In 2023 Dallas Retirement Villagejoined the Salem, Oregon Walk to End Alzheimer’s for the very first time,sponsoring the pet area. At the September walk staff and residents made surefurry friends had plenty of fresh water, offered “pet selfies” and handed outpurple tie-dyed pet bandanas and resident’s homemade “dog pops” crafted out ofGreek yogurt, honey, bananas, and peanut butter with a dog biscuit center. Itwas so much fun!!

     Dallas Retirement Village Staffinitially set a team fundraising goal of $2,000 and began their fundraisingefforts in July, but quickly met their goal when local business partners kindlydonated business swag and gift cards for the annual Dallas Retirement VillageCountry Fair. So, why not double it? Just after the walk on September 16th,Dallas Retirement Village surpassed the fundraising goal of $4,000. Aside fromthe puppy slobbers, comradery, diversity, tears, and laughter – the best partof the day just might have been when 90-year-old Dallas Retirement residentMaryAnn made the nearly 2-mile walk…just to support the cause. Her milestone soappropriately captured in the professional photos of the walk – all our heartswere full that day.

     Staff andresidents are looking forward to the 2024 walk and can't wait to make morememories together. This year thefundraising goal is set at $5k!

     Outside the “fun & games”,Dallas Retirement Village takes to heart the aging of seniors, utilizingHeartfelt Connections, a nationally recognized memory care program. Theprogram’s name came about from a comment by actress Diane Keaton whose mother sufferedfrom Alzheimer’s disease. Her son had asked why they still visited hisgrandmother since she could not remember their visits. He specifically asked,“What is a memory?” Diane’s poignant response was “It’s a picture you take withyour heart.” And Heartfelt Connections was born.

     The purpose of the program is tobetter serve those residents living with dementia who reside in senior livingcommunities across the United States. This program aligns directly with theLife Care Services vision to “Create opportunities for purposeful living filledwith rich experiences.” Heartfelt Connections also supports the goal ofcreating the best possible experience for residents living at Dallas RetirementVillage with dementia, as well as their families.