Memory care facility opens in Panama City Beach

Aug. 31--PANAMA CITY BEACH -- Seagrass Village Memory Care officially opened its doors to the Panama City Beach community at a Thursday grand opening ceremony.

"Seagrass Memory Care is the only stand-alone memory care community specializing in dementia and Parkinson's care in Bay County," said Vivian Smith, sales director. "Additionally, all of our staff are trained professionals in all stages of care for those with cognitive deficits."

The memory care community includes 51 memory care apartments with private and semi-private floor plans. A groundbreaking for Seagrass Village -- which includes the memory care and independent living housing -- was held May 2017, Smith said. The independent living structures are under construction.

"We are slated to have our first residents in memory care by the end of September," Smith said.

A Parkinson's or dementia disease diagnosis is the only requirement for those looking to live in the memory care units. Residents will receive personalized care from a licensed nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Health care workers will provide assistance with medications, and physical, occupational and speech therapies. Day stay and respite services also will be available in the community.

Dr. John Hopkins said he and other medical care providers will visit patients every week to administer care, and residents will have access to telemedicine services when physicians are not on site.

"The goal of having full medical services is to allow the seniors to be treated as much as possible reducing the need to go to the hospital," Hopkins said. "This is an enormous benefit to the memory impaired patient who needs a stable environment. Our services were designed to help our patients age with dignity. We are excited for the opportunity to serve such a unique and purposeful community."

Don Bishop, CEO of SRI Management -- the company that will manage the facility -- said he is looking forward to the opportunities available for residents and Panama City Beach as a whole.

"Each of us can relate to the story of the issues that come along with memory care and dementia," he said. "We're looking for people who love and are compassionate about others."

Smith said the memory care complex was created to meet a need that is incomplete in the health care field.

"Until now, our city was void of a dedicated community for those living with a diagnosis of dementia or Parkinson's disease," she said. "We know these disease states are unique and require a more comprehensive approach to total care in order to attain a better quality of life while preserving dignity."

For more information about Seagrass Village, visit www.seagrassvillagepcb.com or call 850-250-1442.

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