When families search for memory care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, what truly matters is finding compassionate professionals who understand the unique challenges these conditions present. At Atria Senior Living, that exceptional care starts with dedicated team members like Ingrid Weber.
A passion rooted in cultural values
Originally from the Philippines, Ingrid credits her deep respect for older adults to her upbringing. “In Filipino culture, we cherish and take care of our elderly. It’s embedded in you from a young age,” she shares. She also learned the importance of leadership and respect from her father, a carpenter who treated everyone with kindness. These foundational values have guided Ingrid throughout her 24-year career in senior living.
From caregiver to award-winning director
Ingrid began her journey in senior living as a caregiver, where she quickly realized that success in this field requires more than just skill – it requires heart. “You can’t perform well in this work without putting your heart into it,” she explains. Her passion for learning and growing led to a promotion to Life Guidance Director at Atria El Camino Gardens, a role in which she oversees care for residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
This dedication earned her the California Assisted Living Association’s 2024 Excellence in Service Award – a prestigious recognition that acknowledges her outstanding contribution to memory care. Yet for Ingrid, the greatest reward isn’t an accolade. “Everyone told me I deserved it, which makes me a little embarrassed,” she says. “I do my job every day because I love it.”
Small moments, big impact
The work in memory care is demanding, but for Ingrid, it’s deeply fulfilling. Her approach focuses on creating consistent connections that help residents feel secure and valued.
Building trust through daily interactions
“Memory care residents can often recall those they have connected with emotionally, even when other memories fade,” Ingrid explains. “When they have concerns or needs, they’ll come right into my office and talk with me. They know me.”
Even the smallest interactions – just 30 seconds of kindness – can transform a resident’s day. “Sometimes it’s as simple as stopping to admire a resident’s outfit or asking about a family photo they keep close,” Ingrid notes. “These moments of recognition are powerful for someone with memory challenges.”
A community that feels like home
Atria’s memory care program, called Life Guidance®, is designed to provide a structured yet nurturing environment where residents can thrive despite cognitive challenges. Ingrid implements this program with a careful balance of routine and spontaneity that helps residents feel both secure and engaged.
Recognition from colleagues
Her colleagues admire her dedication. “I see her as an inspiration and role model,” says Christina Ortiz, who previously worked with Ingrid as Assistant Executive Director at Atria El Camino Gardens and is now Executive Director at Atria Rocklin. “Ingrid deserves this recognition. She loves what she does so much and doesn’t do any of it for praise. We need even more people like Ingrid in senior living.”
The right people make senior living better
Great senior living is about more than just a place – it’s about the people who bring it to life. Dedicated professionals like Ingrid create an environment where residents feel valued, cared for and truly at home.
“I’m very fortunate to have a job I love.” Ingrid says. “This community is a haven for me. It’s my happy place.”
The Atria difference in memory care
What sets Atria’s Life Guidance memory care program apart is the thoughtful combination of specially trained staff and evidence-based approaches. Residents benefit from:
- Physical activity: Daily exercise programs that help maintain strength, flexibility and circulation while reducing anxiety and improving sleep
- Social connection: Carefully structured opportunities for meaningful social engagement that reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging
- Individualized care: Personalized care plans based on each resident’s unique life story, preferences, abilities and needs
- Thoughtful spaces: Secure, purposefully designed environments with visual cues to help residents navigate independently and safely
- Whole-person wellness: Engaging programs that address physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being
- Specially trained staff: Team members who receive ongoing dementia care education and are selected for their empathy and patience
- Family partnerships: Regular family communication and support, including educational resources about dementia and memory care
The Life Guidance program is built on a foundation of respect for each resident’s dignity and potential, regardless of where they are in their dementia journey. As Ingrid demonstrates daily, it’s this commitment to seeing the whole person – not just their diagnosis – that creates a truly supportive environment where residents can find joy and connection.
For seniors and families looking for a place where compassion and connection matter, Atria offers more than just senior living – it offers a place to thrive, even amid the challenges of memory loss.
To learn more about Atria’s approach to memory care or to schedule a tour with award-winning staff like Ingrid, contact your nearest Atria community today.
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