Grand Opening - Wartburg’s New Memory Care Center - Tuesday, April 30
Grand Opening - Wartburg’s New Memory Care Center - Tuesday, April 30
Mount Vernon, NY – April 23, 2024 – Wartburg is excited to announce the grand opening of The Berkemeier Center, a 50,500-square-foot facility dedicated to Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia care. Join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday morning, April 30th at 11 am, at One Wartburg Place.
The new Berkemeier Living Center features 64 state-of-the-art residences, including 32 private and 32 companion suites, focused on Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Wartburg's leadership, design team, business and civic leaders, and the media will attend the ribbon cutting, followed by facility tours. Residences at The Berkemeier Living Center are designed like small households, creating an intimate and comfortable feel. Key features like short walking distances and oversized windows enhance the healing environment, with each household having its living, dining, and kitchen spaces.
The first-floor lobby and gallery showcase Wartburg’s history, featuring Berkemeier artifacts. Additionally, the first level includes event spaces, a music therapy room, and administrative offices. A healing garden in the rear yard provides outdoor seating and community space.
The Living Center benefits from nearby nursing and rehabilitation centers on campus. It is LEED-certified, reflecting its energy efficiency and health-conscious design.
The Berkemeier Living Center is named in honor of Wartburg’s second President, Reverend Dr. Gottlieb C. Berkemeier, who served for thirty-six years and elevated The Wartburg Orphans’ Farm School to a leading institution.
Robert Ranieri, Board Chairman of Wartburg, expressed gratitude for the project and recognized the increasing need for Alzheimer’s care. Dr. Nicholas Cicchetti, Chairman of Wartburg’s Foundation Board, sees the Living Center as a milestone in Wartburg’s Vision 2025 Master Plan.
Mount Vernon’s Mayor, Shawyn Patterson-Howard, commended Wartburg’s commitment to addressing memory loss and providing a supportive environment. Said Mayor Patterson-Howard: “The Berkemeier Living Center signifies a new benchmark for memory care services in the region, offering dignity and support to those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.”
The Wartburg Adult Care Community is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and is located on a 34-acre campus in Mount Vernon, NY. It has served the long-term health care needs of the elderly since 1972. The Wartburg provides ministries of healing and hope through an array of services: day adult services, long-term home health care, licensed home care, assisted and independent living, long-term skilled nursing, subacute rehabilitation, respite and hospice care, caregiver support, speakers bureau and community relations, pastoral care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, Eldersource, Lifeline and is a Project Lifesaver Bracelet Servicing Site.