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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 21, 2023 11 reducing stress, addressing hearing loss, focusing on nutrition and sleep, physical activity, cognitive fitness and social connection — these are all key," Smith said. The nearly finished new center includes amenities such as a social hub and café. There is a test kitchen where people can take classes on how to cook for brain health. A studio for performances and movies can accommodate up to 145 people. The center also features a green- house, fitness center, yoga and movement studios, and an art studio to take classes in writing, pottery, painting and theater. Wall art will change periodically. It will have maker spaces, a learning lab, technology center and class- rooms, outdoor dining, and outdoor exercise and play spaces. Hydro- therapy and massage beds help with relaxation and reducing stress. The Bradley Henry Barnes and Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust awarded a $150,000 grant that LiveWell is using for fitness and relaxation equipment. The center also features a health clinic where people can get physician and psychiatric care, therapy and counseling, physical, occupational and speech therapy, and other nutri- tion and wellness services. Finishing touches were being put on the new center as of late July, and LiveWell anticipates having a full certificate of occupancy in the fall of 2023. "It is not a senior center or basic adult space," Smith said. "It is a dynamic space for people who want to be a part of redefining life with dementia. LiveWell wants to give people a sense of optimism." Maley Hunt, LiveWell's chief operating officer, said people don't have to live on campus to get access to its services. "We focus on prevention, timely diagnosis and providing resources for people to have more control over their lives," Hunt said. New living spaces Also under construction are new multi-story residential buildings that LiveWell calls its "River Homes." They feature eight bedrooms, eight and a half baths and shared custom kitchen space. Residents will be able to enjoy features such as a four-season sunroom, living and family rooms, parlor, study, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, outdoor decks overlooking the Quinnipiac River and garages, according to Hunt. These are expected to be ready to open this fall. Couples are welcome to live at LiveWell, even if only one spouse has dementia, so they aren't separated. In many elder care facilities, those with dementia might typically be in a special, locked section, away from others, according to Smith. LiveWell avoids this by using tech- nology to track people and ensure safety, such as with geofencing and wearable devices. This allows resi- dents more freedom to move around the campus. "We are trying to redefine life with dementia," Hunt said. In 2024, LiveWell will be renovating its original footprint, the project's final phase. Spaces where clients live currently will be revamped and updated with a goal of supporting resident privacy and autonomy. Strategies for sustainability, growth As the elder care industry continues to encounter challenges, there are several ways facilities can adapt to be financially successful, according to Kendra Nicastro, director of busi- ness development with healthcare consultant LeaderStat. In addition to providing exceptional care, having a particular specialty, such as outpatient therapy or dementia services, can help. Care facilities should also develop a recruitment and retention plan to stabilize staffing and drive employee satisfaction, Nicastro said. "Quality of care stems from staff satisfaction, and it is difficult to achieve quality and satisfaction with high turnover," she said. While several elder care facilities in Connecticut have complained of high turnover and staffing issues, Smith said that hasn't been the case at LiveWell. "When you do things well, you support the viability of the organiza- tion and its mission," Smith said. Artwork is on display for residents and visitors to enjoy at the LiveWell campus. Pictured are Maley Hunt, chief operating officer, and Michael Smith, president and CEO. PHOTO | MICHELLE TUCCITTO SULLO