Firsthand Understanding: Evidence-Based Memory Care in Santa Fe, NM

We've navigated memory loss, too.

Let our team provide a personalized care option for your family.

Connections is a unique memory care program designed to help older adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia in Santa Fe lead a purposeful life. The program offers a secure environment, a committed and caring team, and a variety of activities designed to fit the unique needs of those 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 needs are beyond your abilities, The Legacy wants to help with comprehensive dementia care in Santa Fe.

How We Provide New Mexico Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

Our Memory Care Neighborhood Is Where Residents With Alzheimer’s Or Other Forms Of Dementia Find Friendship and Support.

We provide the necessary support services, such as assistance with dressing, bathing, dining, grooming, medication management, and more. We also offer opportunities through our Connections program to enhance residents’ lifestyles. Our neighborhood for memory care in Santa Fe provides comfort with 24-hour certified team members who are always on-site.

Connections: Supporting Memory Care Family Members

Alzheimer’s and dementia affect more than memory care residents. Family members’ lives are also impacted, and the Connections program in our senior living community 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 strategies, through educational resources such as articles, videos, and webinars.
Family involvement: We involve families in resident support and planning through regular conferences. Family members can share their thoughts and concerns and collaborate with our Santa Fe memory care team.
Family events: Participate in special celebrations, providing opportunities for residents and their loved ones to engage in meaningful activities that instill purpose.
Caregiver training: Connections team members receive ongoing training from program director, 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 family members the experience of cognitive impairment.
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: Unique for New Mexico Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

The Connect, Move, Learn sequence is how our memory care community promotes neuroplasticity. The brain can continue producing healthy cells despite memory loss. Discover how staying engaged socially, physically, and mentally helps residents find their daily purpose.

Programming that Makes a Difference

The right community and programming can significantly improve your loved one’s quality of life.

The Connections program will support your loved one by:

Engaging the Emotions in Santa Fe Memory Care

Activities like music, art, and social interaction are designed to trigger memory and positive emotions in those struggling with cognitive decline. Connections can help your loved one stay engaged with:

Encouraging Movement

Scientific research has established the relationship between the mind and body, and the Connections program encourages physical activity to maximize quality of life through dementia care. Residents under careful supervision 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:

Supporting Socialization

Research shows that socialization with others is critical to maintaining mental health and cognition. Regular interaction can help seniors achieve a better sense of belonging and structure. We provide a variety of group activities that allow Santa Fe memory care residents to foster relationships and connect with others.

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.

Memory Care Inspired by Experience

Pegasus Senior Living’s Senior Vice President of Health and Wellness, Dr. Sandra Petersen, has over 30 years of experience in pioneering memory care. Her own experience 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 various 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.

How does memory care pricing work?

Planning involves understanding memory care costs. Read our guide to learn more about financing senior living in Santa Fe County with benefits like long-term care insurance and VA benefits.

Book a tour at your convenience and get to know our team providing memory care in Santa Fe.

We are ready when you are.

Families Trust Us After A Stay in A Nursing Home

My partner has been at Legacy now for 14 months in memory care. He has advanced dementia. He came from a facility, was in terrible shape, and in hospice care when he could finally be moved. Within a few months at Legacy, he was out of hospice care, eating again and gaining weight. I believe the caring staff at Legacy kept him from deteriorating any further and actually improving his overall health and demeanor so much. He now lives in his comfortable, secure room. I don’t believe you can find better care than The Legacy at Santa Fe, especially for the price. I find all of their staff to be truly caring and professional. It’s more than ‘just a job’ to them.”