At The Fitzgerald of Palisades, the Heirloom Memory Care program offers a unique and meaningful approach to dementia care, designed to empower residents to live with purpose and dignity. At the heart of this initiative is Marianne Teixeira, the community’s memory care director, whose journey from wellness and fitness to leading memory care programs reflects her deep commitment to enhancing residents’ lives.
The Heirloom Memory Care program emphasizes the importance of purposeful living and resident choice. “We wanted to create a program where residents have the opportunity to live their best lives,” Teixeira explained. Residents can engage in various activities—whether it’s leisure activities, reading, creating art, or participating in everyday tasks. The focus is not just on keeping residents busy but creating an environment where they can succeed, contribute, and be involved in ways that matter to them.
“Even if success looks different for each resident, what’s important is that they feel empowered to contribute to the community,” Teixeira added. Activities are tailored to evolve with residents over time, ensuring that everyone remains engaged in a way that resonates with them.
The Heirloom program draws inspiration from Montessori-based practices, which align with Teixeira’s personal philosophy of care. As a certified dementia practitioner and Montessori-certified professional, Teixeira believes in the principle: “What you do for me, you take away from me.”
The goal is to meet residents where they are, helping them live successfully while seeing them as individuals with choices. The program also includes a training component, giving associates access to a resource library filled with the best practices and new approaches in memory care. This ongoing training ensures that staff members are equipped to provide exceptional care while helping residents feel both understood and supported.
Teixeira emphasizes the importance of partnering with families throughout the care journey. “Even before residents move in, I work to build relationships with their families,” she explained. “We learn as much as we can about the residents from their family members, which helps us personalize the care experience.”
The program also offers family support groups and community resources to help loved ones stay connected and engaged. Teixeira aims to foster a sense of community among families and residents, envisioning gatherings where families spend meaningful time together. “Family becomes part of my day too,” she shared. “I want families to know they can come to me for support whenever they need it.”
Through her leadership and the thoughtful design of the Heirloom Memory Care program, Teixeira is creating an environment where residents thrive, families feel supported, and every individual’s potential is honored. At The Fitzgerald of Palisades, memory care isn’t just about providing care—it’s about empowering residents to live life to the fullest.
