MEMORY CARE

As KMC looks to the future, the need for a change from the traditional nursing home is needed. The traditional nursing home is a medical institution built to care for a person’s medical needs so they can remain alive. While that notion sounds noble it lacks one essential element of being active ….and that is living. To address this dilemma, the concept of a Memory Care small home has come to the forefront. The dream for Memory Care is to create an environment that is safer than home but just as comfortable.

The Gardens of Ketcham

Bertha D. Garten Ketcham Memorial Center in Odon, Indiana has served the North Daviess community since 1971. To further serve our community, we have done research and have chosen to build five “Small Houses.” A “Small House” is designed like a home, not an institution. The designs include a large community room and an open kitchen, surrounded by 10-12 private bedrooms. The smaller space and home-like atmosphere creates shorter walking distances from bedrooms to living areas so that most people can navigate unassisted, allowing them to maintain their independence.

 

The Doris Malone Rose House

The first “Small House” at the Gardens of Ketcham specializes in “Memory Care”. The Rose House is a 10-bedroom house that promotes self-sufficiency and a safe environment for individuals with dementia or memory problems. The Rose House has a fully functional kitchen, salon, and therapy gym. All 10 of the bedrooms are private rooms, each with a private bathroom. The Rose House has nursing staff on-duty 24 hours a day that provide care and activities for the residents. Each resident that admits to the Rose House is evaluated by a team of therapy and nursing professionals who determine a personalized program that will focus on that individual’s needs.

 

The Kathy Wittmer Daisy House

The Ketcham Memorial Center Board of Directors is honored to name the second small house facility at the Gardens of Ketcham, the “Kathy Wittmer Daisy House.” This is in recognition of Kathy’s 45 years of dedicated service and countless contributions to Ketcham and the entire North Daviess community.

The Board is happy to recognize Kathy’s love of daisies, but more importantly, we cannot think of anyone who is more deserving of this honor and has had more positive impact on Ketcham in its 51 years of existence than Kathy Wittmer. She has been an outstanding leader in her tenure as its administrator and done more in the last ten years to move Ketcham forward than anyone who as ever occupied the administrator’s seat. Prior to becoming the Administrator, Kathy was a loyal and dedicated employee who always put the interest of our residents first and made it her passion to make every resident a “loved one.” She has been the “face of Ketcham” to our community for many decades in the many positions and roles she has served in and has always been a trusted leader no matter what title she has possessed. She has become a highly respected leader by her peers, members of our community and by leaders at the regional and State level.

In summary, the Ketcham Board of Directors feel there is no better way to honor Kathy’s countless contributions, 45 years of loyal service, outstanding leadership, dedication to our residents and community and ultimately, her tremendous legacy at Ketcham Memorial Center. Please join us in sharing this most deserving honor as we name Ketcham’s newest small house facility the “Kathy Wittmer Daisy House.”

The Daisy House is a 12-bedroom house that promotes self-sufficiency and a safe environment for individuals with dementia or memory problems. The Daisy House will be modeled similar to the Rose House with a kitchen, therapy gym, salon, and courtyard. All 12 of the bedrooms are private rooms, each with a private bathroom. The Daisy House has nursing staff on-duty 24 hours a day that provide care and activities for the residents. Each resident that admits to the Daisy House is evaluated by a team of therapy and nursing professionals who determine a personalized program that will focus on that individual’s needs.

We are accepting inquiries for the Daisy House as we are expecting to open and have rooms available late spring/early summer of 2024.

Please contact our dementia specialists, Shelly Jones or Morgan Wininger. They can be reached by phone at 812-636-4920 or by email at shelly@ketchammemorial.com or morgan@ketchammemorial.com.

What is “Memory Care”?

Caring for a loved one with Dementia or other forms of memory loss can be a frustrating, challenging experience for anyone. Here at The Gardens of Ketcham, we understand how difficult that experience can be and are here to help! We offer a peace of mind knowing your loved one is in an environment surrounded by staff who provides them with person-centered care. “Where each one is a loved one.”

Specially Trained Staff

Our staff is specifically trained to work with Dementia Residents. The staff at The Gardens of Ketcham is interested in learning about your loved one and their life story, so we can develop specific care for them that is based on their life experiences and interests.

Transitioning into a “Memory Care” House

We understand that making the decision to move a loved one into a “Memory Care” house can be overwhelming and leave you feeling helpless. Our staff offers support and guidance through the entire transition, ensuring that you and your loved one receive the understanding and care needed.

For more information or to start the conversation, feel free to reach out to our dementia specialists, Shelly Jones or Morgan Wininger. They can be reached by phone at 812-636-4920 or by email at shelly@ketchammemorial.com or morgan@ketchammemorial.com.

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