JAA Plans Memory Care Refresh as Part of $50M Project to Upgrade Pittsburgh Community

The Jewish Association on Aging (JAA) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is embarking on a $50 million project to renovate its Squirrel Hill campus, focusing on new memory care residences and other improvements. CEO Mary Anne Foley states that the goal is to cater to the evolving needs of senior living customers and to provide modern facilities. The project will include adding 90 new units to the campus, updating memory care services, and revamping interiors and landscaping. The organization is transitioning away from nursing care, with plans to introduce 30 personal care units and 60 independent living units. The renovation aims to enhance the memory care program, which was established eight years ago, by incorporating state-of-the-art amenities and uplifting the overall environment. With renowned support from dementia care expert Dr. John Zeisel and the Hearthstone Institute curriculum, JAA is set to create a rejuvenated space to meet the needs of today’s older adults seeking senior living services. In addition to the campus transformation, JAA will expand its home-based and community-based services, such as home health and hospice services, to provide comprehensive care to its residents. Partnering with Continental Real Estate, JAA is gearing up for a multi-phase construction project, with plans to begin demolition and construction by the end of the year. The first phase is expected to be completed by late 2025, followed by the second phase in 2027. While there are no immediate plans for further expansion, JAA is open to the possibility of adding more units in the future to accommodate growing demand. Foley emphasizes the importance of not only building new facilities but also enhancing existing spaces, such as the Ahava memory care unit, to create a cohesive and modernized community.