United Hebrew To Expand New Rochelle Memory Center

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — United Hebrew of New Rochelle is expanding its nationally recognized Willow Gardens Memory Center on the city’s Sound Shore. CEO Rita Mabli unveiled details of the project on Thursday at a groundbreaking ceremony.

The expansion will include 16 new apartments to be built on the garden level at the facility for those with cognitive impairment. The Patricia and Malcolm H. Lazarus Pavilion has been nationally recognized by the American Health Care Association National Center for Assisted Living for its commitment to quality care.

“The decision to expand memory care on United Hebrew’s campus was due, in large part, to ongoing community demand,” Mabli said. “Many families are struggling at home to care for loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, especially with the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re meeting the need by providing more options for supportive, specialized care right here in Westchester.”

Mabli pointed out that the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to climb to unprecedented numbers in the coming years, according to the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. She added that the expansion of the Willow Garden facility is timely given that United Hebrew’s three existing memory care communities are already at or near capacity.

The project is intended not just to increase the capacity of the facility to care for elderly residents with memory issues, but also seeks to improve the common areas of the Willow Gardens. The construction project will create a new secure outdoor garden area, updated activity spaces, modernized living and lounge areas and a brand new state-of-the-art kitchen facility.

“Our residents will have the freedom to explore beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, all thoughtfully designed to give residents freedom to walk as they please,” Willow Gardens Director Nora O’Brien explained. “The areas are all laid out to be easy to navigate, encourage social interaction, and ease the anxiety so often experienced by those with dementia.”

Construction is expected to be completed by January of next year. The expanded facility will have room for as many as 69 new residents.