Firsthand Understanding, First-Class North Austin Memory Care
We've Navigated Memory Loss, Too.
Parmer Woods at North Austin’s Connections program is a unique, research-based memory care program designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s and/or dementia near Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and Georgetown lead a stimulating life. 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, Parmer Woods at North Austin may be able to help with memory care options for daily living in southern Texas.
What is Austin memory care like?
Making Connections in Memory Care at Parmer Woods at North Austin
Allowing your loved one to maintain their independence even while experiencing Alzheimer’s or dementia is our top priority at Parmer Woods. In addition to stimulating brain games and activities, we enjoy getting to know residents while digging around in our courtyard garden so that we can provide personalized care for all. Using our groundbreaking memory care program, Connections, we take a holistic approach to brain therapy from activity to dining options focused on memory health.
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
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. Under careful supervision, Parmer Woods residents 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 receiving memory care in Austin.
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 that provides memory care in Austin.
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.
Is it time to talk
about the levels of memory care and your options in North Austin?
Take Our Quiz.
Check off the questions that apply to your loved one. You’ll get exclusive access to information about care planning, types of dementia, and dementia care costs in Austin, Texas.
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