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A resolution recognizing Abe’s Garden’s feature as a case study in Alzheimer’s Disease International’s World Alzheimer Report 2020.
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WHEREAS, officially opened in 2015, Abe’s Garden is a nationally recognized, 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization that has established a model of residential, day, and community-based programs for those with Alzheimer’s disease, and has also become a site of research and teaching devoted to caring for the community’s rapidly expanding senior population; and
WHEREAS, Michael Shmerling founded Abe’s Garden in honor of his father, Abram C. “Abe” Shmerling, M.D., after realizing the need for a memory care community and organization that improves the lives and care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia; and
WHEREAS, Michael Shmerling realized the great need for quality services and care dedicated to adults living with Alzheimer’s disease in Nashville, especially considering that there are no proven treatments or cures for Alzheimer’s; and
WHEREAS, Abe’s Garden was featured as a case study and in a chapter on “groundbreakers” in Alzheimer’s Disease International’s (ADI) World Alzheimer Report 2020 Design, Dignity, and Dementia; and
WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s Disease International is known as the global voice on dementia, and features 87 case studies from 27 different countries in their World Alzheimer Report 2020; and
WHEREAS, the aim of this report is to illustrate the worldwide efforts being made to design buildings that meet the needs and aspirations of people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease; and
WHEREAS, Abe’s Garden’s residential memory care community is centered around a courtyard created by nationally recognized aging design professionals and lighting industry researchers that contributed to its architecture, landscape, and interior design; and
WHEREAS, the centerpiece courtyard features evidence-based lighting, use of color, and furnishings that encourages socialization, learning, movement, and independence; and
WHEREAS, Abe’s Garden houses Middle Tennessee’s first early stage dementia day program, “Abe’s Garden Community Group” (AGCG), which meets four days a week and includes individuals living throughout the Middle Tennessee community in addition to on-site independent living residents; and
WHEREAS, Abe’s Garden is also the current site for an applied research study exploring a lighting strategy to reduce depression and improve sleep-wake cycles in people with advanced dementia; and
WHEREAS, Abe’s Garden exists to improve the lives of those touched by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well to as elevate the standard of care for those with cognitive impairment; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes their work, and thanks Abe’s Garden for their service to people living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing Abe’s Garden’s feature as a case study in Alzheimer’s Disease International’s World Alzheimer Report 2020.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.