June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness about brain health and the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This year, Sunrise celebrates 40 years of personalized, high-quality care delivered by one of the strongest teams in the industry. This is especially true when it comes to our Memory Care services and offerings. Our dedicated Memory Care team works tirelessly to create a safe and stimulating environment for those with dementia—including its most common form, Alzheimer’s.

Our team pays special attention to the design of our communities in order to promote the health and a sense of security and safety for residents living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other forms of memory loss. Our thoughtfully designed Reminiscence Neighborhoods are strategically placed within each property for proximity to living and dining areas to promote easy navigation and social interaction.

A unique feature of these neighborhoods is the curated Life Skills Centers. These Centers feature therapeutic kitchens, which promote independence as well as social interaction. Other features include Reminiscence Kits and Lap Baskets specifically designed to support the social, emotional, and physical needs of those living with memory loss.

Additionally, we are prioritizing access to green spaces and the outdoors in our communities as an additional outlet for holistic well-being. For example, one of our newest communities, Sunrise of Mountain Lakes in New Jersey, is situated within expansive green spaces that highlight the natural beauty of the surrounding areas. This community features a walking path replete with a gazebo, pergola, and a variety of outdoor seating options. The property also has direct access to nine lakes so that residents will be able to enjoy local parks for ample interaction with nature. 

Intentional Activities & Programs

Our Memory Care team goes beyond caring for our residents’ well-being by ensuring their social and emotional needs are met through appropriate activities and programs. We provide person-centered care, considering each individual’s specific needs. Sunrise’s Live with Purpose™ Program includes activities and events designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit of each resident through exercise, excursions, art, music, education, intergenerational mentoring, community service, and spirituality. Staying active and stimulating the minds of those with dementia and Alzheimer’s helps to ensure residents experience the best quality of life possible at every stage of the disease.

“Proudly, personalized care and support is a mainstay of the Sunrise experience,” Michelle Minor, Vice President of Engagement and Program Services shares. “We embrace our residents’ individuality and work with them to offer programming that will enrich their minds, bodies, and spirits. Our talented team members develop dynamic and comprehensive event and activity calendars based on residents’ passions and interests.”

High-Quality Training

Sunrise is known for its commitment to specialized Memory Care programming that is specifically designed to serve seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia by incorporating evidenced-based Dementia Care Practice Recommendations, recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association. In fact, 100 percent of Sunrise’s communities with Reminiscence Neighborhoods have earned certification of essentiALZ®, the Alzheimer's Association training and certification which educates healthcare workers on current evidence-based, person-centered practices to care for individuals living with dementia.

At Sunrise, we believe all residents should be treated with dignity and respect. We put this belief to practice for residents with memory loss through Validation techniques, an empathetic communication approach developed by renowned social worker Naomi Feil, MSW, ACSW. Validation approach techniques are proven to reduce stress, enhance dignity, and increase happiness for residents and their caregivers alike. Sunrise also works with family members to provide resources designed to help them navigate this approach and support them through their own journeys. Sunrise is also an Authorized Validation Organization (AVO), which enables our team to train new and existing team members in the techniques and practices of the Validation approach. This authorization has allowed Sunrise to continue to serve our residents and their families more effectively.

“While scientists and doctors have made incredible strides in how we treat and understand Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia, there is still something new to discover every day,” said Senior Memory Care Advisor Rita Altman. “That’s why at Sunrise, we are committed to working with the experts and staying up-to-date on the newest and best treatments, therapies, and programs available to support our residents and their families to ensure everyone who chooses the Sunrise lifestyle is treated with dignity and can experience high quality of life with top-notch care.”