Imagine an assisted living solution for dementia patients that gives the family a sense of actually giving back to their loved one some of the quality of life that has diminished.

Imagine no more—as a proven solution now exists.

AlzCare was formed in December of 1998 to provide assisted living services to persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia. Our purpose was clear from the beginning….to restore some of the quality of life that has been lost due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias. AlzCare does this by offering residences that provide safety, security, dignity and independence in a setting that is better than home. According to Dr. Barry Reisburg, “The way we typically care for patients may be precisely the opposite of what they need.” This is especially true in traditional nursing and assisted living facilities that place their priorities in areas that do not have a positive impact on the needs of residents with Alzheimer’s.

AlzCare is committed to its mission of serving individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease in an intimate, home setting; generously staffed by well trained, compassionate and engaging caregivers. Each facility is licensed for no more than 16 to maintain a small, intimate setting in which staff, resident and family alike have the opportunity to form relationships that are a part of the therapeutic milieu of AlzCare.

There are two keys to the AlzCare therapeutic environment that are specifically designed for persons with Alzheimer’s disease.

First is the physical environment, which is designed to replicate a home setting complete with open access living and family areas; an open, accessible kitchen and dining area; private and semi-private rooms with specially designed built in closets and drawers. All bathrooms are centrally located to provide easy access and close supervision. In addition to the interior design, each facility includes porches, outdoor walking paths and gardens designed for resident, staff and family interaction and participation.

The second key is staff that is well trained, compassionate and engaging. AlzCare staffs each facility at twice the traditional assisted living staffing ratio. The 1:5 staffing ratio allows for maximum staff/resident interaction which is the most effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease according to Dr. Mark Burns, a Geriatric Psychiatrist practicing in New Braunfels. In order to make the most effective use of this generous staffing ratio, AlzCare provides over 24 hours of training each year, which is twice the state requirement for an Alzheimer’s certified assisted living center. This significant investment that AlzCare makes in staffing and training leads to a reduced turnover rate which, in turn enables longer term relationships to develop between staff, residents and family.