The Kenney shows off its brand-new Memory Care Community

| The Kenney | West Seattle news

A new unit at The Kenney (WSB sponsor) is now open, and was shown off at an open house tonight. The Memory Care Community was once part of a major redevelopment plan; though much of the plan was shelved, The Kenney saw a need to offer this as part of its “continuum of care” philosophy, and continued with the project.

There are 16 beds in the Memory Care Community – with residents about to start moving in – and they’re part of either private or shared apartments, as well as a dining/activity room:

Residents will have use of a courtyard, too.

As noted in The Kenney’s announcement, the design and decor were chosen for a sense of serenity. It’s not just the facility, though; The Kenney is staffing it around the clock with what they describe as “certified nursing assistants with specialized dementia training,” and special programming and activities are planned.

Chris January 26, 2012 (9:35 pm)

Protip: All Washington state certified nurse assistants have dementia training. ALSO these facilities are okay, but really most people should look into home health aides (plenty of agencies out here). They are CNAs and RNs and patients get personal attention in their own home- particularly helpful with dementia patients- instead of a strange new place. Sure, it’s not for everybody, but neither are these homes.

mookie January 26, 2012 (9:48 pm)

So pleased that The Kenney has taken such care in preparing and staffing this facility! The specialized programs – and caregivers trained in helping clients with dementia – is a wonderful addition to The Kenney and to West Seattle.

Kevin January 26, 2012 (11:56 pm)

Looks pretty inviting to me – AND I’M FAR from that age yet :)

Wendell January 27, 2012 (4:49 am)

Thank you Kenney for validating and maintaining your core philosophy.

nichole January 27, 2012 (8:31 am)

Chris staying at home and bringing in care is sometimes the worst choice. there are many hazards such as stoves, knives, unlocked chemicals not to mention wandering issues. what happens if care giver does not show up? What if patient becomes combative? Every family has to look at their options and resources and make an informed choice. bravo to the kenny for being a good secure option in west seattle. I too am in the industry and have watched families have to move their loved ones downtown or further due to lack of true memory care options in west seattle untill now.

Megan January 27, 2012 (10:49 am)

Congrats to the Kenney for this lovely new unit. Many people will benefit from your exceptional care.

As for whether it’s better to be in a community or at home- I think you both have a point. Each person is different and have different needs.

For some, a community is perfect- and for others, the familiarity of their home is best. If you chose to go the home route- hire an agency, which will provide experienced and trained caregivers (and will have a replacement if the scheduled caregiver is ill or unable to work). Ask around, interview and go with your gut!

Elizagrace January 27, 2012 (12:58 pm)

I am so glad this facility is in west Seattle. I have now had both of my grandmothers suffer from dementia and Alzheimers; and while for one, home care is the best option (and only option my grandfather will allow) for the other, it made more sense to have her in a place where there were caregivers who were trained to work with this illness.
There are far too few facilities for dealing with this illness and I am so happy to see one like this in our neighborhood.

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