Carson Tahoe Health angles for new memory care facility in city

Carson Tahoe Health has cleared more than 54,000 square feet of land south of the old Carson Tahoe Hospital and is angling for a new partner to open a memory-care center on the vacant property.

The health care firm, which runs Carson City's new medical center and related units at the city's north edge, is in talks with Prestige Care Inc., Portland, Ore., according to Carson Tahoe Health's Jon Tyler.

The CTH spokesman stressed a due-diligence analysis is in the works and there isn't a firm deal yet.

"We would obviously like it as soon as possible," he said, "but we're holding out for the right partner and to make sure it makes sense."

Jason Delamarter, Prestige Care vice president, on Wednesday acknowledged the talks and cited achievements of the company's Expressions memory program at centers in southern Nevada.

"We have had great success with the program serving our residents in two Henderson, Nevada (assisted living/senior) communities," he said. "If we can reach an agreement, we would be proud to serve Carson City residents with out innovative approach to memory care."

The Carson City property in question is just east of Mountain Street and north of Washington Street. Last April, buildings on the 54,402 Sq. Ft. site were demolished for CTH by Facilities Management Inc..

At that time, Mike Richardson, the demolition firm's president, said efforts were being made to spare mature trees on the property. Last week, three mature trees were cut down, prompting inquiries about what would be done with the land.

Tyler, a CTH marketing specialist, said Prestige or some other partner would operate a memory-care facility if a partnership develops. The CTH percentage would involve the underlying land, which is zoned for medical purposes, and other factors.

The zoning is in accordance with the original land grant from Edith and Dick Waters.

Tyler said memory care has been the prospective use for some time. "It's any kind of memory-care problems," Tyler said. "Definitely Alzheimer's, but other things as well."

Prestige Care's website indicates Prestige Care Inc. and Prestige Senior Living LLC run various types of senior facilities in western states, including the pair in southern Nevada.

They have more than 50 such "communities" dealing with nursing and rehabilitation, assisted living, memory care and retirement. The Expressions memory care program won a 2012 Innovators award from the International Council on Active Aging, according to the website.