New Sensory Nature Trail Opens at Silvergate Suites Memory Care in San Marcos
Unique outdoor sensory experience is now available to Silvergate residents living with Alzheimer’s or related dementias
San Marcos, CA – Silvergate Retirement Residence, a locally owned, top-rated retirement and assisted living community in San Diego County, 
celebrated the opening of the newly built Nature Sensory Trail in its Silvergate Suites Memory Care facility. The special celebration was open to residents and their family members and featured a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, as well as cocktails and hors d’oeuvres designed by Silvergate’s Executive Chef Clarice Randall. The highly anticipated event took place on September 17th, 2013, in the Suites’ courtyard. The opening ceremony began with Melba Dunn, Administrator of Silvergate Retirement, welcoming guests to the new trail. She then introduced David Petree, Owner of Silvergate Retirement Residences, as well as the other key individuals who helped build the trail, including landscaper Ernesto Anguiano and gardener Pancho Beltran. Others involved in the design of the trail included a botanist from the San Diego Wild Animal Park who provided detailed input on the species of plants and their preferences in the garden. “It has been my vision, since I became administrator over 10 years ago, to build this Sensory Nature Trail that the residents could enjoy as much as I do!” shared Dunn. “Our goal for this sensory experience is to help our residents who are living with Alzheimer’s or related dementias interact with nature and provide a unique, enjoyable outdoor experience.” 
She continued in sharing the variety of the plants and shrubs on the trail that could be seen while walking along the path. The variety of plants and trees on the trail include: fountain grass, pink and purple verbena, Australian woolly bush, lavender, sage, rosemary, red Cuban cigar, silver fog, iris, blue eyed grass, red monkey flower, magnolia, liquid amber and palms. Along with the flowers, trees and shrubs, images of elk crossing a stream, a baby fawn sleeping in the grass, and butterflies are incorporated on the trail. Following the introduction, Dunn invited David Petree to join her in cutting the ribbon and welcomed guests to follow them through the new gazebo and to the “Rangers Trail” sign, the beginning of the Sensory Nature Trail experience. About Silvergate Suites Memory Care The Silvergate Suites Memory Care Program is designed with six distinct neighborhoods to accommodate up to 60 residents at one time. The Suites, which is part of the locally-owned Silvergate Retirement Community, is a secured perimeter building and grounds that provide a safe, secure and comfortable place for those living with Alzheimer’s or related dementias. A dedicated 24-hour professional and alert staff provides direct care for the residents. Licensed nurses are available 7-days a week to ensure proper care management and supervision.
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