New memory care unit launched at Our Lady of Wisdom

By Peter Finney Jr.
Clarion Herald

Because of the pressing need families have for affordable memory care, Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center in Algiers has launched a memory-care unit that will care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other types of memory loss, said Wayne Plaisance, chief executive officer of Notre Dame Health System of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

“Memory care – specifically memory care for people with Alzheimer's disease – is a need in the community, especially in the area where people need Medicare support to pay for that level of care,” Plaisance said. “As a Catholic, faith-based organization, we want to reach out to those who need financial assistance to be able to support their loved one in receiving the right kind of care. This is bringing memory care to Algiers.”

The memory care unit at Our Lady of Wisdom is the latest addition to the memory-care initiatives by the archdiocese. It is similar to those already in place at Chateau de Notre Dame in New Orleans and at Wynhoven Health Care Center in Marrero.

When a new memory-care unit opened recently at Chateau de Notre Dame, Plaisance said families needing those services quickly filled up the available capacity.

“We program the day for these residents so that they have activities that keep them engaged throughout the day,” Plaisance said. “In some cases, you have residents who are benefiting by just sitting and watching others participate.

“It involves a lot of different disciplines in terms of how we engage residents. Music is a big part of how we engage people, even when they are deep into Alzheimer’s. Their long-term memory is still there, and they can remember and recognize the music.”

Certified nursing assistants help residents with behavior management, Plaisance said.

“Our goal is not to use a lot of anti-psychotic medicine in the population,” Plaisance said. “We get them outdoors and let them get some sunshine and breathe some fresh air, and they get involved in the activities of the neighborhood. But it’s important that they’re in a neighborhood that is secure, so that we don’t have the risk of them (leaving the premises ) or getting hurt.”

Such specialized care is invaluable to families, Plaisance said, because caring at home for loved ones who have Alzheimer’s “is a 24-hour job, and it’s exhausting.”

“They need a place where they can place their loved one so that they can have the energy to be present to them,” Plaisance said. “Caregivers will have the time to come and be present for their loved ones and enjoy spending time with them. And then they can go home and recharge.”

Private and semi-private room options are available, and the units are fully equipped to handle any possible medical emergency. Meals, laundry and other housekeeping services are provided.

Plaisance said the internal struggle families face “when witnessing a loved one’s memory or cognitive ability deteriorate” and then deciding whether or not to place that person in memory care cannot be understated.

“For many, the decision to place a loved one in memory care is incredibly difficult,” Plaisance said. “We strive to make the process as easy and as comforting as possible. Our memory care facilities are staffed by the most loving and patient healthcare professionals in the area. Our goal is to uphold an environment that is safe, secure and cognitively stimulating for all of our memory care patients.”

For more information on Our Lady of Wisdom’s new memory care unit, call (504) 394-5991.

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