ReminisCity Dementia Village is an innovative residential care model serving individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). It is a disruptive innovation that brings this precious population from the basements and back of the buildings, to the FOREFRONT. 

ReminisCity provides person-centered care & all-inclusive services in a cozy and colorful secure setting. We foster stimulation and socialization in a family living milieu while preserving dignity and humanity for our residents. We believe these residents deserve to have lives filled with love and joy in a new care model that affords them empowerment and independence while maintaining their safety.

The PA Bureau of Human Services Licensing has denied our application for a state license because of their refusal to approve our request to waive two site elements per PA Chapter 2600 regulations. 

The first issue we are requesting to be waived is windows in bedrooms with natural lighting. All but one of our bedrooms have windows that face into the hallways. This regulation claims to be in place for the physiological and psychological well-being of the residents. My question is why do our residents have to receive natural lighting in bedrooms?

Our beautiful facility has floor to ceiling windows throughout the common areas. This is where we want our residents to receive their natural light while socializing, engaging, and participating. We do not want them sitting alone by a bedroom window, which is absolutely contrary to their physical and psychological well-being.

The second issue I requested they waive pertains to the lack of fenced outdoor activity area at ReminisCity. The regulations require access to outdoor activity, as well it should. At ReminisCity we provide our residents with outdoor activity through daily walks as well as taking advantage of all that Wilkes Barre has to offer. We go to restaurants, shopping, movies, parks, outdoor concerts, the Farmer's Market, Fine Arts Fiesta, F.M. Kirby Center, holiday parades and much more. The denial of this waiver request was cited as being for the safety of the residents. Safety is absolutely vital and is paramount to the welfare of our residents. I believe our residents deserve joy filled days in spite of their devastating terminal disease of dementia. Rather than sitting in a small, fenced patio area, our residents are enjoying the hustle and bustle of city life. We provide this while also maintaining their safety.

Per PA Code 2600.19, a waiver may be granted if the following 3 conditions are met: 

(1)  There is no jeopardy to the residents.

(2)  There is an alternative for providing an equivalent level of health, safety and well-being protection of the residents.

(3)  Residents will benefit from the waiver of the requirement. 

Both of our waivers meet all three. 

I need your help NOW before we lose ReminisCity! PLEASE support us in our efforts to change the care model for our valuable population suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias! PLEASE help me advocate for these folks who cannot advocate for themselves! Sign this petition if you believe in what we are doing and share with all of your friends and family! PLEASE help make this dream come true for the many, many folks we can help over many, many years.

Thank you so very much!