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Virtual Dementia Tours At The Vineyards California Armenian Home

By 20th June, 2018 Press Release Comments Off

Every year the Alzheimer’s Association teams up with organizations and individuals to raise money and awareness to end Alzheimer’s during the summer solstice. This campaign is called “The Longest Day” and this year it will take place on Thursday, June 21. In support of this effort, The Vineyards California Armenian Home, along with Auspice Home Care, is presenting a special edition of their “Virtual Dementia Tour & Breakfast” where participants can experience what it’s like to live with dementia. This will take place on June 21 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at The Vineyards’ Memory Care Building located at 6720 E. Kings Canyon Rd. Fresno, CA 93727.

The Vineyards understands disorders like Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and how those closest to diagnosed family members and friends are affected. That’s why they are offering Virtual Dementia Tours that provide one-of-a-kind experience that gives someone without Alzheimer’s or Dementia a rare look into the struggle of everyday life for those who live with the disease.

The public is invited to experience this life-changing opportunity. Each person who participates in the Virtual Dementia Tour is provided special equipment including goggles, gloves, headphones and a list of tasks. They are then guided to one of the new apartments in The Vineyards Memory Care Residence where they attempt to complete their tasks. A free delicious breakfast, rich in foods that boost your brain’s potential, is also provided. According to those who have experienced a Virtual Dementia Tour, it is a deeply emotional and moving experience. The eye-opening nature of the tour can change the way they interact with their loved ones in a monumental way.

Providing these tours is just one of the many ways The Vineyards is working to enrich the community and improve the lives of those living with memory loss. In the future, The Vineyards will continue to provide seminars and events with the goal of educating the community.

Important Facts About Alzheimer’s
According to the Alzheimer’s Association and the Center’s for Disease Control, Alzheimer’s disease is consistently among the top five leading causes of death in California. In 2015 alone over 15,000 people died due to Alzheimer’s disease, making it the 3rd leading cause of death in the state. Sadly, those numbers are growing. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of Alzheimer’s deaths has grown by 241% since the year 2000. In Fresno County, that number is expected to grow by 78% by the year 2030 putting the total number of deaths over 23,000. The number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s rises dramatically with age. 98,000 seniors between ages 65 and 74 currently live with the disease while that number jumps to 280,000 seniors over the age of 85.

The Dr. S. Barre Paul and Sue Garabedian Paul Memory Care Residences at The Vineyards California Armenian Home were built to serve this growing population of those living with memory-related diseases in Fresno and the surrounding communities. Those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can enjoy a positive, stimulating environment as they progress through their journey. Our suites reflect a comfortable, homelike setting where residents will receive compassionate care, and have access to private living spaces that are appropriate for early-onset or more acute care, including safe, spacious and private living options, two dining rooms and a full continuum of care. Because the Memory Support Residences are located on the same lush, 43-acre property as the Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation buildings, spouses, family members and friends can receive the care they need while living close to their loved ones. Monthly rents are private pay and range from $4,340 to $5,725. There is no buy-in deposit.

With a brand-new memory care facility and specialty-trained staff, residents can enjoy a truly happy life – even after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. From the fully furnished apartments and mindfully designed floor plans to the secured courtyard in the park-like setting of The Vineyards, there is so much available to enrich the lives of the residents.

In addition to the state-of-the-art facilities, The Vineyards is constantly working to provide the latest techniques in care. Most recently, The Vineyards became a Music & Memory Certified Care organization. This renowned program enables those who suffer from Dementia or Alzheimer’s to reconnect with the world through music-triggered memories and can positively shift behaviors in the most remarkable ways. More information about Music & Memory can be found at musicandmemory.org.

The California Armenian Home is a not-for-profit corporation established in 1952 by the local Armenian community, which generously donated 40-acres of land in Fresno, California’s southeast countryside, the building, and the funds to furnish a continuing care retirement community. Today, 65 years later, the renowned California Armenian Home provides both short and long-term, 24-hour skilled nursing and rehabilitation residency, and takes most insurance programs.

To prepare for the growing senior population, the California Armenian Home Board of Directors unanimously approved the $42 million expansion project, The Vineyards, in 2014. The continuing care expansion project opened for residency January 2, 2018 and includes private pay, month-to-month rents for resort-style independent living villas and apartments, assisted living and memory care apartments, plus a host of hospitality amenities, multiple dining establishments, recreation, fitness, and daily needs services.

The California Armenian Home and The Vineyards welcomes senior residents of any national origin and includes dedicated and caring professional staff and volunteers. More information about the California Armenian Home and The Vineyards can be found by visiting www.lifeatthevineyards.org, and on Facebook and Instagram (@thevineyardslife).