Alterra Clare Bridge’s lobby is affectionately called Town Hall, which is very apropos, as there is a strong sense of community within the facility. The building looks brand-new, with code-secured doors, new furnishings and fresh paint. Framed artwork and silk flowers adorn the interior. The dining room, offices and conference rooms, complete with exposed brick and large windows, were designed to give the appearance of village storefronts. Tall street lamps, wall sconces and natural light contribute to the charming image of a day in town.
Clare Bridge sits adjacent to Alterra Wynwood, the affiliated assisted living facility for non-memory-impaired residents. Conveniently located in a safe, upscale community, both buildings are modern, with stone and vinyl siding. Clare Bridge contains two connected, perpendicular units, each with a sunroom and enclosed patio embellished by raised garden beds. Each unit houses twenty-four residents. The rooms are comfortable and carpeted, with resident memory boxes. Private rooms have rockers and lounge chairs. The windows open slightly to ensure residents’ safety while allowing fresh air. The extra wide hallways are clean and color-coded, containing visual cues to minimize confusion and agitation for this population.
The units have their own dining rooms, both identical and elegant. Small pillars frame the entrances, and chandeliers hang from high ceilings, creating an open, airy feel. The kitchen, used for resident cooking projects, runs along one wall. Tablecloths, cutlery, china and glassware complete the settings. The dining room also offers a taste of the holidays. In October, for example, residents enjoy polish sausages, beer and German chocolate parfaits in celebration of Oktoberfest. Live music and polka dancing add to the festivities. Numerous activity areas encourage interaction. A carpeted game room contains a pool table, board games and a popcorn machine. The activity room is fully stocked with a computer, piano, aquarium and bookcase. Residents benefit from a unique schedule of activities. The basics include exercise, movies, arts and crafts and religious activities. More creative options include the walkers club, twenty questions, table games and memory-jogging games like “Who Am I?” and “Name that President.” Residents often venture, supervised, into the community to shop and socialize.
