For families seeking human, hopeful and dignified memory care, Woodhaven Village offers a transformative approach. Its Village Program® creates an environment where residents are heard, understood and empowered to live each day with meaning and joy.

“We prioritize centering the voice and experience of people living with dementia,” said Dr. Ashley Smalley, Vice President of Resident Experience. “Our ultimate goal is for people living with dementia in our communities to be as independent and make as many choices as possible to inform a great quality of life.”

What is the Village Program?

Woodhaven Village’s Village Program® is a specialized memory care model for residents with dementia. Located within the secured neighborhood, it combines structured routines, supportive design and personalized engagement to meet residents at every cognitive stage.

Built around four pillars—purpose, curiosity, creativity and fun—the program emphasizes empowerment, connection and meaningful engagement.

“The team is trained to support choices and autonomy,” Smalley said. “We encourage the residents to take the lead as much as possible.”

By honoring individual preferences and independence, the Village Program® ensures each day feels comforting, meaningful and resident-driven.

A day in the village

Daily life in the Village Program® blends gentle routines with engaging activities to stimulate body, mind, and spirit. A typical day includes:

• Nutritious meals from Graceful Dining
• Adaptive exercises like walking groups, tai chi or seated yoga
• Cognitive, relaxation and sensory programs
• Music-based activities, from singalongs to rhythm therapy
• Tailored enrichment based on personal interests and hobbies
• Interactive technology sessions using LifeLoop and It’s Never Too Late (IN2L)
• Local outings

Interests are identified through the Passport Into My Life, an in-depth life history assessment that personalizes each resident’s care. Combined with LifeLoop, a digital engagement and family communication platform, staff can ensure residents enjoy their activities. Families receive real-time updates, photos, schedules, program participation and direct communication with staff.



A neighborhood designed for comfort and confidence

Beyond personalized routines, the physical environment in the Village neighborhood helps residents feel secure, oriented and at home. Key features include:

• Secured doors for safe, supported wandering
• Personalized shadow boxes outside apartments for visual wayfinding
• Calming decor and color palettes to enhance orientation
• Secured outdoor areas for safe nature interaction
• Intentionally designed, easy-to-navigate spaces to minimize overwhelm
• Familiar furniture and signage to support comfort and confidence

Every element is purposeful, creating an environment where residents can explore safely while maintaining independence.

Specialized training and support

Caring for residents with dementia requires specialized training. Woodhaven Village’s team completes an Alzheimer’s Association-recognized orientation, including classroom learning, hands-on empathy exercises and role-playing to understand the dementia experience.

The community also employs a dual leadership model: one manager focused on life enrichment and another on clinical care to ensure residents receive holistic support.

“We see residents thrive,” Smalley said. “In a space they can navigate and when they are met where they are cognitively, they rediscover confidence and connection.”

Experience the difference at Woodhaven Village

Woodhaven Village’s Village Program® is transforming memory care through compassion, innovation and empowering each resident’s voice. From personalized routines to thoughtfully designed spaces, every detail helps residents live fully and meaningfully.

Discover how your loved one can thrive—schedule a visit or learn more at www.woodhavenvillage.com.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.