LONGMONT, Colo. – April 03, 2012 – Gemma Wilson was named program director at AltaVita MemoryCare Centre.  AltaVita is a purpose-built assisted-living community designed for individuals with memory care needs. Located at 800 South Fordham Street, the first residents will move in to the new community in May.

Wilson, who has a Master’s degree in Gerontology and more than 10 years experience working with Alzheimer’s patients, will support Executive Director Linda Berens and oversee the day-to- day activities of residents. “We take extra steps to make sure our community will be as close to each resident’s experience of home as possible,” said Wilson, who is also a professional musician with experience in music therapy.

Wilson will prepare highly individualized activity plans suited the interests and abilities of each resident. In contrast to some senior care communities, residents will be able to wake, eat and go to bed on their own schedule.  Residents will be encouraged to join activities and families will be invited to become involved also.

Wilson was the executive director of an Alzheimer’s adult daycare program in Austin, Texas, where she also served on a legislative committee to regulate assisted living facilities in that state.

AltaVita Memory Care Centre is a 36,000-square-foot facility with 56 private assisted living suites. AltaVita will be overseen by Dr. Haleh Nekoorad-Long, M.D., one of the few certified geriatric psychiatrists in Colorado.

AltaVita Memory Care Centre is the first phase of AltaVita Centre, a continuing care retirement community that is being developed by Macy Development northwest of Highway 119 (Diagonal) and Hover Road. AltaVita Centre will eventually include a range of retirement living and health care services designed for seniors, including age-restricted independent living, assisted living, short-term rehabilitation services and nursing home care.