20-02-2025
New memory care unit opens in Elgin, fills a growing need
ELGIN, Texas (KXAN) — A new memory support unit just opened in Central Texas. This comes as the Alzheimer's Association said the disease is a growing public health crisis across the state.
The Elgin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center now has its new unit for those needing that specialized care.
'If we build it, they'll come because there's just no, there's no availability.'
Seth Ferguson, Regional Director of Sales and Business Development
Regional Director of Sales and Business Development Seth Ferguson said available beds in Central Texas can be hard to come by.
'The company that I work for, which is Wellsential Health, we in the Austin area have four other facilities with units, or what we call an Alzheimer's or locked unit, and they're completely full,' Ferguson said.
With more people moving east towards Bastrop County, Ferguson said they decided to expand part of their building.
He said they already have a dozen people on their waitlist to move in. He hopes to have them in there within the next month or so. Ferguson said they're looking forward to helping more families.
'We sell peace of mind, and that's what we want them to know,' Ferguson said. 'When they bring their loved one here, and we were able to care for them, that they know when they leave, that we're going to take care of their loved one.'
With more available beds comes the need for more health care workers. Through the nonprofit health care training program, Dwyer Workforce Development, Ferguson said they train Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) at the center.
He said they currently have 12 CNAs in their class. After getting their license, Ferguson said they'll get to work for the company.
Combatting Alzheimer's is also top-of-mind for state officials.
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick made it his fifth priority this legislative session. It involves creating the Dementia Prevention Research Institute of Texas.
In a press release from last November, he wrote 'this investment will draw leading researchers and companies to Texas and require them to be based in Texas, leading to their further investment in our state.'
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