We believe that everyone has the right to a joyful, fulfilling life regardless of their physical or mental challenges. That includes individuals with memory impairments such as dementia. The belief in joy is intrinsic to Valeo™, as is the importance of creating a strong life that furthers and preserves your legacy.
Our signature memory care programs at our Austin, TX, community are built on that foundation. They incorporate holistic wellness and therapeutic benefits backed by the latest scientific research to improve the well-being of all residents. But, above all, they’re designed to help individuals with memory impairments such as dementia and Alzheimer’s bring joy to their lives. Every program is customized to each person’s strengths and provides opportunities to engage and pursue individual interests.
Some of our Valeo Signature Programs include:
Create & Compose
Art and music have long been known for their therapeutic benefits, and recent neurological research shows those benefits may be enhanced for older individuals with memory impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. For example, studies link art and music-based activities with improved cognitive function, as they help the brain compensate for the effects of aging and memory impairments.
Beyond the health benefits, art and music are recognized ways for people to relax, find comfort and relieve stress. Create & Compose encourages residents to take part in activities, including playing music and painting, that help them gain those benefits. Program leaders can guide residents through activities or give them the freedom to express themselves as they see fit.
Legacy Kit
Legacy Kit helps you and your family build a physical representation of the most important events and interests in your life. You and your friends and family can collect items that have historical significance to you such as photographs, mementos from your experiences and objects that embody your interests. As you collect each item, you open up new opportunities to share stories about your life to those closest to you. Revisit those memories every time you go through your legacy kit in the future, or pass it on to your children and grandchildren to preserve your legacy.
Travel Times
Individuals living with dementia often find pleasure, connection and engagement when they have new experiences with positive places and activities. Travel Times facilitates that by giving residents the opportunity to travel to new or familiar, beloved places. Each opportunity helps residents disconnect from their daily challenges and stressors so they can relax, recharge and focus on the joy in their lives.
Creature Comforts
Animals are amazing sources of comfort for many people. Science has shown that interacting and touching pets can lower stress levels and provide a strong sense of enjoyment. There’s also evidence that bonding with pets can lower rates of heart disease, anxiety and depression. Creature Comforts brings gentle animals such as dogs and birds into our memory care community to benefit residents.
During Creature Comforts events, residents will be able to interact with animals in a safe, supportive environment. We encourage residents to connect, as well as share stories of the animals that impacted their lives. As residents share and bond with the animals, we see a greater sense of community among peers and higher levels of engagement.
VITA!
Routines can be beneficial to individuals of all ages, but the nature of memory impairments makes them even more important to those with various forms of dementia. To someone with a memory impairment, a routine is a comforting way to organize their day. It provides purpose and structure.
VITA! builds on that comfort and structure to enhance the physical and cognitive benefits of routines. Our wellness staff uses VITA! to incorporate mental stimulation, like brain teasers, and physical activity, like exercise, into residents’ daily routines. Every addition is designed to be fun and engaging, so residents begin to see their daily routine as an even more positive part of their lives. We find that residents who regularly participate in VITA! experience a greater sense of calm throughout their day and are often more focused on positive self-care.
Contact us to learn how we are different from other memory care communities for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia in the Austin, TX, area.
