Certus at Vero Beach

10/10/2025

At CERTUS, we know that every moment matters - and that purpose fuels joy. That’s why we created the MAPS® program.

MAPS® helps residents experience daily moments of success by focusing on who they are, not just their diagnosis. Through their unique life stories, residents stay engaged in ways that are both meaningful and familiar:

--A former professor proofreads the community newsletter.
--A business executive helps in the interview process for new associates.
--A chef contributes to menu planning.

Led by Certified Dementia Professionals and supported by our SPIN™ wellness method, MAPS® empowers residents to live well, connect deeply, and grow every day. Because when people live with meaning and purpose, they live with success.

Learn more about MAPS®: https://tinyurl.com/54s9sjpa

10/09/2025

Halloween treats may be tempting, but too much sugar can take a real toll on your brain.
Studies show that high-sugar diets are linked to memory loss, reduced learning ability, and even structural changes in the brain. For older adults, sugar can also impact medication management and dental health.

This Halloween, try mindful indulgence - swap candy for fruit-based snacks, sugar-free baking, or creative activities like pumpkin painting.

A little moderation today can help keep your brain healthy for many Halloweens to come.
Read more in our recent blog: https://tinyurl.com/527a74ys

Too much sugar can harm memory and brain health. Learn how to protect your mind this Halloween, while still enjoying the holiday.

10/03/2025

The Monster Mash with Digger's Songs Of A Lifetime 🍬👻🧌

10/03/2025

Music with Digger, Halloween style🎶🎤🎃👻
Digger's Songs Of A Lifetime

10/03/2025

At CERTUS, every detail of our communities is designed to ensure our residents feel safe, comfortable, and fully engaged in daily life.

Our Engagement by Design approach goes far beyond looks. It means:

Personalized suites with color contrasts and layouts that promote independence.

Dining experiences where brain-healthy meals meet thoughtful design - right down to red tableware that stimulates appetite.

Music therapy programs like Musical Breath that lift moods, ease sundowning, and bring joy.

Purpose-built transportation that ensures every resident can explore beyond our walls with comfort and dignity.

From small neighborhoods that feel like home to Town Centers that spark community and connection, everything we do is intentional - and rooted in research.

Because when design meets purpose, residents don’t just live here - they thrive here.

Learn more about our Engagement by Design philosophy: https://tinyurl.com/3fkdh5es

10/02/2025

🐾 A huge thank you to Jane and Baxter from For the Love of Paws for visiting us at Certus! 🐶💛

Your visit brought so much joy, comfort, and connection to our residents. Pet therapy has a truly special impact—especially for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Moments of calm, smiles, and even long-forgotten memories can surface when a furry friend is near.

We’re so grateful for the warmth you brought into our community today. See you next week! 🐕✨

09/25/2025

Dance Party at Certus 🥹😆💃🕺

09/25/2025

🍴✨ Golden Gala Masquerade – A Feast to Remember! ✨🍴

Our Golden Gala Masquerade wasn’t just about the masks and music — the food stole the spotlight too! 😋💛

We served up a fun and festive spread that had something for everyone:

🍗 Crispy chicken tenders – golden, crunchy, and a crowd favorite!
🥪 Tasty ham and cheese pinwheels – bite-sized, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.
🧅 Onion rings – perfectly fried and irresistibly crunchy.
🍧 And for a sweet treat? Snow cones in every color of the rainbow – cool, refreshing, and the perfect way to end the night!

The smiles said it all — delicious bites, great company, and a golden evening to remember. 💫

09/25/2025

🎭✨ Golden Gala Masquerade at Certus Senior Living ✨🎭

What an unforgettable evening at our Golden Gala Masquerade! 🥂💃 From the moment our residents walked in wearing their dazzling masks and sparkling smiles, the magic was in the air!

🎲 We kicked off the morning with fun and festive games—with plenty of laughter and friendly competition!
🎁 Lucky winners took home fabulous prizes, but the real reward was the joy we shared together.
🍽️ The food? Absolutely delicious—from savory bites to sweet treats, every plate was a hit!
🎶 We were entertained with incredible live music and performances that had everyone tapping their toes.
🕺💃 And of course, the dance floor stayed packed as we swayed, twirled, and celebrated into the afternoon!

A huge THANK YOU to our wonderful team and all who made the evening so special. At Certus Senior Living, we don’t just host events—we create memories. 💛

09/23/2025

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉

Susan Wojcik, Cheryl Rich, Diane Bell, Janice Blundell, Joshua J. Freitas

09/22/2025

💖 At CERTUS Senior Living, every smile grows brighter when families are near. 💖

Our residents cherish the moments when loved ones join in on meaningful activities and special events. Together, they share laughter, stories, and tender connections that make each day richer. 🌸

For families, these moments are more than just visits—they are opportunities to see how their loved one with dementia is progressing, to better understand the journey, and to gently embrace what is happening. 💕

These gatherings are filled with love, joy, and acceptance—precious memories that strengthen bonds and hearts. ✨

09/21/2025

🥰❤️🖼️🎨🖌️👩‍🎨

09/20/2025

Thank you to all who came out to paint with us. What a perfect Friday night it was👩‍🎨🎨🖼️🖌️Lila Libelle Studio

09/18/2025

Good food does more than nourish the body - it fuels the brain and the body.

At CERTUS, Nutritional Wellness is one of the four pillars of our SPIN® model. From leafy greens and omega-3 rich fish to vitamin-packed berries and brain-boosting spices, our menus are designed to support brain health. We ensure that our dining experiences are are crafted with both science and joy in mind.

Learn how food choices can support brain health in our latest blog: https://tinyurl.com/mryj7hvp

Learn more about our SPIN® model by visiting our website: https://tinyurl.com/yspfv9j5

Brain-healthy meals boost memory, mood, and connection—discover how food choices support cognitive wellness.

09/17/2025

Thank you Dawn from Nightingale Private Care - Home Care for celebrating national Gaucamole day with us🥑🥑🥑

Chips, salsa, gaucomole, candy, and BINGO 🥰🥳🎉

09/13/2025

Staying💡curious💡 keeps the mind alive. Whether it’s sharing stories, trying a new activity, or learning something unexpected, intellectual wellness helps our residents feel confident, connected, and engaged.

It’s one of the four pillars in our SPIN® model - alongside Social, Physical, and Nutritional Wellness - which all work together to bring out the best in every day.

Take a look at how our Intellectual Wellness pillar supports quality living in our latest blog: https://tinyurl.com/3b76cw9a

Check out our YouTube to learn more about our SPIN® model: https://tinyurl.com/yc54jr8h

wellness

Discover how mental engagement boosts memory, confidence, and quality of life - and how curiosity fuels the brain.

08/29/2025

Conversations, laughter, and community aren’t just uplifting - they strengthen the brain. Social engagement helps preserve memory, reduces depression risk, and improves overall health.

At CERTUS Premier Memory Care, social connection is at the heart of our SPIN® model.

Check out our recent blog post to learn more about why it’s vital for those living with dementia: https://tinyurl.com/35chf8z6

Social engagement supports brain health and emotional well-being in dementia care at CERTUS.

08/28/2025

Please join us in congratulating Katie Gorniak on 6 years of dedicated service at CERTUS! 🎉

Katie, your commitment and excellence shine through in the quality care our residents receive and in the heartfelt feedback from families and staff. We are truly grateful for all that you do to further the CERTUS Mission.

We are lucky to have you on our team—thank you for making a difference every day! 💜

08/07/2025

At CERTUS, connection is care.

Social wellness is at the heart of our SPIN® model. We design daily opportunities for residents to build friendships, join group activities, and share laughter with peers and staff.

Research shows that these moments don’t just feel good - they actually support brain health and emotional well-being.

Explore how we keep relationships blooming, even in memory care through our SPIN® model: https://bit.ly/4jyWaKO

Discover Certus's SPIN® program: our holistic approach to memory care combining Social, Physical, Intellectual, and Nutritional wellness for enhanced quality of life.

08/01/2025

A thoughtfully lit room can be just as powerful as any care plan.

At CERTUS, we don’t just design spaces - we design environments that heal. In this week’s blog, we discuss how caregivers can apply simple lighting principles at home to support safety, orientation, and emotional comfort for those with dementia.

From reducing shadows to softening evening light, small changes can prevent falls, ease anxiety, and promote more restful nights.

Read how to turn any home into a dementia-friendly environment: https://bit.ly/4fdlZyE

Learn more about how CERTUS implements dementia-friendly design in our communities: https://www.certusseniorliving.com/engagement-by-design/

Improve dementia safety at home with thoughtful lighting design to reduce falls, confusion, and anxiety.

07/23/2025

At CERTUS, we know that great care starts with a healthy caregiver.

In the day-to-day demands of supporting a loved one with dementia, caregivers often set aside their own well-being. But something as simple as 15 minutes of sunlight can regulate serotonin, boost vitamin D, and improve energy and focus.

In our latest blog, we share why light is not just a tool for residents - it’s part of a self-care plan for those who support them.

Learn why your morning sunlight matters too in our recent blog: https://www.certusseniorliving.com/whats-new/caregivers-need-the-sun-too/

Curious how CERTUS is using light in professional memory care? Explore our research: https://www.certusseniorliving.com/explore-how-light-can-improve-life-for-people-with-dementia/

Natural light boosts mood, energy, and focus - especially for caregivers. Just 15 minutes a day makes a difference.

07/16/2025

The right light, at the right time, can make a world of difference.

Circadian lighting - designed to follow the rhythm of the sun - can help reduce agitation, restore sleep patterns, and support focus in people with dementia. Learn how this science-backed approach is changing care, both in our communities and at home.

Read the full blog: https://shorturl.at/GnpAI

Explore the research that inspired this blog: https://www.certusseniorliving.com/explore-how-light-can-improve-life-for-people-with-dementia/

Morning sunlight helps regulate sleep, mood, and energy - especially for seniors and those with dementia.

07/10/2025

A beautiful moment of recognition took place at CERTUS Premier Memory Care in Orange City!

We had the honor of hosting the National Institute for Dementia Education - NIDE Endorsement Award ceremony for Ariel Chivers of Stetson University's Brain Fitness Academy. Ariel was chosen from over 200 nominations nationwide for her uplifting, community-centered work in dementia education and care.

Ariel’s compassion and commitment to cognitive wellness have brought hope, dignity, and engagement to so many older adults in our community - and we are so proud to call her a partner and friend in this mission.

The award was presented by our very own Joshua J. Freitas, VP of Program Development at CERTUS and Chair of NIDE, alongside Traci Hendrickson, Director of Community Relations.

Read the full article here: https://shorturl.at/d1Iyl

Learn more about how we're redefining memory care and visit our website: https://www.certusseniorliving.com/

A National Institute for Dementia Education Endorsement Award, one of NIDE’s highest honors, was awarded June 25 for the first time to a Florida resident who was selected from more