Every September 21st, people from across the globe come together to raise awareness and to renew our commitment to improving the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s, a progressive condition that causes memory loss and other cognitive challenges that disrupt everyday life for both individuals and their loved ones.
Through collective effort, we can spark meaningful change.
Raising Awareness, Inspiring Hope
World Alzheimer’s Day is a chance to shine a light on the realities of dementia; the challenges faced by individuals and families, the progress made in research, and the hope we build together. This day serves as an important reminder that more than 55 million people worldwide are affected by dementia. Behind this statistic are real people, whose stories deserve to be honoured and heard.
At Optima Living, we stand behind this global observance with deep understanding. We see firsthand how Alzheimer’s touches lives, and recognize the importance of compassionate care. This September, we reaffirm our commitment to dignity and compassion in memory care. Our communities are built to provide support while offering peace of mind for loved ones. Together, we ensure that every person feels at home in a community where they are valued and understood.
Designing a Home for Care and Connection
Memory care means more than safety and support; it’s about creating an environment that feels like home while embracing both residents and their families.
Our Memory Care Neighbourhoods are thoughtfully designed to ease daily life. Naturally lit rooms, soothing colours, and personalized suite entrances foster comfort and orientation. Family-style meals, prepared by Red Seal Chefs, bring both nourishment and moments of connection around the table. Every resident’s transition is approached with respect, personalization, and ongoing collaboration.
Just as important, we extend this care to families and caregivers. Education sessions, open communication, and emotional support provide tools to navigate the dementia journey with confidence. By supporting loved ones alongside residents, we help create a circle of care built on kindness and understanding.
The Four Pillars of Optima’s Memory Living Program:
Our memory care model, SPARK: Memory Living by Optima, represents more than services. It’s our commitment to creating safe, engaging homes where each person is supported with heart and purpose. SPARK is built around four pillars: Home, Holistic, Meaningful Relationships, and Safety & Quality of Care.
Home: Creating a safe and familiar space. Suites are situated around shared social and outdoor spaces and dining areas. Residents also have access to various amenities and activities that will promote physical and psychological well-being while maintaining safety.
Holistic Approach: Mind, body, and spirit. Tailored through the Optima Brain Health Program to support mind, body, and spirit, residents are supported to think, remember, and live an enjoyable life. This program is focused on exercise, sleep, stress reduction, and purposeful engagement.
Meaningful Relationships: Building connections. Connection is central for residents, their families, and care partners. Education and communication support families to stay informed and involved.
Safety & Quality Care: Understanding the Person. Happiness, health, and safety are our highest priorities. With our high-quality infection standards, the use of technology such as motion sensors, and intentional design that will minimize falls and maximize natural light, you can rest assured that we have thought through everything.
In addition to our pillars of care, each Care Partner undergoes rigorous pre-employment screening and specialized certification, including Optima Brain Health training, to ensure compassionate, knowledgeable care tailored to each individual.
Find a Community
Optima Living operates SPARK: Memory Living by Optima across a network of Memory Care residences, including:
SPARK, Memory Living: Aster Gardens, Aspen Ridge, MacTaggart Place.
Memory Care:
Century Park, Aspen House, Everitt Gardens, Hawthorne, Golden Sands, MacTaggart Place, Sage Hill, Sagebrush, Summerwood Village, Sweetgrass, The Hamlets at Red Deer, Lewis Estates, Rutherford Heights, Oakwood Manor
These communities embody Optima’s North Star: “Let us welcome you home.” They deliver person-centred care rooted in respect, empathy, and quality of life.
Taking Action with Compassion
World Alzheimer’s Day reminds us of both the challenges and the possibilities. Each of us can play a part by learning and sharing resources from Alzheimer’s Disease International (#AskAboutDementia), supporting loved ones with education and compassion, and reducing stigma through open conversation.
At Optima Living, memory care isn’t just a service, it’s a promise of home. If you’d like to explore our Memory Care options or schedule a tour, we invite you to connect with your nearest Optima community. Let’s work together to create a future where Alzheimer’s no longer defines the journey.