Memory Care in San Francisco, Camarillo, San Rafael, and Oakland 

Elder Care Alliance’s innovative and engagement-focused memory care program is centered on the evidence-based I’m Still Here® philosophy: We believe that every person living with dementia, regardless of the severity of memory loss, has the ability to learn, connect, and contribute – teaching us as they go.

Along with all the typical assisted living services, our residents also receive specialized memory care programming 24/7 in a safe and supportive environment at all four of our assisted living communities in California:

• AlmaVia of San Francisco 
• AlmaVia of Camarillo
• AlmaVia of San Rafael
• Mercy Retirement and Care Center

We strive to offer all residents living in our Memory Care facilities increased opportunities for engagement, connection, and purpose, resulting in improved functioning and a higher quality of life.

Our Mission & Vision

Evidenced-Based Memory Care

Paramount to the care we provide is helping each resident feel safe and comfortable while providing intellectual stimulation and engagement in life experiences. Elements of our evidence-based memory care include:

• Adapted environments
• Specialized communication techniques
• Individualized learning approaches
• Parallel programming, adapted to the stage of the disease
• Purposeful social roles

Facility programming is designed to meet the needs of residents as they progress through the stages of the disease. Residents are encouraged to stay active and engaged by attending art classes, movies, and community events. Not everyone will be interested in the same activities, so we offer options that embrace a wide range of interests.

Our California Memory Care Communities

The Four “A’s”of Alzheimers

We believe there is beauty and potential within every individual, which is why we work to replace the four A’s of Alzheimer’s (anxiety, agitation, aggression, apathy) with:

• Engagement
• Focus of attention
• Language expression
• Positive mood
• Accessing memories

• Emotional connectedness
• Social participation
• Short-term event memory
• Future orientation

Specialized Memory Care Training

Elder Care Alliance team members are grounded in four fundamental principles, honoring each resident through dignity, respect, independence, and choice. They have robust training – based on the latest research – in all areas of memory care, including:

• Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
• Communication techniques
• Dining experience
• Managing behavioral expressions

Our caring staff combines specialized training with programming techniques designed for those with cognitive impairment delivered in a comfortable, residential setting. The team in each community’s memory care neighborhood includes a Memory Care Director, Life Enrichment Coordinator, spiritual care services, and support staff.

I’m Still Here® Philosophy

Based on the work of Dr. John Zeisel and the Hearthstone Institute, the I’m Still Here® approach believes that every person living with dementia is still here and can experience a high quality of life regardless of the severity of memory loss. Through optimization of evidence-based communication techniques, environmental adaptations, and meaningful programming, persons living with dementia are fully supported, confident, and able to learn and create throughout their lives.

The I’m Still Here® approach utilizes techniques and actions that:

• Focus on the abilities and strengths that remain available to each person
• Adapt to each person’s stage of dementia to maintain and increase levels of functioning
• Employ personally meaningful programming and materials – engagement is essential!
• Create purposeful and enriching social roles and human relationships
• Connect the individual with the larger community.

To embed these principles throughout the Elder Care Alliance memory care programs, team members receive intensive training in Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias.