History
History of Growth and Community Impact
Bay Bluffs opened its doors on April 19, 1966 with 88 beds split between 31 Resident rooms. In 1980, the facility added 22 additional beds. The most recent expansion took place in 2005, when 10 beds were added, and the building was renovated to include a 20 bed specialized dementia unit. Bay Bluffs currently has 120 beds, 20 of which are in the dementia unit, and 6 of which are dedicated for short term rehabilitation and therapy.
Bay Bluffs employs over 200 people in a 24/7 setting. These individuals reside in 4 counties, driving from as far away as Gaylord and Onaway to work in this beautiful facility! Bay Bluffs also contributes over $13 million to the local economy each year, by way of wages and purchases from vendors. Bay Bluffs is governed by a three member Board of Directors. Two of those Board members are appointed by the Emmet County Board and Commissioners, and one is appointed by the Governor of Michigan.
Resources
Alzheimer’s Association: The leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. They offer a wealth of information, support groups, and resources for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
National Institute on Aging (NIA): Provides information and resources on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including research updates, caregiving tips, and educational materials.
Website: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers
Dementia Care Central: Offers practical advice, tips, and resources for caregivers of individuals with dementia, including information on communication strategies, behavior management, and caregiver self-care.
Website: https://www.dementiacarecentral.com
Family Caregiver Alliance: Provides information, resources, and support for family caregivers, including articles, webinars, and online support groups specifically for caregivers of individuals with dementia.
Website: https://www.caregiver.org/dementia
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Weekly: A comprehensive online resource for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, featuring articles, news updates, and practical tips for managing dementia symptoms and challenges.