Memory Care at Uplands Village is so very excited to announce the completion of the
Garden Renovation project. This project was funded by a grant from the Pat Summitt
Foundation (www.patsummitt.org), a fund of East Tennessee Foundation, as part of the
$200,000 that was awarded to nonprofit organizations in Tennessee whose projects
provided support or care to patients and/or caregivers battling Alzheimer’s disease and
other forms of dementia. 
“After her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, Pat Summitt knew she wanted to make a
difference in this disease.  That means funding research and raising awareness, but to
her, it also meant taking care of those battling the disease and their caregivers.” Morgan
Vance, Director of Strategic Initiatives + Advancement, Pat Summitt Foundation.
We took the part about “those battling the disease and their caregivers” to heart when
determining what our goal was. We wanted to provide a safe and stimulating
environment where our residents and their families and friends could visit comfortably,
and we believe the modifications reflect our commitment to this.
 
We have been mindful of preserving the spirit of the Eden Alternative in our design. The
courtyard continues to be a space where residents can connect with nature, enjoy
meaningful interactions, and experience life with dignity and purpose. We have carefully
integrated elements that support well-being (providing them MUCH more shaded area
to enjoy fresh air and sunshine as well as more square footage of level, unobstructed
area to navigate around safely), engagement (raised planters with proper tools, potting
soil, and access to appropriate watering devices ready for growing herbs and small
garden vegetables, as well as busy boxes to aid with fidgety hands and lap blankets
that are water proof on one side to allow them to enjoy sunny days even in cooler
weather), and a sense of community (including seating so that they can enjoy the
outdoors with their families and friends at one of the two tables under cover), which are
core to the Eden philosophy.  Seasonal potted plants dress up the garden and bird
feeders are strategically placed on the perimeter of the space with birdseed containers
and scoops so the residents can fill the feeders. A soothing water fountain and outdoor
Bluetooth speaker system round out the space.
 
We believe these changes strike a balance between providing a safe environment and
creating a space that feels warm, inviting, and alive with possibility for our residents to
be together with their families and caregivers. Because after all, together is our favorite
place to be.
We are excited to see the staff and families use this beautiful, safe, and engaging
environment. Please join the Memory Care residents and families for a grand re-
opening of their outdoor living space and to meet the new Memory Care Manager,
Amanda Waldo, on Friday, October 25 th from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. for a cookout.