We Saw the Pain in Our Community
and Created the Medicine
At the Adult Cognitive Wellness Center (ACWC), we didn’t just witness the struggles of seniors with dementia and their families—we felt their pain. Families were exhausted, overwhelmed, and often left without the right support. The traditional care models weren’t working, and too many people were slipping through the cracks.
That’s why we created programs that truly meet the needs of individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Our approach is built on compassion, flexibility, and person-centered care, ensuring that every senior experiences dignity, connection, and success at every stage of their journey.
Why We Innovated
Traditional adult day programs often miss the mark for individuals with dementia. Five-hour programs can lead to agitation, exhaustion, and overstimulation, causing many families to stop attending. For others, early morning schedules made participation impossible due to mobility challenges or morning confusion.
Our solution? Flexible morning and afternoon programs that fit around families’ needs. By offering shorter, tailored sessions, we reduce stress and make access to quality care easier.
Small Groups, Big Impact
Many care programs mix individuals with different cognitive and physical abilities, making engagement difficult. In response, we developed small, intimate groups where each participant receives personalized attention.
By focusing on music, art, gentle movement, and other meaningful activities, we create an environment where participants feel capable and valued—boosting their confidence and well-being.
Reaching the Unreachable
Some families face barriers such as transportation difficulties or advanced dementia symptoms that make attending any program impossible. To address this, we launched:
✔ Mobile programs that bring cognitive wellness activities to independent living residences, assisted living facilities, and community centers.
✔ 1:1 therapeutic recreation, where our specialists visit seniors at home, in hospitals, or in nursing facilities, providing tailored activities based on their interests and abilities.
Cultural Connections: A Key to Memory and Joy
Dementia care isn’t one-size-fits-all. We recognize the power of cultural connection—whether through music, food, or familiar traditions. That’s why we provide recreation therapists who speak the same language and understand the cultural backgrounds of our clients.
These personalized experiences evoke joy, comfort, and even long-forgotten memories, creating meaningful moments of connection.
A Person-Centered Philosophy
At ACWC, we don’t force seniors into a reality they no longer recognize. If a participant believes they are still living with their mother or working at their childhood job, we step into their world with compassion and validation. By embracing their reality and shaping activities around it, we foster trust, engagement, and happiness.
No One Left Behind
Our mission is simple: No senior with dementia should feel forgotten.
We design programs for all levels of dementia, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to:
✔ Participate
✔ Feel valued
✔ Experience meaningful connections
Rather than focusing on what they can’t do, we emphasize what they CAN—creating purpose, belonging, and joy.
The Medicine We Created
At the Adult Cognitive Wellness Center, we offer a range of innovative, accessible programs, including:
✅ Flexible Day Programs: Morning and afternoon sessions to accommodate different schedules and needs.
✅ Mobile Cognitive Wellness Programs: Bringing care directly to communities and senior living facilities.
✅ 1:1 Therapeutic Recreation: Personalized support for those unable to attend group programs.
✅ Culturally Tailored Activities: Programs that incorporate language, traditions, music, and food to evoke positive memories and emotions.
✅ Small Group Activities: Intimate settings that foster connection, engagement, and personalized care.
We saw the pain in our community, and we created the medicine. By listening, learning, and innovating, we’ve built solutions that support seniors with dementia and their caregivers—because no one should navigate this journey alone.
Want to learn more or get involved?
Visit Adultcognitivewellnesscentre.ca or call 778-549-6413 to discover how our programs can help your loved ones thrive.