If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you may already be experiencing the extreme personality changes and symptoms commonly associated with the disease. But even as the person with memory loss loses certain abilities, their personal narrative, or “life story,” persists. That’s because memory is our most personal possession and can never completely be erased. The hobbies we enjoyed over a lifetime. The careers we dedicated our lives to. The skills and talents we honed and mastered for both personal and professional fulfillment. The love and affection we shared with friends and family.

Memories may fade, but the essence of our true selves will forever remain intact, despite the disease. This insight is the driving force behind Valeo™ Memory Care, Sonata by AgeWell Solvere’s signature memory care program.

Valeo™ Memory Care commemorates the personal legacies of residents in our care. We honor their legacy by integrating the personal story of every individual into daily care and activities. The result has a positive and profound impact on happiness and quality of life in those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Memory Care Should Not Be One-Size-Fits-All

Our Valeo Memory Care program was founded on the idea that care and service should be both personalized and extraordinary. Today, this mindset always manifest in our hearts and passion for serving seniors in Sonata by AgeWell Solvere senior living communities.

To us, memory care should never be a one-size-fits-all service. In practice, Valeo Memory Care weaves the memories and life experiences—every individual’s unique life story—into daily caregiving. In fact, research on person-directed care has shown Alzheimer’s and dementia care to be most effective when it is tailored to an individual’s abilities, needs and preferences.

For the person with dementia, the key to a higher quality of life starts with joyful engagement. At Sonata, caregivers are trained to provide a more personalized form of care, which encourages our residents with memory loss at all stages to stay connected to those activities, interests and strengths that once brought immense joy to their lives and can continue to bring joy to each day in a memory care community.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can be devastating to families who feel powerless to the effects of the disease. By incorporating the personal legacy of every individual in our care, Sonata’s families recognize that Mom is still Mom, even as the disease progresses, and adjust their expectations to have more meaningful interactions that tap into the joy that still exists within.

Valeo™ Memory Care Signature Programs and Holistic Wellness

Derived from the Latin word meaning “to thrive,” Valeo Memory Care emphasizes holistic wellness across the physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions to help those with memory loss thrive, experience moments of success, and feel personal achievement.

Holistic wellness and engagement are foundational to our Valeo Signature Programs, which are individualized to the residents in our memory care communities. Guided by certified dementia caregivers who are specially trained in the unique needs of those with memory challenges, our signature programs emphasize engagement as fundamental to the health and well-being of those with memory impairment. These include:

• Create & Compose – Research has shown that music improves memory, cognition and mood. We believe in employing music wherever possible in our residents’ lives to preserve connections and improve emotional well-being.
• Legacy Kit – Alzheimer’s and dementia care are informed and guided by a legacy that is unique to every individual in our care. The legacy kit contains cherished items that help residents recall past experiences and create stronger connections with family and team members.
• Travel Times – We spark joy by giving residents the feeling of travel to exotic destinations through food, décor, culture, entertainment and other reminders that may trigger memories.
• VITA! – Caregivers empower memory care residents to make daily choices about how to spend their day and routines. Residents are encouraged to engage in activities they find meaning and purpose in to promote well-being.
• Creature Comforts – Snuggling and caring for a cat or dog doesn’t just make us feel good. Animal therapy also improves the well-being of people experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Older adults with dementia are also more likely to experience the mental health benefits of animal interactions.

Learn three important ways pets can improve the health of seniors and how pets help older adults who live alone.

Dementia Activities Designed for Purpose

Having a sense of purpose in life is fundamental to well-being and people with dementia often lose their drive to engage in activities they once loved. According to research, creating more purpose is a proven intervention to reduce behavioral symptoms associated with dementia.

At Sonata senior living communities, caregiving involves taking the time to learn about the person to help them reconnect with their identity, or “life story,” whether that means helping them remember a certain skill set or favorite pastime. It is the best way to ensure residents continue to find purpose and joy in life!

Each day presents an array of stimulating activities that help residents maintain their abilities, enhance quality of life, and most importantly, instill purpose. Activities also improve physical and mental health while slowing cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s symptoms and behaviors.

We create more opportunities for those with memory loss to re-engage with those activities that once provided significant meaning and purpose in life. For example, a homemaker may find joy in folding laundry, setting the table, washing vegetables or gardening.

Residents may try their hand at many different types of arts and crafts. Scrapbooking opens the door to creating a legacy or visualizing our life story. Singing and dancing leverage the power of music therapy in those with memory loss.

Our daily activities calendar help residents exercise and play. Dance. Enjoy family and friends. And, if they choose, recreate themselves through the pursuit of new interests and hobbies! At a Sonata senior living community, the opportunities for self-expression are as diverse as they are abundant.

Serenades Memory Care and Purpose-Built Design

Sonata by AgeWell Solvere offers memory care at our senior living communities in Florida, but our Serenades Memory Care communities are purposefully designed for those with memory impairment. It’s called purpose-built design—a way of creating an environment in which every aspect—from the way spaces feel to the technology we use—is done with the intention of maximizing independence and dignity.

At Serenades Memory Care, we use small neighborhoods, open floor plans, and family-style dining to help our residents feel more at home. This unique design helps reduce anxiety and confusion caused by memory loss and gives our residents more freedom to safely navigate their way around our communities with greater confidence.

It’s never too early to make a plan for the future.
If you believe you and your loved one may benefit from Valeo Memory Care, schedule an in-person visit.