East Texas town aims to transform care for individuals with memory loss
Quitman, Texas – A small East Texas town with big dreams of revolutionizing memory care has been met with a significant roadblock in their quest for a new kind of healthcare facility. Mayor Randy Dunn, inspired by his mother Addy Lois Dunn’s battle with dementia over two decades ago, has been leading the charge to establish a 54-bed hospital based on a Scandinavian healthcare model that prioritizes residents’ independence. The project has already secured a $6 million grant from the federal government, but the city is unable to access those funds until the state agrees to match them.
Mayor Dunn had hoped that the state Legislature would act during the 2023 session, especially with a record surplus in the state budget. Unfortunately, lawmakers did not provide the necessary support, making the upcoming months leading up to the 2025 legislative session crucial for Dunn and his partners. The group in Quitman, which includes individuals who have lost loved ones to memory loss diseases and healthcare professionals, is determined to put Texas on the map for memory care by establishing a national model facility.
The idea for the memory care facility was born out of a meeting between Orval Lindsey, a member of the Wood County Hospital board, and Annette Simpkins, president of the Wood County Healthcare Foundation, with Mayor Dunn in 2020. They pitched the concept of a village-style care facility that would be accessible to low-income families in East Texas. Early estimates suggest that the project could cost at least $60 million, a daunting figure for a community of only 2,301 residents.
Despite the challenges, the group in Quitman remains determined to see their vision come to life. They have received support from U.S. Rep. Lance Gooden, who championed the $6 million federal grant, and have been working with state Sen. Bryan Hughes and state Rep. Cole Hefner to secure matching funds at the state level. The group envisions a facility where residents can live fulfilling lives, working on a farm, tending to animals and gardens, and enjoying the freedom to pursue daily routines in a peaceful environment.
While some skeptics question the feasibility of replicating such a care facility on a broader scale, Mayor Dunn and his partners remain optimistic about the impact their project can have on the way memory care is approached in Texas and beyond. With the support of the community and key stakeholders, they are determined to see their vision become a reality and provide much-needed care for Texans living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
