Hickory Valley Retirement Community, which specializes in both assisted and independent living, is hosting a Memory Fair Oct. 4 to further educate the general public about the complexities of dementia.
The event is free to the public, but RSVPs are strongly recommended as there is limited seating capacity, said Holley Hasting, Hickory Valley sales director. Those interested should RSVP to 423-855-0508. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served.
Also featured at the event will be vendors such as Home Care Solutions, CareSouth, The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer's and Memory Care Center and the Alzheimer's Association of Chattanooga, to name a few, which will be on-site with additional information.
Event keynote speaker Dr. Matthew Kodsi of Chattanooga Neurology Associates will give a presentation that addresses key issues and treatment of dementia and what is coming in the near future regarding such treatment and diagnoses of it, Hasting said. The Memory Fair is focused on helping caregivers as they seek to answer diffi cult questions regarding the early signs of dementia, said Nena Mitchell, director of nursing at Hickory Valley.
"It's more than just a health fair, we want the Memory Fair to be meaningful to people and to help them make a plan as they care for someone with dementia," she said, adding that "the Memory Fair will also attempt to educate caregivers on how to better manage dementia, as it poses constant daily challenges and is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S."
Those suffering from dementia are prone to wandering, mood shifts, confusion and being suspicious of one's family members or caregivers, but there are different triggers or responses related to dementia, said Mitchell.
While Hickory Valley does not specialize in dementia related cases, the retirement community is more than capable of offering ample care to its residents throughout their various stages of life. Founded in 1984, it was one of the first retirement communities of its kind in Chattanooga, Hasting said.
"What is unique about the Hickory Valley community is that it started out as an independent living community, but as people aged in place, the need for assisted living grew," she explained.
The retirement community is comprised of 118 separate apartments and is designed for people who no longer want to take care of their own home but still want that feeling of independence,
Hasting said. The independent living apartments are equipped with full kitchens, but the community also has a full restaurant on-site which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
There is also an onsite beauty salon, which is open to the public, weekly housekeeping services, a nursing staff and full laundry services. Additionally, Hickory Valley has a full activity calendar that is and catered to residents and voted on by them during weekly meetings, Hasting said. An on-site chapel features different church services on a weekly basis.
There is also an onsite beauty salon, which is open to the public, weekly housekeeping services, a nursing staff and full laundry services. Additionally, Hickory Valley has a full activity calendar that is and catered to residents and voted on by them during weekly meetings, Hasting said. An on-site chapel features different church services on a weekly basis.
HOME IS WHERE THE FUN IS
Hickory Valley Retirement Community is located at 6705 Ballard Drive. Additional information about the community and its upcoming Memory Fair can be found at hickoryvalleyretirement.com.