New Memory Care Expansion Brings Comfort, Safety to Florida Residents of UCC’s Plymouth Harbor

Harry Hobson, president and CEO of Plymouth Harbor, leads the ribbon-cutting during the opening celebration of Northwest Garden.

Plymouth Harbor, a United Church of Christ senior living community in Sarasota Fla., recently opened its new assisted living and memory care residences. Called Northwest Garden, the new building houses two distinct “neighborhoods” dedicated to assisted living with enhanced memory care, plus new independent living apartments.

Partially the result of a $3.3-million “Commitment to Memory” fundraising campaign, Northwest Garden follows established best practices in the memory care industry, with each neighborhood encompassing the making of a private home. This means the first-floor area has a kitchen and casual dining facilities, plus a dedicated wellness space, a den, salon/spa, and pathways to inspire movement. Each suite includes a large space for a full-sized bed, dresser, chair, and other private decor geared to making the units home for the residents.

Northwest Garden’s Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony took place Jan. 10, 2018.

“The new community is amazing,” said Michael J. Readinger, president and CEO of CHHSM, who attended the ceremony. “The entire set-up is geared toward helping the memory care residents feel that they are in their own homes. From sensory spaces with tangible interactive items, to reflection spaces, to traditional fitness, art, and music therapy, Northwest Garden continues Plymouth Harbor’s commitment to caring for Florida’s senior community.”

President and CEO Harry Hobson listens as former CEO the Rev. Jack A. Smith, makes a few remarks during the grand opening.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony included speeches from current President and CEO Harry E. Hobson and former CEO the Rev. Jack A. Smith. “This is truly a defining moment for Plymouth Harbor as it now has the opportunity to be, and remain, on the cutting edge of care for seniors for the next 50 years,” said Smith.

Northwest Garden’s third floor hosts the independent living apartments, while the second floor is home to expanded traditional assisted living residences, complete with a new media center. Encompassing an outdoor balcony with a water view, the new center provides books, movies, a computer station, and printer for all residents to use. The building also houses a new family conference and resource center. Several new dining areas are in Northwest Garden, including an elegant Atrium Restaurant, a casual bistro, and more.

Plymouth Harbor, a CHHSM-member ministry, is a continuing care retirement community committed to providing the most positive aging experience possible for its residents. Opened in 1966, Plymouth Harbor was the dream of UCC minister the Rev. John Whitney MacNeil, who envisioned the inclusive, progressive interfaith community that Plymouth Harbor remains today.