Soaring Fla. Alzheimer's Rate Prompts $5 Million Community Expansion OCALA, Fla., January 20, 2015 - Chambrel at Pinecastle, a Brookdale senior living community, is expanding to meet the demand for Alzheimer's disease and dementia-related services in the Ocala area. There will be a ribbon-cutting next week to mark the opening of the new $5 million stand-alone, purpose-built Alzheimer's and dementia care community, which can meet the needs of 26 residents with various levels of Alzheimer's and dementia in a home-like environment. The ribbon-cutting is being held Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

"We're very excited about broadening our spectrum of care and helping meet the rising need for meaningful memory care through our expansion," said Eugene Valentine, executive director of Chambrel at Pinecastle. "We are also excited about filling as many as 20 new full and part-time positions in areas such as care, dietary services, administrative and housekeeping."

By 2025, Florida will be home to 720,000 people age 65 and above who have Alzheimer's or related dementias, compared to 480,000 currently, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Chambrel at Pinecastle officials say the surge in need for dementia care led them to develop the 17,500-square-foot first of its kind memory care community in the Ocala area. The new community offers private apartments in a charming, homelike environment and common areas for socializing.  Trained associates work closely with residents to promote well-being, dignity and choice and to provide opportunities for residents to find happiness and meaning in support of their unique needs.

"When new residents move in, we learn as much as possible about their life stories," said Kelly Scott, vice president of dementia care for Brookdale. "We design activities that meet their interests, stir their memories and match their current abilities so they can be successful in their daily lives. This provides our residents with a sense of purpose and accomplishment that raises self-esteem. In making sure residents have daily moments of success, we can potentially ward off the depression that often accompanies dementia and can aggravate its symptoms."

Chambrel at Pinecastle is located at 1801 Southeast 24th Road. For additional information about the ribbon cutting please call (352) 368-7710.

For more information about Brookdale, visit brookdale.com.

Contact: Kristin Puckett, 615-564-8481, kpuckett@brookdale.com

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Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is a leading owner and operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The Company is committed to providing senior living solutions within properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide the highest-quality service, care and living accommodations for residents. Currently Brookdale operates independent living, assisted living, and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers, nearly 1,150 communities in 46 states and the ability to serve approximately 110,000 residents. Through its ancillary services programs, the Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health, personalized living and hospice services.
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