divided into two neighborhoods of 15 private residential
suites with private baths. “We want to create a homelike
and secure environment, rendering it as non-institutional
as possible, including family-style, casual, 24/7 dining
choices,” Hobson says. “Residents have the freedom
to walk the neighborhood, experience the outdoors,
and satisfy their desires for large social gatherings,
small groups or solitude.”
Emphasis also is placed on eliminating institutional
routines. Caregivers avoid clinical language when
interacting with others, and there is no visible nurses
station. There also are no medical carts, overhead signage
or paging systems. Residents have the opportunity
to participate in familiar household tasks, such as
preparing meals in the neighborhood’s kitchen or doing
laundry. A family room, which includes a cozy hearth,
is available for residents to gather with each other or
with family and guests for musical experiences, wine
and cheese, or a casual coffee klatch.
Each neighborhood also has a Life Enrichment Center
for daily activities, which can include art therapy, music
Sensory Circle gives residents stimulating, tactile
experiences using textures and items that are familiar
for soothing sensory experiences or a quiet space
for a family member to visit. An enclosed courtyard
with a water feature and greenery provides fresh air
and sunshine within a safe space. A wide range of
salon services is available in the salon/spa along with
manicures, pedicures and specialty services.
Inspirational programming to enhance residents’ wellbeing
has been as well thought out as the building’s
physical attributes. It’s Never 2 Late technology
provides a variety of programming designed to keep
individuals with dementia engaged and their minds
68 SARASOTA SCENE | JANUARY 2018
active. In addition, all Plymouth Harbor staff members
have received training in the Positive Approach™ to
Care (PAC) techniques developed by Teepa Snow,
who is well known for her expertise in dementia
and Alzheimer’s care. “The PAC approach is all
about focusing on the positives and what the person
has that we can work with,” says Brandi Burgess,
Plymouth Harbor’s social worker. “That way we are
care-partnering and not just caregiving.”
Helping to bring these amenities and programming
on board, The Plymouth Harbor Foundation has
successfully completed A Commitment to Memory
Campaign, which has raised more than $3.3 million,
exceeding its $3 million goal, according to Becky
Pazkowski, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy. The
campaign is providing $1 million for capital resources
and directing $2 million into a designated investment
fund that will generate the annual funds needed to
deliver innovative, inspirational programming and
educational leadership. Plymouth Harbor intends
to have educational resources for residents and
their families and continual training for employees
through nationally recognized leaders.
“We are planning the Doyle Trust Lecture series,
supported by the Bernard and Mildred Doyle
Charitable Trust, with speakers of national and
international expertise to help us understand the
latest in research, technology and treatment for
dementia and to give us hope that someday there
will be a cure,” Pazkowski says. “We also want to do
more one on one counseling and support groups for
families. Statistics show that for every person with
responsibility is to help them and let them know
they are not alone in this disease process.”
RICH IN AMENITIES AND PROGRAMS