{"id":4331,"date":"2022-06-07T12:11:20","date_gmt":"2022-06-07T19:11:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/south-hill-village\/?p=4331"},"modified":"2026-01-05T00:52:46","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T07:52:46","slug":"washington-dementia-care-improves-seniors-well-being","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/south-hill-village\/blog\/2022\/06\/07\/washington-dementia-care-improves-seniors-well-being\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can I Help My Loved One with Dementia?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Alzheimer\u2019s is the most common form of dementia<\/strong> and affects over 120,000 Washington State residents. Washington dementia care that is specialized for those with Alzheimer\u2019s or other forms of dementia is an important and valuable resource for families. Connections at South Hill Village<\/a> is a data-based dementia care program designed to support seniors and family members in the Spokane area.<\/p>

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How is Connections different from other memory care programs?<\/h3>

Connections was created by Pegasus Senior Living Senior VP of Health and Wellness Dr. Sandra Petersen,<\/a> who used her own real-life experience recovering from a stroke as well as decades of data to design this evidence-based program.<\/p>

Connections focuses on concepts of neuroplasticity<\/a><\/strong>, or stimulating parts of the brain, to rebuild neural connections. This is done by introducing new activities that engage the senses and stimulate the brain. This holistic approach incorporates working with emotions, stimulating the senses, exercise, and brain-healthy meals.<\/p>

How was Connections developed?<\/h3>

Dr. Petersen\u2019s personal experience paired with extensive clinical research showed that damaged parts of the brain can readjust or improve via neuroplasticity. After working with a brain health specialist, Dr. Petersen was able to recover over time following a stroke.<\/p>

Dr. Petersen worked with a specialist who advised her to learn a foreign language, lighting up new neural pathways in the language center of the brain. She also incorporated exercise with midline body movement like ballroom dancing, which further enhanced her recovery. Years later, what Dr. Petersen experienced and learned, combined with her extensive medical expertise and research, led to the innovative Connections program, available at South Hill Village in Washington. Dementia care programs<\/strong> that are effective involve caring for the whole person, mind, body, and spirit.<\/p>

What does a resident experience in Connections?<\/h3>

Residents benefit from structure, the right kind of stimulation, and engaging the emotions. With Connections, your loved one will have a robust lifestyle led by experienced dementia care staff<\/strong> in our secure memory care cottages. The program incorporates:<\/p>