January 20, 2021

New addition will add memory care services.

Touchmark at The Ranch is beginning construction of an addition that will add 45,000 square feet of specifically designed living for individuals experiencing memory loss and challenges due to Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. The new building and service will expand Touchmark’s offerings and provide a full continuum of care, ranging from independent and assisted living through early dementia support to memory care.

The first floor of the metal-structure building will be dedicated to individuals benefiting from a secured environment; the second floor will provide homes and a setting that support residents who don’t require a secured setting but whose daily lives are easier living in a more structured setting. Each of the two floors will be further divided into two neighborhoods of 16 homes each, for a total of 64 homes.

The project will provide more than 200 people with work during construction and add about 30 (?) staff positions when completed in early 2022.

A new, unique design

Touchmark has been a leader in designing innovative environments that support the varying needs of people living with memory loss while providing a comfortable, interesting and secure setting. This new design adds a number of enhancements that reflect Touchmark’s years of experience to enrich the lives of those living with a dementia disease.

Each of the four neighborhoods will have a great room that will provide options for a variety of uses. Wellness options, such as the Eldergrow indoor garden and fitness equipment, will be available for residents’ use. Additional wellness offerings include a relaxation room, salon, bathing spa and meditation garden.

Resident homes will feature a Dutch door that allows both sections to be closed for full privacy or partially closed with the upper portion left open. In this way, residents can choose to experience some privacy while also benefiting from the sounds of laughter and music, the smell of freshly baking cookies or bread, and other life-enriching aspects that invite participation and reinforce social connections with others. Each resident home also includes a private bathroom with an easy-to-access, no-step shower.

“Two additional and distinctive aspects of this design are the expansive use of natural light and inclusion of outdoor spaces,” says Vice President and Executive Director Matthew Hoskin. “Research clearly shows the benefits of nature, sunlight, and fresh air, which is why we have deliberately created several options for residents to experience these.”

Gardens, water features, and views

Residents will be able to experience three distinct and secured natural settings:

> A garden with paths for walking, raised beds for growing flowers, herbs and vegetables for enjoyment and crafts
> A meditative space with the calming rhythm of a water feature splashing onto rocks amidst various flourishing plants
> A space offering expansive views of the valley

Other wellness spaces include a kitchen and various areas for congregating with others. A hair salon, spa baths and family meeting rooms also will be available.

Touchmark’s memory care services will include around-the-clock staffing, award-winning Full Life Wellness & Life Enrichment Program™, nutritious and enticing meals and snacks, as well as regular outings to local attractions.

LRS Architects designed the building with Touchmark Development & Construction, which also is working with general contractor Wespac Construction of Flagstaff.

About Touchmark at The Ranch
An award-winning company and leader in senior leading, Touchmark is marking its 40th anniversary of serving the needs of adults 55-plus and their families. Touchmark at The Ranch, which opened the Grand Lodge in 2018, includes a range of lifestyle options and award-winning wellness offerings. The unique campus offers unparalleled services, commanding views and personalized, gold standard hospitality to enrich people’s lives. More information is available at Touchmark.com or by calling 928-632-7800.

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