FORSYTH - Moving into a long-term care facility doesn't have to mean losing your identity, which is the premise behind an emerging type of community in Forsyth.

Hickory Point Christian Village, 565 W. Marion Ave., will open 18 private memory care suites called Haven House in February. The new option is for people age 55 and older with memory loss and who require supervision and assistance but do not require skilled nursing services.

Based on a "social model," the furnished apartments and common areas boast of a homelike environment that encourages individuality, human interaction and holistic health.

"The focus is on their remaining abilities as opposed to their disabilities," said Julie Evers, director of well being for Haven House.

Restaurant-style dining, for instance, allows them to choose items from a menu. The structure of the day also respects the residents' preferences, such as getting up at 6 a.m. and making coffee or sleeping until noon and taking a bath at night. There are no visiting hours, as family and friends can stop by any time.

"It's respecting their daily routine that they had in their community," Evers said. "We are structuring the staff around them."

The staff, from the administrators to the maintenance crew, is specially trained in memory care.

"We're all universal workers, even though we have titles," she said.

Tami Lynn Wacker, regional ombudsman for a 16-county area including Macon County, said it's difficult to get out of routines associated with the more institutionalized medical model. She said the way to understand the difference between the two philosophies is to consider the comforts of your own home.

"Do you wear uniforms in your home? Neither do I," she said. "When you have uniforms, that makes it a very sterilized environment. It also makes people think that they only have one job to do, and they can't do anything else. When you have everyone cooperating, then it really makes a difference."

At Haven House, the ratio is one staff member for every six residents. The assistants can help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, managing medication, receiving transportation or doing other activities that are familiar and important to residents.

"It won't be uncommon for a nurse to walk into Haven and engage someone in a game of cards," Evers said.

It all ties into the residents' individual life stories, which are gathered before each person moves in. They also receive a personal assessment that determines the price they pay and services needed, including physical and occupational therapy that will be offered on site.

Once they have moved in, residents would find features throughout the building that intend to help them access long-term memory. A "memory box" is embedded into the wall outside each door and displays items or pictures that represent each person's history and personality. The boxes also help staff learn what's important to each person, Evers said.

Other features include a common area next to the kitchen, a lighted walking path, a sun room and a sit-down spa to decrease agitation for people who don't like feeling enclosed.

Support groups for residents and people affected by memory loss also will be offered.

Bethany Carson can be reached at bcarson@;herald-review.com or 421-6968.