Reshaping memory care: Solvang Friendship House’s commitment to person-centered support

Caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia requires a specialized approach that balances medical attention with emotional well-being. Solvang Friendship House, nestled in the serene Santa Ynez Valley, provides a home-like environment designed to offer safety, comfort, and purpose for residents.

The setting features single-story, cottage-style homes that eliminate the institutional feel of traditional care facilities. With a focus on person-centered care, residents benefit from tailored enrichment programs, dedicated caregivers, and a philosophy that promotes dignity and engagement.

Beyond offering medical support, the community emphasizes senior social connections, meaningful activities, and a nurturing environment. Through a combination of structured programs and personalized care, residents experience a sense of belonging that helps them maintain a high quality of life. The holistic approach integrates physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being, ensuring that each person receives the attention they need while feeling valued and supported.

A home that feels like family

Memory care communities should be more than just places of residence—they should feel like home. Solvang Friendship House is designed to reflect warmth and familiarity, helping residents feel comfortable in their surroundings.

The layout eliminates the impersonal atmosphere of traditional senior care facilities, replacing it with an intimate setting that fosters social interaction and emotional security.

A thoughtfully designed environment

The memory care community consists of five cottages, each housing up to 40 residents. The design prioritizes comfort, with private bedrooms available for those who prefer solitude and companion suites for individuals who enjoy shared accommodations. Every cottage features a cozy common area, where residents can engage in conversations, participate in activities, or simply relax in a familiar and inviting setting.

The importance of personalization cannot be overstated. Residents are encouraged to decorate their rooms with personal belongings such as family photos, artwork, or a cherished piece of furniture. These small but meaningful touches help create a sense of familiarity and emotional comfort. By surrounding themselves with items from their past, residents experience a stronger connection to their memories and identity, which is particularly valuable for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Connection with nature

Surrounded by the rolling hills of Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang Friendship House offers a peaceful retreat with gardens, walking paths, and outdoor seating areas. The natural surroundings provide opportunities for residents to engage with the environment in a way that promotes relaxation and well-being. Exposure to nature has been shown to reduce stress, enhance mood, and even improve cognitive function in individuals with dementia.

Residents can take leisurely walks along scenic pathways, enjoy birdwatching, or spend time in garden spaces designed for sensory engagement. The presence of flowers, trees, and fresh air creates a soothing atmosphere that supports mental and emotional health. Additionally, the sounds of nature—birds chirping, leaves rustling, and distant laughter from children playing—enhance the sense of connection to the world beyond the community.

Compassionate and person-centered care

The care model focuses on treating each resident as an individual with unique needs, preferences, and abilities. By fostering strong relationships between caregivers and residents, the approach ensures continuity of care and a sense of security. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the care plans are tailored to accommodate changing cognitive and physical abilities, helping residents feel safe and understood.

The Eden Alternative philosophy

As part of the Eden Alternative Registry, this community is committed to transforming senior care by eliminating loneliness, helplessness, and boredom. This philosophy prioritizes meaningful relationships, social engagement, and the creation of a true home environment. Unlike traditional institutional settings, there are no long corridors, closed doors, elevators, or staircases. Instead, small homes with open spaces foster a sense of belonging.

Care partners receive extensive training in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, ensuring they can adapt to each resident’s evolving needs. Active listening and close observation allow caregivers to make adjustments based on changes in behavior, mood, or cognitive function. This person-centered approach allows caregivers to respond to nonverbal cues, ensuring that each resident’s emotional and physical well-being is supported.

Health and wellness monitoring

Wellness programs are an essential part of care, with licensed nurses (RNs and LVNs) overseeing health monitoring and medication management. Regular assessments ensure that each resident’s physical and emotional well-being is closely tracked, helping to address concerns before they escalate. Health monitoring includes routine check-ups, medication management, and physical therapy as needed.

Additionally, nutritional support plays a crucial role in maintaining residents’ overall health. Meals are carefully planned to provide balanced nutrition while accommodating dietary restrictions and personal preferences. Residents are encouraged to engage in light physical activities, such as stretching, gentle yoga, and walking, to maintain mobility and independence for as long as possible.

Activities for cognitive & emotional health

Maintaining a sense of purpose and engagement is crucial for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Structured activities help residents stay active while providing cognitive stimulation and emotional support.

Failure-free activities for every ability level

The enrichment program is designed to be “failure-free,” meaning activities are tailored to residents’ abilities to ensure a positive and rewarding experience. Whether through music, art, gardening, or social events, each activity is carefully planned to encourage participation without frustration.

By engaging in familiar and enjoyable tasks, residents experience a greater sense of achievement and self-worth. Small-group and one-on-one activities are available to accommodate different comfort levels and social preferences. The program is designed to ensure that every resident, regardless of cognitive ability, has access to meaningful engagement opportunities.

Building connections through social interaction

Social engagement plays a key role in maintaining emotional health. Residents are encouraged to participate in group activities, fostering friendships and meaningful interactions. Caregivers act as companions, ensuring residents never feel isolated. The warm and inviting atmosphere of the community helps create natural social opportunities throughout the day.

Intergenerational activities, such as visits from local schools or community groups, bring additional joy and stimulation. These interactions provide residents with a sense of purpose, reinforcing their role as valued members of the community.

Caregivers support: Day programs and respite care

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, and having reliable support is essential. Memory care communities offer a range of services to assist families, ensuring that both residents and caregivers receive the help they need.

Life enrichment day program: For families who need daytime support, the Life Enrichment Day Program provides a structured and supervised environment where seniors can engage in stimulating activities. The program is available Monday through Saturday and includes social and recreational activities, cognitive exercises to maintain mental agility, meals and snacks, transportation services, and grooming and hygiene assistance.

This program allows caregivers to work or take time for themselves, knowing their loved ones are in a safe and supportive setting. Participants engage in a variety of activities tailored to their cognitive abilities, ensuring they remain active and engaged throughout the day.

Overnight respite care: Short-term stays provide caregivers with the opportunity to take an extended break while ensuring their loved one receives professional care in a familiar environment. Whether for a few nights or several weeks, respite care offers 24-hour supervision in a secure setting, personalized care from experienced staff, comfortable accommodations in a home-like atmosphere, and engaging activities tailored to individual needs.

Respite services not only benefit caregivers but also give individuals with dementia a chance to socialize and participate in enriching experiences. This break can be crucial for caregivers, allowing them to recharge and continue providing the best care for their loved ones.

Solvang Friendship House offers more than just a residence—it provides a nurturing space where individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia can thrive with dignity, connection, and joy. With a focus on senior social connections and person-centered care, it supports residents and families in navigating memory loss with comfort and peace of mind.