Bedrooms open into common activity areas. Residents can wander safely along outdoor paths in secure enclosed courtyards. Staff selected to work with these residents are those who show an interest in learning more about Alzheimer's Disease and other dementia's. Special Programming New Mercer Commons has embraced the Eden Alternative, renaming it the Commons Community. This philosophy incorporates animals, plants, and children into the environment.
Staff works in teams to meet the needs of the residents on a twenty-four hour basis.
Units are designed identically to reduce disruption and reorientation when a resident needs to move to another unit. Interiors are decorated with calming colors. Special lighting reduces shadows. Light switches are dark brown against a cream-colored switch plate to help the resident find and use the switch. All wardrobe doors are locked to increase security of personal clothing.