Around three dozen people gathered at the Perry Lutheran Home Monday morning for an open house in celebration of the new St. John’s memory care ward.

The Perry Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors hosted a ribbon cutting at the event. Executive Director Bob Wilson spoke briefly, stating the Lutheran Home continues to be a great supporter of all things Chamber and the Perry community is lucky to have such premiere facility.

“This is a high skilled memory care wing and just like when we did this about a year ago with the St. James side (of the facility), it was a great experience.  It’s amazing to see all the different things they have in these facilities to help these people.”

The newly renovated addition is for the most advanced stages of dementia cared for in the Lutheran Home’s three locations. Those who have early stages of dementia can receive care at the assisted living apartments at the Spring Valley Campus and those with middle stages of dementia live in the award winning St. James Place wing of the Lutheran Home.

The St. John’s wing offers a lower stimulus environment.  There are 18 different rooms in this portion of the facility and Assistant Director of Nursing Halie Robinson says they currently have 12 people residing there. Robinson adds that due to their efforts in researching and implementing new ways to stimulate residents, their need for psychotropic medications has decreased dramatically.

Amenities in the new wing include a sensory garden, a store, a school room, church and outdoor patio.

As for what’s next for the Perry Lutheran Home, Chief Executive Officer Reverend Max Phillips says they’re not sure.  He says the state has encouraged them to continue treating various levels of dementia.  Phillips added that science in how to care for those with memory loss is constantly emerging and their goal is to continue to be on the top edge of advancements.