jessica Lopez, executive director of The Terraces. “We’re planning for the future with the new construction of The Grove, which gives us the opportunity to continue providing innovative memory care services, and address the need for these services right here in Fresno.”

The Grove is the first completed portion of Phase II of The Terraces’ transformation. The remaining projects will include a new underground parking garage, commons building, residential living apartments, skilled nursing suites and office space. Phase I of construction featured 47 new residential living apartments, a bistro, pool, fitness center and spa.

The Terraces has been recognized this year for providing advanced care with a five-star national rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service. The rating is based on scores in health inspections, employee time spent with residents and clinical quality measures. The Terraces is also accredited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission, a designation awarded to CCRCs that demonstrate excellence in resident life, health and wellness, as well as governance and administration, financial resources and disclosure.

Alzheimer’s Fast Facts:
●   5.4 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease.
●   560,000 Californians are projected to have Alzheimer’s by 2020.
●   The number of people with Alzheimer’s is expected to increase 50% from 2000 to 2025.
●   More than 15 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Source: Alzheimer's Association. 2012 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. Alzheimer's and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. March 2012; 8:131–168.

About The Terraces

The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens is committed to enriching the lives of older adults. For more than
45 years, the community, located at 5555 North Fresno Street, has delivered one of the most engaging lifestyles in the area. In addition to residential living, the community offers residents access to a full continuum of on-site assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing. For more information about
The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens, call (559) 435-1999 or visit www.TheTerracesAtSanJoaquin.com.

About ABHOW

The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens in Fresno, California, is managed by ABHOW, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. ABHOW is a nonsectarian corporation, serving seniors through quality retirement housing since 1949. ABHOW seeks to enhance the well-being and security of seniors through the provision of housing, health care and supportive services, and was a pioneer in the development of CCRCs. For more information about ABHOW, visit www.ABHOW.com.