The Cottage at Cypress Cove Unveils A New Standard in Memory Care Living

A large crowd of Southwest Florida healthcare and public leaders gathered Wednesday morning to commemorate the unveiling of Cypress Cove at HealthPark Florida’s newest facility – The Cottage at Cypress Cove.

Speakers at the ribbon cutting event praised the multi-million dollar two-story memory care facility’s design and architectural features saying that 45,000 square foot household ushers in a new standard of living excellence for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Featuring numerous state-of-the-art and technically advanced items, The Cottage’s four small-household design provides its 44 residents with extraordinary freedom and all the comforts of home.

Healthcare and public leaders gathered Wednesday morning to hear remarks from local and national speakers who commended the facility’s unique and innovative features. Located on the continuing care retirement community’s 48-acre campus, the addition of The Cottage now provides Cypress Cove with a full complement of care facilities (i.e., independent, assisted, skilled and memory care).

The Cottage, says Cypress Cove Executive Director Michele Wasserlauf, “was created with the most home-like environment possible where the burdens of families and care givers can be eased and the dignity and well-being of residents are met in the highest of quality. We’re thrilled with the finished product and can’t wait to be fully operational.”

Guests at Wednesday’s ribbon cutting event were provided with an exclusive tour of the four household facility.

Among the unique features unveiled within The Cottage is its dynamic, computerized digital “Ketra” lighting system – the first such system installed nationally in a memory care facility. Ketra lighting provides light cycles throughout The Cottages four households mimicking conditions from sunrise to sunset. The goal of the system is to improve resident sleep efficiency and reduce depression and agitation.

The Cottage is filled other unique features offering safety and energy efficiency. Spacious and attractively decorated common living rooms serve as the focal point for each household. However, the facility’s four elegant country kitchens with stainless steel appliances and large curved breakfast bars just might provide the most in home comfort. The kitchens are designed with the very latest in safety consideration – from caregiver electronic switch control to commercial fire safety controls.

All residents will have their own private apartment with bathroom featuring several high tech and safety-added designs.

An outdoor tropical courtyard/garden – with multiple water features and low-impact sidewalks winding through the grounds – waits to greet its new residents. This large, comfortable area offers many features beneficial to those afflicted with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Cypress Cove officials announced that The Cottage will open when final permit approval is received from the Florida Agency for healthcare Administration (AHCA). The approval is expected by the end of August or in early September.

Cypress Cove at HealthPark Florida held its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony Wednesday commemorating its multi-million dollar state-of-the-art memory care facility – The Cottage. Pictured at Wednesday’s ribbon cutting are (from left) Dan Adams, David Grady, Jo Ellen Beavois, Mark Stevens, Tye Campbell, Karla Oliver, Michele Wasserlauf, President Doug Dodson and board chair Carl Barraco with scissors, Dawson McDaniels, Tom Monahan and Brooke Pearsall. (Photo supplied by Cypress Cove).