As The Arlington celebrates a decade of enriching lives in our Naples community, we’re highlighting the stories and experiences that make our community special. In this edition of our “10 Things I Love About The Arlington” series, we sit down with Mona Ceurvels, Activity Professional Certified, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Registered Yoga Teacher, our dedicated Life Enrichment Coordinator for Memory Care, to discover what makes our Heartfelt Connections memory care program truly exceptional.
What Makes Memory Care at The Arlington Unique?
The Arlington’s approach to memory care in Naples, Florida, combines compassionate expertise with a deeply personal touch. Our person-centered memory care philosophy ensures each resident receives individualized attention tailored to their unique life story and needs.
Mona explains, “I have a deep sense of fulfillment working at The Arlington, forming meaningful connections with staff, management and residents. Everyone from each department is caring and approachable.”
This collaborative environment allows us to deliver comprehensive dementia and Alzheimer’s care services that address the whole person—not just their medical needs. Our team creates an atmosphere where residents feel secure, valued and engaged every day.
Person-Centered Programs That Support Emotional Wellness
The cornerstone of our memory care in Naples, Florida, is Heartfelt Connections – A Memory Care Program®, empowering us to treat each resident as an individual with unique preferences, histories and capabilities. This person-centered approach informs everything from daily activities to dining experiences.
“Heartfelt Connections is a dementia care program designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other memory-related conditions,” shares Mona. “Personalized care based on a person’s life history … activities to stimulate memory and enhance emotional well-being … a compassionate approach to caregiving.”
This approach creates opportunities for emotional wellness in memory care settings, allowing residents to experience joy, purpose and connection despite cognitive challenges. By focusing on strengths rather than limitations, our team facilitates moments of genuine happiness and accomplishment.
Life Enrichment Activities That Stimulate the Mind and Heart
Research shows that continued engagement and stimulation are vital for senior brain health and neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new neural pathways. Our comprehensive life enrichment programs are designed with this science in mind.
“All of our Life Enrichment Team Members are APC—Activity Professional Certified,” Mona emphasizes. “This is very important! This credential demonstrates that we have met state-specific standards for providing meaningful life enhancing activities for our residents.”
From creative arts to inclusive fitness programs for seniors, our activities for memory care residents are thoughtfully crafted to stimulate cognitive function while providing enjoyment. One resident favorite is our unique dining program.
Creating moments of joy is central to life at The Arlington, and one of the most anticipated events is the monthly themed dining experience. “In our Memory Care neighborhood… ‘Dining in Style’ is my favorite!” Mona enthuses. “It is a monthly ‘themed’ night where we dress up and decorate the workspace. It’s a night with an upscale meal and a Cellist we have hired who plays for Andrea Bocelli when he is in Tampa or Miami and just happens to live in Naples.”
These themed dining experiences in memory care provide residents with extraordinary moments. “Our MC residents do not get to go out to a fancy restaurant when they want unless their family takes them….so WE bring it to them,” Mona explains.
Certified Caregiving With a Family Atmosphere
What truly distinguishes The Arlington is our exceptional team who bring both professional expertise and genuine compassion to their roles. Our compassionate caregiving approach creates a supportive environment that creates meaningful engagement for seniors.
“I have worked in other communities, but The Arlington has been the most rewarding because they allow you the training to do the job to the best of your ability,” Mona shares. “We have a unique company culture, great people, and management that LISTENS and knows who you are.”
This supportive atmosphere extends to professional development, ensuring our team remains at the forefront of memory care best practices. “I was certified in ‘Ageless Grace’ and learned so much about senior brain health and neuroplasticity,” explains Mona. “The Arlington has never questioned any training I wanted to take—they’ve encouraged it.”
By investing in our team’s growth, we ensure residents receive care informed by the latest advancements in specialized programs for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Enhancing Quality of Life Through Meaningful Moments
At The Arlington, we understand that living in the moment with dementia becomes an essential skill for both residents and caregivers. Our approach focuses on creating meaningful moments that bring joy and connection, regardless of memory challenges.
“Our memory care residents may have lost the ability to recall the past or look to the future, but they certainly live in the moment,” Mona observes. “They are delighted to see us every day and focus on the task at hand. They are always in the ‘now.’ It’s a beautiful place to be.”
This perspective informs our commitment to enhancing quality of life for memory care residents through daily interactions that affirm their dignity and worth. From celebrating small victories to sharing in life’s simple pleasures, we find countless ways to create moments of connection.
One touching example came during a reminiscing activity. “A resident told me how her family was poor but got by,” recalls Mona. “She explained that they ate clear soup on Sundays. When I asked if this was for religious reasons, she replied, ‘No, there was a family next door much poorer than we were … and my mom gave them all our food on Sundays.'”
These personal stories remind us that wisdom and meaningful life lessons continue to emerge, even as memory fades.
Experience Memory Care That Feels Like Home
When asked to describe The Arlington in a single word, Mona doesn’t hesitate: “ENRICHING!” “For me, it’s fulfilling my purpose and for enhancing the lives of others.”
This simple yet profound description encapsulates what makes The Arlington’s approach to memory care in Naples, Florida so special—the community is built around enhancing quality of life for memory care residents and enriching every life it touches, from residents to staff to families.
As The Arlington celebrates a decade of excellence in Naples, now is the perfect time to discover what makes our approach to memory care exceptional. Our luxury memory care community combines elegant surroundings with compassionate, expert care designed to honor each resident’s unique journey.
Through Heartfelt Connections – A Memory Care Program®, certified dementia care services, and thoughtfully designed activities for memory care residents, we’ve created an environment where residents feel valued, engaged, and at home.
Are you ready to discover what makes life at The Arlington so enriching—for residents and team members alike? Join us in celebrating 10 years of meaningful moments and community connection. Schedule your tour today.
