The Pelican Valley Health Center, managed by Ecumen, is expanding its services to include a memory care community that will offer specialized care for residents with memory impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

The center’s Board of Directors has authorized bids to remodel  the Riverfront Manor assisted living building and convert the top floor into 10 memory care apartments.  Barbara Garrity, executive director of the center, said she expects the work to be done in four to six months. 

 The new memory care community will offer private apartments in specially-designed surroundings to keep residents safe and secure and under skilled 24-hour supervision.  Additionally, residents in memory care will have daily activities to help retain cognitive and physical abilities, as well as special attention to complications typically associated with dementia.

 The ground floor of Riverfront Manor will continue to be assisted living apartments, and the top floor will become the secure memory care unit.  The remodeling also will open up more ground-floor space for community activities. 

 In addition to assisted living, Pelican Valley Health Center also offers long-term skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation and respite care.