Alzheimer’s, dementia patients to benefit from new Wexford Place program

New senior care options will soon be unveiled in the Northland, and for many older adults and their loved ones, that’s reason to celebrate.Wexford Place Assisted Living and Memory Support by Senior Star will showcase the brand-new community during two special events: an invitation-only ribbon cutting from 3-6 p.m. April 2 and a public open house from 1-4 p.m. April 5. The community, which includes 43 assisted living and 44 memory support residences, is located at 6460 N. Cosby Ave., adjacent to the Wexford Place independent living community. Kansas City Second District Councilman Ed Ford will join representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association and Senior Star at 3:30 p.m. April 2, immediately followed by the official ribbon cutting. “We’ve been a part of the Kansas City area for the past 20 years, with Senior Star at Wexford Place and Senior Star at Villa Ventura,” said Senior Star’s chief operating officer Anja Rogers. “This new community, and the addition of much-needed assisted living and memory support for the area, represents our commitment to providing the best care and living options for Kansas City seniors.” As one in nine adults age 65 and older is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, this community fills a growing need in the Kansas City area. Wexford Place Assisted Living and Memory Support features Senior Star’s signature memory support programming, including a Virtual Dementia Tour, Snoezelen Therapy and a stimulating outdoor garden area that includes a clothes line, mailboxes and a stationary vintage car for residents to conduct typical lifestyle routines. The memory support neighborhoods are decorated with nostalgic Kansas City-focused artwork, part of a specific approach to memory support that helps residents feel comfortable and live with purposeful moments. Guests can experience the new community’s services, programming and amenities firsthand at the event, which will include community tours, live musical entertainment and hors d’oeuvres. “The difference this community makes in the lives of our residents and their families is already evident,” said Charlene Jaeger, administrator. “We put their needs first, and through that caring philosophy are able to help residents live a purposeful, engaged and happy lifestyle.” Senior Star expects to add more than 100 new associates in Kansas City as a result of the addition of the assisted living and memory support community, which welcomed its first residents in January 2014. For more information about Wexford Place Assisted Living and Memory Support, call 832-2540, visit seniorstar.com. WILSON JOINS WEXFORD TEAM Wexford Place has named K.C. Wilson as community relations director. In his new position, Wilson fosters relationships with local civic and community leaders, health care professionals, and seniors and their families to inform them about the services available. He previously served nearly five years as executive director at Senior Star at Wexford Place. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Senior Star organization before, and I’m very excited to again be part of their continuing tradition of providing quality services to Kansas City seniors,” Wilson said. “The unique culture, friendly associates and innovative programming truly differentiate this community from any other.” Wexford Place Assisted Living & Memory Support opened its doors in January 2014, and will host an official grand opening ceremony in spring 2014. The community brings 43 assisted living and 44 memory support residences to the Northland, across from the Wexford Place independent living community. Wilson is one of more than 100 new associates who will be added as a result of the expansion. “Our entire team here at Wexford Place is dedicated to the bigger picture of helping people connect with the best resources while they’re researching assisted living and memory support options,” said Wilson. “Our long-term goal is to educate, support, and help people and their families as they make these decisions. We understand how important and difficult these decisions can be, and we’re here to help people navigate their options and make the best decisions with their loved one. ” For more information about Wexford Place Assisted Living & Memory Support residences and amenities, call to schedule a visit with K.C. Wilson at (816) 743-4259, visit us online at www.seniorstar.com or like us on Facebook.

About Wexford Place Assisted Living & Memory Support

Wexford Place Assisted Living & Memory Support is part of Senior Star, a family-owned company founded in 1976 that has become a nationally recognized industry leader for providing quality and innovative services to America’s seniors. The portfolio includes 12 retirement communities in six states offering independent living, assisted living, memory support and nursing care. Owners Robert and William Thomas have long been involved on a national level with the Alzheimer’s Association and the American Seniors Housing Association. Robert Thomas currently sits on the Advisory Board for the University of Stanford Center on Longevity.