Posted: November 30, 2022
At Cappella of Grand Junction, we’ve created a community where residents continue growing and flourishing rather than simply existing. Our approach comes from deep understanding, as we embrace the “walk a mile in my shoes” approach to older adult care.
Our empathetic approach stems from our committed leadership. Jill Vitale-Aussem, president and CEO of Cappella of Grand Junction’s parent company, Christian Living Communities, once spent 24 hours as a resident in a long-term care community.
“Years ago, when I first became a nursing home administrator, I wanted to understand how it felt to be on the receiving end of typical policies, systems, and processes,” recalls Vitale-Aussem in her book, Disrupting the Status Quo of Senior Living.
Her experience was a wake-up call.
“I asked to be treated as if I was a woman in her 80s with dementia who had a fall and was prone to wander,” she writes. “I then repeated this experience three more times at other communities and was always troubled by what I encountered.”
These were quality communities, Vitale-Aussem explains, “who were just stuck in the old ways of providing care and services.”
To be clear: none of her experiences were at Cappella of Grand Junction.
Vitale-Aussem was woken before the sun came up, had to share a room with another resident, and had no opportunity for privacy, purposeful meaning, or autonomy in her daily interactions.
And she found herself feeling lonely, depressed, helpless, and invisible.
Vitale-Aussem promised that, were she in charge of assisted living and memory care communities, she’d be sure they were healthy, hopeful, responsive environments. Places where residents’ needs and values were respected. Places where residents would feel at home.
Just as Vitale-Aussem envisioned, Cappella of Grand Junction offers a unique and caring approach to memory support that focuses on possibilities for older adults living with dementia.
Everything—from carefully designed architecture to chef-planned meals to a calendar packed with life-affirming activities—enhances residents’ quality of life.
Here, your loved one will experience an accepting, adaptive environment, and you’ll relax knowing they are receiving compassionate, quality care.
We are leaders in providing memory support, in the ways that matter most.
Every resident has a natural rhythm to his or her life, beliefs, and values they hold dear. Rather than encouraging residents to abandon those life-anchoring rhythms, we adapt to support their way of life. Our team members form deep, personal relationships with residents, allowing us to meet both spoken and unspoken needs.
We thoughtfully create an environment where residents are supported and empowered on their dementia journeys.
No other Western Slope memory care community approaches dementia and memory support quite the way we do. We design a personalized Alzheimer’s and dementia care plan for each resident, one that honors each individual, maintains dignity, and nurtures body, mind, and spirit.
We aren’t focused exclusively on what your family member has lost. Rather, we look for what is possible and provide tailored, effective memory support that upholds and celebrates key areas of life.
On Colorado’s Western Slope, Cappella leads the way in providing…
Our residents come from all across the Western Slope. But once they’re here, they forge meaningful new friendships—because daily activities create engaging on-ramps for mingling, learning, and making fresh connections.
Book clubs, musical performances, community sing-alongs, afternoon movies, pie and coffee socials, a comfortable corner reserved for crafters and puzzle enthusiasts—we’re the leader in supporting those living with dementia with meaningful interaction between your loved one and fellow residents and caregivers.
Review a monthly activity calendar and you’ll see how many ways there are for your loved one to form satisfying relationships. We’ve worked with residents to carefully incorporate a wide range of options, assuring there’s something for everyone.
Optional morning devotions are meaningful for many residents. Scripture reading is appreciated by others. And a non-denominational church service every Sunday offers music and fellowship.
Catholic communion is also available, as are conversations with a caring and compassionate Western Slope pastor.
We honor the spiritual lives of residents and support the traditions that bring residents comfort.
Individualized health and wellness support for residents includes an onsite fitness center, spa, pet therapy initiative, and our innovative Movement 4 Life program.
Residents are encouraged to maintain strength, balance, and flexibility through daily movement. Simple movements, prescribed by physical therapists, are integrated into routines to build whole body wellness and decrease the risk of falls.
Residents who require specific therapy meet with our dedicated Infinity care partners who provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
We’re proud that Cappella of Grand Junction has received the prestigious 2022 Pinnacle Customer Experience Award. This honor is given only after extensive interviews with residents and their families, and just the top 15% of communities are recognized with this award.
If you’re on Colorado’s Western Slope and it’s time for your loved one to consider moving to an assisted living or memory care community, we invite you to visit Cappella of Grand Junction.
Call 303-822-7070 to schedule a visit so we can show you around, answer your questions, and introduce you to the caregivers who will cherish your loved one.
© 2023 Christian Living Communities
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