A diagnosis of early-to-moderate memory loss often feels like a door closing. Families frequently describe a shrinking world—friends stop calling, social outings become stressful, and the focus shifts entirely to what is being lost.
At The Cedars, we believe the conversation should be about what remains. Our Mindful Connections program is designed to open those doors back up, proving that a diagnosis doesn’t have to mean the end of a vibrant social life.
A National Standard for Our Portland Community
Our commitment to this mission was recently reinforced when The Cedars was awarded a $125,000 Community-Dementia Care Research Promotion (CDRI) grant from the Alzheimer’s Association. As one of only 41 organizations in the United States selected for this honor, the grant serves as a powerful “seal of approval” for our work. For our local families, this national recognition represents a promise: that we will continue to expand our “memory-capable” care and bring the highest level of expertise directly to the Portland community. This support ensures that Mindful Connections remains a gold standard for outpatient support.
The Power of the “Positive Approach”
What makes Mindful Connections different? It’s our philosophy. Our staff is trained in the Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care (PAC). Instead of focusing on “fixing” or “correcting” an older adult with memory loss, we meet them exactly where they are.
By using specific techniques—like “Hand-under-Hand” guidance and specialized communication—we reduce frustration and build confidence. In our Wellness Group sessions, held from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, participants aren’t “patients”; they are peers engaging in:
- Specialized Exercise: Improving balance and strength in our state-of-the-art rehab gym.
- Cognitive Stimulation: Challenging the brain through music, art, and intellectual discussion.
- Social Connection: Sharing a meal and a laugh with people who truly understand the journey.
Caring for the Caregiver
We know that for an older adult to thrive at home, their caregiver must thrive, too. Mindful Connections serves as a vital respite program. While your loved one is safe and engaged with us, you have the time to rest, work, or run errands, knowing they are receiving world-class care backed by national-level research and funding.
Join Our Circle
Mindful Connections is about more than just “daytime supervision”—it is about maintaining the Six Dimensions of Wellness (Physical, Intellectual, Occupational, Social, Spiritual, and Emotional) so that our neighbors can live independently in the homes they love for as long as possible.
Are you curious if Mindful Connections is right for your family? Our Program Coordinator is ready to help you navigate this journey. We invite you to schedule a tour or an evaluation to see our “Positive Approach” in action.