Grand Opening- Wartburg’s New Memory Care Center- Tuesday, April 30

Mount Vernon, NY – April 26, 2024 –  Wartburg is excited to announce the grand opening of The Berkemeier Center, a 50,500 square-foot facility dedicated to Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia care. Join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday morning, April 30th at 11 am, at One Wartburg Place.

Dr. David Gentner, Wartburg’s President & CEO has said, “There are many people we need to recognize so at the risk of leaving people out I’m only going to mention Wartburg’s Board of Directors who supported this effort through entitlement approval, design, financing, and construction.  These projects are not easy, and I can’t conceive of this moment without the support of the Board,” said Gentner.

The new Berkemeier Living Center features 64 state-of-the-art residences, including 32 private and 32 companion suites, focused on Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Wartburg's leadership, design team, business and civic leaders, and the media will attend the ribbon cutting, followed by facility tours. Residences at The Berkemeier Living Center are designed like small households, creating an intimate and comfortable feel. Key features like short walking distances and oversized windows enhance the healing environment, with each household having its living, dining, and kitchen spaces.

The first-floor lobby and gallery showcase Wartburg’s history, featuring Berkemeier artifacts. Additionally, the first level includes event spaces, a music therapy room, and administrative offices. A healing garden in the rear yard provides outdoor seating and community space.

The Living Center benefits from nearby nursing and rehabilitation centers on campus. It is LEED-certified, reflecting its energy efficiency and health-conscious design.

The Berkemeier Living Center is named in honor of Wartburg’s second President, Reverend Dr. Gottlieb C. Berkemeier, who served for thirty-six years and elevated The Wartburg Orphans’ Farm School to a leading institution.

Robert Ranieri, Board Chairman of Wartburg, expressed gratitude for the project and recognized the increasing need for Alzheimer’s care. Dr. Nicholas Cicchetti, Chairman of Wartburg’s Foundation Board, sees the Living Center as a milestone in Wartburg’s Vision 2025 Master Plan.

Mount Vernon’s Mayor, Shawyn Patterson-Howard, commended Wartburg’s commitment to addressing memory loss and providing a supportive environment. Said Mayor Patterson-Howard: “The Berkemeier Living Center signifies a new benchmark for memory care services in the region, offering dignity and support to those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.”

The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function is part of Wartburg, and its Executive Director Dr. Concetta Tomaino will apply music-based therapies with the goal to restore, maintain, and enhance physical, emotional, and neurological functioning in individuals affected by conditions such as stroke, trauma, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, and other disorders.

Dr. Tomaino’s book “Music Has Power in Senior Wellness and Healthcare” was published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers in 2023 is a best practice manual for the application of music therapy in all areas of healthcare.

For more information, please reach out to Rose Cappa Rotunno: 914-513-5179