A groundbreaking took place Thursday for Oconto Falls’ first assisted living facility aimed to serve a growing population of individuals suffering from memory loss and dementia.
The Cottages at MeadowLands Memory Care will be built at 715 E. Highland Drive, next to The Cottages at MeadowLands Assisted Living, providing 16 private suites with full bathrooms.
It’s the third development project of The Cottages Investment Group, LLC, which also operates two Shawano facilities, The Cottages on Golden Pond and The Cottages Memory Care.
“This is very helpful for Oconto County because there’s close to 800 people in the county living with dementia currently,” said Kim Kinner, executive director of the Green Bay-based Alzheimer’s Association Greater Wisconsin Chapter.
She said the new facility will offer a new option for families who have a loved one suffering from dementia.
According to Cara Peterson, general manager of The Cottages Investment Group, LLC, the Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) will open in December.
“Today’s a very pivotal moment, not only in my career but in the life of MeadowLands,” she said Thursday. “I’m very happy to bring this type of care back to Oconto Falls. I’m from Oconto Falls, so it’s very special for me to be able to do this, and to have the support of not only the Alzheimer’s Association but also the community means the world.”
Peterson managed The MeadowLands from 2003 to 2008, then moved to Shawano to manage The Cottages on Golden Pond and The Cottages Memory Care.
“Now we’ll have the same type of community here in Oconto Falls. We’ll have the assisted living complex and the memory care,” she said.
The Cottages at MeadowLands Memory Care staff will be trained in dementia care under the direction of Katherine Graham, workplace education specialist with the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Wisconsin Chapter.
“Our program runs 24/7, more of a specialized activity program,” Peterson said.
Care programs are individualized for each resident, depending on their background, career and lifestyle, she said.
“We try to base activities and conversation on that to spark some memories,” she said.
Family involvement and family support are also key care components.
She said The Cottages at MeadowLands Memory Care will strive to achieve the success of the two Shawano facilities.
“We must be doing something right because the facilities are full,” Peterson said. “The staff has built a beautiful reputation for providing excellent care. The memory care facility was full within six months; we’re fortunate to have a wait list. We do see there’s a great need.”
The new business will bring 15 to 20 health care jobs to Oconto County. The Cottages at MeadowLands Memory Care is already accepting applications.
The Oconto Falls facility will be a secured building that will emphasize freedom within, without the use of wanderguard bracelets or anklets.
The Cottages at MeadowLands Memory Care can admit anyone 65 and older with a need for assisted living, but primary focus is on those with memory loss, whether it be from a stroke or disease, or those diagnosed with a dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.
The Cottages will also assist families with short-term stay rehab for strengthening or continued therapy following a hospital or nursing home stay. In-house therapy and hospice services will be offered through local home health and hospice companies of the resident’s or family’s choosing. All care and medication management is supervised by licensed professionals.
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