The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer's Center of Excellence, East Hamilton, will open in early 2025 near East Brainerd and Ooltewah-Ringgold Road, right by East Hamilton High School. The place sits on a single-level campus with 60 spacious memory care apartments, including studios and companion two-bedrooms, all in a 45,000 square foot building. The community is part of the Morning Pointe Senior Living campus, and it works closely with the coming-soon Morning Pointe of East Hamilton next door, which will become an assisted living-only community later on. The Lantern mainly serves people with Alzheimer's and related dementias. Staff have special dementia training and are available around the clock, including licensed nurses who help with health checks, medication, and daily needs. Two main programs-Lamplight for early to moderate memory loss and Lantern for advanced dementia-offer care and secure gathering spots for residents at different stages.
Residents get a structured, home-like environment with safety features and comfortable living spaces. Apartments connect to cozy rooms, a coffee station, and a library. Activities run every day, from life enrichment and hobby groups to arts and crafts, exercise classes, and fun with local school kids through intergenerational programs. Farm to Table meals use seasonal, local foods, and dining can include no-salt-added or reduced-sugar diets. The community adds music therapy, art therapy, and even cuddle therapy. Other unique programs for memory care include the Best Friends Approach™, Teepa Snow's Positive Approach® to Care, Meaningful Day™ purposeful programming, and cognitive support.
Help with grooming, moving to a chair or bed, bathroom needs, escorting to events and meals, and wellness checks are all available. Residents have access to on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy, pharmacy support, and transportation to medical appointments. There's an on-site beauty salon/barbershop, as well as a 24-hour emergency response system. Pets aren't mentioned. The place also sits near parks and charming cafes, and group outings, volunteering, and live events keep things lively. Staff encourage a sense of independence while helping with personal care, health, and safety.
The Lantern is privately owned and managed by Morning Pointe, which has operated senior living communities since 1997 and follows Judeo-Christian ethics. The staff aim to create a safe and secure setting where people with memory loss can stay as independent as possible, with personalized care based on each resident's stage of dementia. The estimated starting price is $3,890 per month for a shared bedroom, and the community holds a 4.5 rating from Seniorly. The grand opening is set for July 17, with a ribbon-cutting and open house for neighbors and families.
