Huger Mercy Living Center

Tucked away on an inconspicuous street in a quiet north central Phoenix neighborhood lies an equally inconspicuous building—at least from the outside. But once you walk through the gates onto the tranquil campus of Huger Mercy Living Center, you know you’re someplace special. Operated by St. Joseph’s Hospital, Huger is an assisted- living facility for people with dementia. The grassy five- acre campus near the I-17 freeway was established nearly 20 years ago due in part to the generosity of the late Dr. Raymond Huger, a St. Joseph’s psychiatrist whose wife had Alzheimer’s disease. He envisioned a facility where residents could remain active, while being treated with dignity and respect. Today, that vision is a reality for the 48 residents who call Huger home; many will live their final days here. Every detail at Huger is carefully crafted to accommodate the special needs of those with dementia, a progressive loss of brain function that can be caused by a multitude of diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. There are four identical cottages on campus, each housing 12 residents grouped together based on their activity and functional level. The residents receive 24-hour care from a staff of 30 certified nurse assistants and a full-time licensed practical nurse. Medical Director Robert Garcia, MD, and Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Marianne McCarthy, PhD, GNP, oversee the medical care. The campus also features a full-time chef. Huger adheres to a social, activity-based model, in which residents are encouraged to interact through a variety of activities. On any given day, you’ll find residents involved in anything from music and art to pet therapy. There are theme weeks and monthly outings, as well as holiday dinners and community celebrations, like the annual Fall Festival with students from nearby Orangewood Elementary School. This socialization not only helps with cognition, it also wards off the isolation that is common with dementia as one becomes less familiar with his or her surroundings. The activities are also beneficial to family members, who are encouraged to spend time on campus.