Pictured, left to right, are the first hires at The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, East Hamilton: Lindsey Hughes, executive director; Missy Dane, community relations director; and Claudia Zendejas, Lantern program director.
As The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, East Hamilton gets closer to opening, three central members of the community’s management team have been announced – the executive director, community relations director and Lantern program director.
Lindsey Hughes has been named the ED, with Missy Dane as CRD and Claudia Zendejas as LPD. The memory care community, located at 1775 Generations Way, is a few short months away from opening its doors. It is Part II of the Morning Pointe of East Hamilton Senior Living campus.
Ms.
Hughes, who will oversee operations as the executive director, has worked in healthcare for 13 years and in senior living for the past six years. She earned her degree in allied health from Chattanooga State Community College. She currently resides in McDonald. “I believe in creating meaningful and purposeful days for residents,” said Ms. Hughes. “Their life experiences, careers, relationships and hobbies are what propelled the success of the world we live in today. I believe in honoring their legacies and creating an environment where they are able to reminisce about the things in their lives that have had so much meaning to them. And I am excited to build a team of healthcare professionals here at The Lantern who are invigorated by the opportunity to serve our residents.”
One of these professionals is Ms. Dane, community relations director. Her role involves helping residents and their families with the transition into the memory care community. Ms. Dane has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, which she says gives her insight into how to support people with cognitive challenges. She also brings experience in marketing and healthcare and currently resides in the East Brainerd area. “I’m drawn to working with the memory care population because I have a deep respect for the challenges these individuals and their families face,” said Ms. Dane. “I’m passionate about providing compassionate care and creating meaningful moments for residents.”
Ms. Zendejas, Lantern program director, will transfer naturally to the new community, officials said. She has served as LPD at Morning Pointe of East Hamilton’s Lantern wing, overseeing a program of purposeful activities, volunteers and more. She has 15 years of experience in senior activities and is also a certified nursing assistant and is a certified dementia practitioner. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration. “Serving the memory population is where I find purpose and fulfillment,” Ms. Zendejas said. “I’m deeply committed to the wellbeing of our seniors, and I am excited to contribute to the growth and development of such a special, brand-new community.”
The Lantern is continuing to hire other members of its leadership team, and it has begun hiring for other roles as well, including caregivers. Current openings are listed at morningpointe.com/careers. Staff will be trained in Alzheimer’s and dementia care with ongoing training and learning.
The sales trailer is open on-site, and the community is taking reservations for apartments. It will be starting tours soon.
The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, East Hamilton, features 60 apartments with two distinct neighborhoods. These are Lamplight, a large area for residents with early-stage Alzheimer’s and dementia who are more active, and Lantern, a more intimate and quiet space designed for more advanced stages.
The thoughtfully designed single-level community will offer several floor plan options, including studios and companion two-bedroom apartments. Residents will benefit from Morning Pointe’s signature approach to memory care, which combines personalized care with innovative therapies, including:
- Best Friends Approach and Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care;
- Meaningful Day purposeful programming;
- Music and art therapy; and
- Cuddle therapy.
The community’s services will involve licensed, clinical or care staff available 24 hours a day; on-site physical, occupational and speech therapies; and Morning Pointe’s Farm to Table program, which provides seasonal, locally sourced meals.
Upon completion of Phase II, the original Morning Pointe of East Hamilton building will transition to assisted living-only, while The Lantern will serve as the dedicated memory care center on the campus, providing an expanded model of care.
The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, East Hamilton, will mark the organization’s 42nd community across Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama and Indiana.