Hermitage Gardens Helps Residents Rediscover Themselves

Administrator Kerri Harrison says residents at The Hermitage Assisted Living Facility aren’t waiting for life to happen to them, they’re living and interacting with neighbors and staff every day.
Harrison, originally from Niagra Falls, N.Y., is a 20-year veteran RN who came to Hermitage from the Medical Center at the University of South Carolina. She directs a staff of PRNS and LPNS who deliver high-quality 24-hour care nursing to the facility’s residents. Hermitage is a 54-bed facility that offers a supportive environment for folks who don’t need dependent care.

This week, Hermitage was celebrating a special “magic of Music” week with live performances and other music-related activities.
Hermitage is especially distinguished as the only fully accredited memory care unit in the area. Called The Bridge to Rediscovery, the secure unit offers advanced Alzheimer’s and dementia care to anywhere from 10-18 residents.

“We’re unique in the area in our approach and expertise,” Harrison said. “Our specially trained Alzheimer’s caregivers re-directing and re-orienting behaviors in an individual plan. Using tools lie memory boxes and lessons involving color sorting and block recognition we work one-on-one with our residents to help them re-discover themselves. Some of the results we get in terms of stimulating cherished memories are amazing.”
Harrison says the program features stations, some of which might re-create an office environment to help former office workers feel at home.
Hermitage also works closely with case managers from Baptist Memorial North Mississippi. Partnering with behavioral health agencies in Water Valley and Tupelo, the facility offers residents in-house physical therapy.
Andy Knef is editor of HottyToddy.com. Contact Andy about this story at Andy.Knef@HottyToddy.com