Senior living community will soon dedicate its services to those in early and moderate stages of Alzheimer's by offering a program designed to slow the disease's progression. Jacksonville, Fla., March 26, 2015 - A local senior living community will soon dedicate its services to those in early and moderate stages of Alzheimer's by offering a program designed to slow the disease's progression. Brookdale Mandarin Central, which previously provided assisted living, is scheduled to begin its new mission by late spring. Florida is currently home to 480,000 people 65 and above with Alzheimer's disease, a figure the Alzheimer's Association projects will rise 50%, to 720,000, by 2025. Brookdale Mandarin Central is located at 10875 Old Saint Augustine Rd., Jacksonville.

"Research shows that programs tailored to people in the initial phases can make a big difference in sustaining their abilities and possibly delaying advancement of the disease," said Juliet Holt Klinger, M.A., senior director of dementia care for Brookdale, which is Brookdale Mandarin Central's parent organization. Klinger spearheaded development of the initiative, called Clare Bridge Crossings, being established at Brookdale Mandarin Central. "A major focus of Clare Bridge Crossings is maintaining residents' cognitive capacity and working to slow down dementia's progress. We have designed the programming to build up brain synapses and resilience and to provide joy and purpose."

Residents will take part daily in activities that engage mentally, socially and physically. On a given day, they might visit a museum to discover its exhibits, learn dance steps as a way to practice processing information and moving the body; write their life stories in a journal; expand their horizons through technology; and make friends.

Brookdale Mandarin Central is investing $400,000 in renovations to adapt the community to offering the Clare Bridge Crossings program. Staff members are undergoing specialized training and Brookdale's "InTouch" computer system is being installed. "InTouch" is personalized touch-screen technology that enables residents to access brain health programs, connect with loved ones through e-mail and webcams, and enjoy a host of virtual travel, cultural, learning and entertainment experiences. Brookdale Mandarin Central, a one-story fully-secured building, encompasses 42 studio and one-bedroom apartments, an enclosed courtyard, glass and screened porches and many other amenities.

"We are very pleased to be the first free-standing community in North Florida dedicated to early and moderate stage Alzheimer's care," said Chad Anfinson, Brookdale Mandarin Center executive director. "With three other nearby Brookdale communities offering independent and assisted living as well as later-stage Alzheimer's care, our transition broadens the spectrum of senior care available within our immediate area."

For more information about Brookdale, visit brookdale.com.

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Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is a leading owner and operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The Company is committed to providing senior living solutions within properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide the highest-quality service, care and living accommodations for residents. Currently Brookdale operates independent living, assisted living, and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers, nearly 1,150 communities in 46 states and the ability to serve approximately 110,000 residents. Through its ancillary services programs, the Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health, personalized living and hospice services.
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