The Oaks opens at Buchanan Place

Buchanan Place Health and Rehabilitation held a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house on Thursday to announce the opening of The Oaks, a gated community within the nursing home designed for patients with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

“We’re very glad to be a part of this community,” said Buchanan Place administrator Pete Prins. “We offer a few unique services that we’d like to share with you all in case you ever need them.”

Buchanan Place offers short term rehabilitation with physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy services as well as long-term nursing care for elderly or disabled patients.

As people age, often their ability to take care of themselves diminishes. Health and functional ability become compromised, often forcing people to turn to the nursing home for care.

Buchanan Place uses a “Journey to Wellness” model designed to support those with cognitive impairments due to dementia or related conditions while addressing loneliness, helplessness and boredom.

“The intent of the model is designed to be neuroprotective and functional,” Prins said. “It is symbollically patterned after the oak tree which has three qualities that are its life force: Utility, Strength and Providence.”

The gated community is a distinct part of the nursing facility for residents who may need a smaller, more controlled environment and is designed to encourage self-sufficiency, independence and decision-making skills. An evaluation of each resident will be completed prior to entering The Oaks it identify the approriate care service options.

For more information visit Buchanan Place at 902 Buchanan Road in New Tazewell, call 423-626-8215 or visit www.buchananrehab.com.