It can be a scary, overwhelming adjustment for all involved. When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia, family members often assume caregiving tasks, at least initially. They schedule and drive the person to and from medical appointments. They prepare the person’s meals and help with his or her grooming. They comfort the person when he or she is agitated or frightened, and do their best to offer reassurance.

As time goes on and the disease begins to take its toll, family and friends may notice changes in the person’s behavior and personality. The person may experience not only memory loss, but may have trouble finding words to express him or herself. He or she may have difficulty making judgments, and experience a sense of general disorientation.

When the person’s needs surpass what family and friends can provide, GreenField Terrace offers assisted living for those with memory impairment issues or those in need of a more enhanced level of assisted care – all in a place that’s just like home.

GreenField Terrace, on Broadway in Lancaster, is comprised of four houses surrounding an enclosed courtyard. This allows residents to enjoy the gardens and simple beauty of being outdoors without risk of wandering. Three of the buildings offer memory care assisted living for those with dementia. Specialized programs and activities are provided in a supportive environment.

The fourth house offers a more enhanced level of assisted living for those whose needs fall between traditional assisted living and a skilled nursing level of care. It provides a perfect setting for those who need help with their medical equipment or getting in and out of a chair.

GreenField Terrace is the first person-centered care assisted living residence in the Buffalo area specifically designed and built in a household style. Each of the four houses has 12 rooms, providing residents with more individualized attention in a comfortable, less-structured environment. Residents decide when they want to get up and what activities they want to partake in each day. They may help with meal preparation if they want, and help tidy up their room. The focus is on the person rather than the schedule.

Each house includes a fully equipped kitchen where residents may help with meal preparation, if they choose, and a dining area. Amenities include a living room with a fireplace and library, a private sitting area, a beauty salon and barber shop and outdoor patios. This homelike atmosphere is a comfort to those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, who become confused easily in institutional facilities where things all look alike. The quiet surroundings of both the campus and the building don’t overload the patient’s senses and cause more confusion.

GreenField Terrace is a single-story residence, which is preferable for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia because they are more likely to fall or become disoriented when navigating stairs.

Residents have their own spacious bedroom – including bathroom – which they furnish with their own furniture, bedding, decorative accents, photographs and mementos.

GreenField Terrace residents enjoy:

• Three homestyle meals every day

• Round-the-clock assistance with daily activities and medication management

• Housekeeping and laundry services

• Scheduled medical transportation

• Social, cultural, educational, spiritual and recreational programming

• 24-hour security and emergency response system

Spiritual needs are addressed in part through a robust Pastoral Care program encompassing all GreenFields residences. Lutheran services are held every Friday afternoon in one of the household living rooms, with GreenField Terrace residents accompanying the service on a keyboard. Residents wishing to attend Roman Catholic Mass are transported to GreenField Health & Rehabilitation Center on Monday afternoons.

Staff members are considered “universal workers” and known as “care partners.” They are cross-trained to spend their shifts helping residents with varied activities, including assisting with their personal care and laundry, working with them to prepare their meals, leading them in recreation activities and generally keeping house.

As part of the GreenFields Continuing Care Community, GreenField Terrace residents receive priority access to all levels of care the campus has to offer, including skilled nursing, rehabilitation, inpatient and outpatient therapy and rehabilitation and respite care.

It’s never too soon to begin researching options since one can never be sure exactly when the need for advanced care may arise. The best thing to do is learn about dementia and visit as many facilities providing that level of care as possible.

Family members and friends can rest assured that after moving their loved one to GreenField Terrace, they retain a role in the person’s care. They may visit regularly, speak with staff and ensure that their loved one gets the care he or she needs.

To learn more about GreenField Terrace or to arrange a free tour, call 684-8400, email thegreenfields@niagaralutheran.org or go online at www.thegreenfields.org.

GreenField Terrace is an affiliate of the Niagara Lutheran Health System, a not-for-profit organization that provides “for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of the individuals we serve, in a Christian environment.” The Niagara Lutheran Home & Rehabilitation Center on Hager Street in Buffalo has been providing skilled nursing, dementia care and rehabilitation services since 1956, and has earned a reputation for “Caring - Heart & Soul.”