It is designed to accomodate 144 in-residence patients in all stages of Alzheimer's disease, and is the first facility in the Chicago area to provide a complete continuum of care. A single story structure avoids spatial confusion due to stairs. The patients will be involved in everyday living tasks in the seven households with regional themes. The themes are designed as orientation devices , reinforced through colors, fabric and furniture in each of the households. Built-in doorway curios to display memorabilia and things from the past encourage reminiscence.
Privacy curtains separate the bathrooms within each bedroom to avoid confusion.
Looped wandering pathways in the gated yards bring back the patients to where they started, allowing a safe outdoor experience.