Firsthand Understanding, First-Class Memory Care in San Luis Obispo County
We've Navigated Memory Loss, Too.
Creston Village’s Connections program is a unique, research-based memory care program designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s and/or dementia in the Paso Robles area lead stimulating lives. The program offers a secure environment, a committed team, and a variety of activities designed to fit the unique needs of those living with cognitive decline.
We understand the time, effort, and emotional toll caregiving can take on a family. If you’re wondering whether your loved one’s care needs are beyond your abilities, Creston Village may be able to help.
What is Paso Robles memory care like?
The Creston Village memory care program is designed with your loved one in mind.
It is important for us to take the time to get to know residents so that we can provide a personalized and holistic approach to their care. There is a licensed nurse in our community at the head of our specially-trained team of memory care professionals. Yes, we monitor health and medications, but we also engage residents physically and mentally with an array of fun activities and exciting excursions.
Connections: Supporting Memory Care Family Members
Alzheimer’s and dementia do not only affect memory care residents. Family members’ lives are also impacted, and the Connections program is here to offer support. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities or struggling to cope with changes in your loved one, our program provides a range of resources designed to help you navigate this journey with compassion and understanding.
- Monthly support groups: Connect with others impacted by dementia and learn how to cope with the challenges through facilitated support groups in partnership with local senior living professionals and hospice providers.
- Educational resources: Access information about dementia, including symptoms, treatment options, and care strategies, through educational resources such as articles, videos, and webinars.
- Family involvement: Involve families in resident care and planning through regular care conferences. Family members can share their thoughts and concerns and work collaboratively with care staff.
- Family events: Participate in special celebrations that provide opportunities for residents and their loved ones to engage in joyful, meaningful activities that instill purpose.
- Caregiver training: Connections team members receive ongoing training from Dr. Petersen and other accredited sources to provide top-rated care, activities, and family communication.
- Sensory stimulation: We engage residents in sensory stimulation activities, such as music and art therapy, that can promote well-being and emotional expression. Our partnership with Dementia Live® offers the experience of cognitive impairment to family members.
- Pet therapy: Residents participate in pet therapy programs, which have been shown to reduce stress and improve socialization among dementia patients. We welcome family pets in visiting areas with prior approval.
Connect - Move - Learn
The Connect, Move, Learn sequence is how our memory care community promotes neuroplasticity. The brain can continue producing healthy brain cells despite memory loss. Discover how staying engaged socially, physically, and mentally helps residents find their daily purpose.
Programming that
Makes a Difference
Engaging the Emotions
Connections can help your loved one stay engaged with:
- Aromatherapy to decrease agitation
- SingFit, a program shown to elevate mood and improve speech through singing classic songs
- The hobbies your loved one has always enjoyed like painting, drawing, and crafts
Our transformative art therapy program empowers older adults in Paso Robles to unearth their masterpieces and see the flowers of life. Discover how our signature creative experience provides senior care.
Encouraging Movement
The connection between the mind and body is well-established in scientific research, and the Connections program encourages physical activity to maximize quality of life in memory care. San Luis Obispo County residents under careful supervision at Creston Village can participate in boxing, walking clubs, and other fitness programs to help them achieve an active body and mind.
Challenging the Brain
Our team is constantly finding ways for residents to engage with new information.
Activities designed for brain stimulation include:
- Word games
- Reminiscence therapy
- Book club
- Story time
We also provide a variety of brain-healthy foods for residents.
Supporting Socialization
Research-Backed Music Therapy for Dementia
Dr. Petersen is the memory care expert who inspires our program. We also partner with evidence-based programs like SingFit. This activity helps promote brain plasticity. We offer music therapy to ignite memories, encourage movement, and unite residents.
Inspired by Experience
Medical Director Dr. Sandra Petersen’s background in the memory care field goes back over 30 years, but it was her own experience that inspired the novel approach of the Connections program.
Over a decade ago, a stroke left her unable to use the left side of her body and connect with language skills; she even had trouble completing a sentence.
“The whole experience gave me not only sympathy, but empathy for those that struggle with cognitive decline,” says Dr. Petersen.
With the help of a brain health specialist, she worked her way back through a variety of techniques designed to rebuild neural pathways, including learning Spanish and ballroom dancing.
Watch to Learn More about Dr. Petersen's Story
“I wondered whether the same principles that helped me, like connecting through emotion, moving, and learning new information, could work to stimulate the brain of someone with cognitive impairment.”
Dr. Petersen
Connections Explained: A Comforting Home
Moving to assisted living or memory care can be difficult for older adults. Our program is working to remove the fear of the unknown and welcome residents home to independence. Senior care has been a personal and professional mission for Dr. Sandra Petersen for over three decades. Her practice focuses on neuroscience and the transformative power of rewiring the brain despite Alzheimer’s and dementia.
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Our mom is incredibly happy at Creston Village. The team is very caring. Creston Village has worked with us to find the best solution for our mom. She particularly enjoys the activities and outings. We have been very happy with the memory care component of her care.