Certus Living, a national third-party developer and operator of senior living communities, is announcing innovative memory care programming at Dallas-based senior living community, Edgemere. This will be the blueprint to introduce research-based care for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia across the country.
The newly launched Vitalize program at Edgemere features a suite of adult-focused memory care services, renovations, and skilled care providers that reflect best-in-class innovative and holistic care, including a newly built Sensory Room that will provide a sanctuary for residents and visiting family members.
“With the number of Alzheimer’s disease cases expected to double by 2060, advanced memory care is long overdue, treating people with dignity and respect while continuing to nurture purpose throughout their lives even as their memory changes,” said Will Haase, CEO and Founder of Certus, which specializes in the operational and financial improvement of senior care communities. “It all starts at Edgemere with a higher quality experience not only for residents, but also for the family members who support them. The impact is community wide.”
The state-of-the art Sensory Room at Edgemere opens in Spring 2025 and provides holistic treatments intended to ease agitation common to those experiencing dementia and often detrimental to family visits and medical treatment. Upon entering, the resident and family members will be greeted by soothing lighting and scents, a textured wall that provides tactile and visual focus, bubble tubes that hold attention while calming the mind and body, a living scenery projector, fiber optic curtains, and other items intended to de-escalate residents who may be overwhelmed in their daily environment. In addition, Edgemere is introducing a new experience to the Dallas market by installing a Nordic relaxation chair, more commonly used in European memory care facilities. Some benefits include bringing calm to the residents by way of a gentle rocking motion, hugging agitated parts of the body to release anxiety while providing music and weighted touch points.
“In addition to the 5-star amenities you can expect at Edgemere, we will constantly be improving to remain a market leader,” added Haase. Additional renovations include a newly remodeled memory care welcoming area, improved secured courtyard, dining facilities with specific design elements intended to stimulate appetite, joy-triggering scents of lavender and mint throughout, enhanced activity space and resting stations. Above all, all services and treatments have an adult focus based on Edgemere’s community-wide commitment to emotional, physical, spiritual, intellectual, social and occupational wellness.
“Many of our residents have led very full, very successful lives both professionally and personally. Yet in some memory care facilities, they are being handed child-like toys to stimulate their minds – or nothing at all,” said Teresa Bates, Executive Director of Edgemere. “We are intent on pinpointing the needs and talents of each individual and customizing programming that brings purpose and connection to their lives, as well as dignity.”
As part of the enhancements, Certus is focused on upskilling Edgemere caregivers. Haase notes that while the average senior living community requires only 12-16 hours of annual training for memory care, Edgemere sets a higher standard exceeding 40 hours per year. This commitment empowers staff to provide exceptional care and leadership.
Since taking over management of Edgemere in August 2024, Certus has brought its nationwide expertise to the community and remains dedicated to enhancing care offerings—improving quality of life whenever and wherever we can.
“Making sure staff stay by upskilling them and providing them with improved facilities and care solutions – these are the factors that provide a higher quality experience not only for residents but also those who serve and support them as well as the community as a whole,” concluded Haase.
About Certus Living
Based in Minnetonka, MN, Certus Living is a senior care operator with a hands-on approach to supporting communities nationwide. Certus specializes in optimizing operational efficiency, enhancing quality care, and overseeing capital improvements across independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing communities. Learn more at www.certusliv.com.
About Edgemere
Edgemere provides luxury independent living, memory care, assisted living, and skilled nursing options for seniors in the Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas, Texas. For over 25 years, Edgemere has set the standard in senior living, combining resort-style amenities with thoughtful attention to residents’ evolving needs. For more information, visit edgemerelife.com.
