Certus at Mount Dora

11/26/2025

The holidays can be joyful, nostalgic, and sometimes overwhelming for loved ones with dementia.

At CERTUS, we believe meaningful moments start with mindfulness. Simple adjustments, like soft lighting, calm music, and familiar routines, can help families create celebrations filled with comfort and connection.

Find thoughtful ideas for memory-friendly holiday gatherings in our newest blog, featuring insights directly from National Institute for Dementia Education - NIDE and National Institute on Aging - NIH: https://tinyurl.com/bdcum36d

Discover ways to celebrate the holidays with gratitude and calm while supporting loved ones with dementia.

11/20/2025

Purpose fuels joy, and at CERTUS, purpose is at the heart of everything we do.

Our MAPS® program creates opportunities for residents to stay active, engaged, and fulfilled through activities that reflect who they are. From tending gardens to sharing stories, these moments spark recognition, confidence, and connection.

Learn how meaningful engagement supports memory and emotional well-being in our newest blog: https://tinyurl.com/3u56dz3p

Discover how purpose-driven activities in memory care foster confidence, joy, and emotional connection.

11/19/2025

🎉 A Perfect Survey, A Perfect Reason to Celebrate! 🎉

We’re thrilled to share that CERTUS Orange City has officially received zero deficiencies on our most recent state survey! This recognition reflects the care, compassion, and excellence that our team brings to our residents every single day. 💙

To celebrate, our team enjoyed themed dress up days, trivia challenges, and plenty of well deserved fun. Because when you put your heart into everything you do, success is worth celebrating!

👏 A huge thank you to our incredible staff for their dedication and commitment to making CERTUS a place where residents and team members can flourish.

11/13/2025

🌟 The Holidays Can Be Beautiful… and Challenging. You Don’t Have to Navigate Them Alone. 🌟

As we move into the holiday season, many families begin to feel the weight of changes in their loved one’s dementia journey. Routines shift, emotions run high, and celebrations don’t always look the way they used to. ❤️

We're sharing a gentle reminder: support is available, and you don’t have to guess your way through the season.

🎁 Each CERTUS community has free resources designed to help you understand what to expect, what to look for, and how to create meaningful moments—even in the midst of change.

Whether you’re navigating communication, safety, behavior changes, or simply trying to keep traditions alive in a new way, we are here for you.

📍 Stop by any CERTUS community to pick up these holiday-focused dementia support materials.
🤝 Let us walk alongside you—this season and beyond.

You are not alone. 💛

11/12/2025

Behind every person living with dementia is a caregiver walking beside them with patience and love.

At CERTUS, we honor caregivers as true partners in care. Through wellness programs, family education, and Caregiver Coaching, we help families find strength and emotional balance. As shared by the National Institute for Dementia Education, caregiving is a relationship rooted in shared humanity, not a solo act.

Remember that self-care is not indulgent. It is endurance.

Read more in our newest blog: https://tinyurl.com/mrx692ud

Support for dementia caregivers: Learn how emotional awareness and self-care strengthen caregiving bonds.

11/11/2025

🎉 Please join us in celebrating two incredible 5-year anniversaries at Certus Premier Memory Care Living | Orange City! 🎉

✨ Michelle, our Business Office Director
🌟 Traci, our Community Relations Director

Both have reached this amazing milestone — five years of dedication, service, and heart.

Michelle’s attention to detail, consistency, and commitment to our residents and families have made her an indispensable part of the CERTUS family. 💜

Traci’s compassion, enthusiasm, and drive to connect with families and our community have helped countless individuals find the care and support they need. 💙

Together, they truly embody the CERTUS mission — leading with kindness, teamwork, and genuine care. Their dedication makes CERTUS Orange City a place where residents, families, and team members feel at home.

👏 Please take a moment to congratulate Michelle and Traci and thank them for five years of outstanding service! 💐💜

11/11/2025

Today, we pause to honor and thank all who have served our country, including the veterans within our CERTUS communities and their families.

Your courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our freedoms inspire us every day. We are proud to care for and celebrate those who have given so much in service to others.

From all of us at CERTUS Premier Memory Care, thank you for your service and dedication. ❤️🤍💙

11/10/2025

🎄✨ Navigating the Holidays with Dementia: Free Educational Event in Orlando! ✨🎄

The holiday season can be filled with joy — but for families caring for someone with dementia, it can also bring unique challenges. 💜

Join Theda Heiserman, Certified Life Coach, and the National Institute for Dementia Education (NIDE) for a free community event focused on helping you navigate the holidays with compassion, calm, and connection.

🗓️ Date: November 13, 2025
📍 Location: CERTUS Waterford Lakes
11120 Lake Underhill Drive, Orlando, FL
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM

You’ll learn:
🎁 Practical tips to reduce holiday stress
🕯️ Ways to create meaningful, dementia-friendly traditions
💬 Communication strategies that foster joy and understanding

This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited!
👉 Reserve your spot today

Let’s make this season brighter — together. 💫

With a sole focus on Memory Care, our innovative approach to Memory Care uses our collection of highly researched, evidence-based programs to help residents feel empowered, confident, and successful.

11/07/2025

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to come together in understanding and compassion.

At CERTUS Premier Memory Care, we believe awareness is not about fear. It is about connection. Recognizing the early signs of memory change allows families to seek guidance and build stronger support systems. Through our SPIN® Wellness model and MAPS® program, we bring the National Institute for Dementia Education - NIDE philosophy to life: that knowledge and empathy are therapeutic tools.

Awareness opens the door to dignity, education, and hope.
Read the full blog here: https://tinyurl.com/4rtfs736

Learn why Alzheimer’s Awareness Month matters and how early recognition empowers families and caregivers.

10/30/2025

Ever notice that sugar rush and crash after eating a few too many treats?

Dr. Joshua J. Freitas, Chief Research Officer at CERTUS Premier Memory Care, explains why that happens, and how it’s more than just a sugar rush.

Our bodies actually have three interconnected “brains”:
1) The neuro cortex (thinking + memory)
2) The neurovascular system (blood flow + brain function)
3) The enteric nervous system (our gut, often called the “second brain”)

When we consume too much sugar, all three systems shift. That can mean brain fog, mood swings, or difficulty concentrating, especially over time.

By making small, mindful choices this Halloween, we can support not just our physical health but our cognitive and emotional well-being too.

Watch Dr. Freitas break down the science in this short clip, and learn how CERTUS uses research-driven practices to promote brain health year-round.

10/30/2025

Doorbells, costumes, and laughter - Halloween night can be exciting for some, but overwhelming for others living with dementia.

Simple adjustments can make it peaceful and safe. For example:

1) Keep lighting soft and consistent
2) Turn off the porch light when it’s time to rest
3) Plan cozy indoor activities with close family

Predictability and calm are key. With a few thoughtful choices, you can help your loved one enjoy the evening comfortably and confidently.

Read more about preparing for a calm, comfortable Halloween in our recent blog post: https://tinyurl.com/3dpezwca

Providing Dignified, researched based care for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and more.

10/28/2025

Halloween is one of the sweetest times of year, but as Dr. Josh Freitas reminds us, it can also be a little scary for our brain health.

While enjoying candy is part of the fun, those extra treats can do more than just raise our blood sugar. They can shift our mood, affect our focus, and even influence long-term brain health.

Dr. Freitas, Chief Research Officer at the CERTUS Institute, explains why moderation matters - especially during sugar-filled holidays - and how finding healthier, creative ways to celebrate can protect your brain for years to come.

Because a little balance today can lead to sweet results for your mind tomorrow.

Learn more about how CERTUS is redefining memory care through science, compassion, and innovation: https://tinyurl.com/322kvr7v

09/19/2025

Mardi Gras Fun with friends is the best way to spend the afternoon!!!

05/21/2025

This day at Certus Premier Memory Care of Mount Dora, we had the honor and privilege of witnessing true love and devotion. Renewing their vows in celebration of their 68th wedding anniversary, this couple embodies what love really is. We truly love our residents and families, and we are so thankful that they allow us to be a part of life’s precious moments.

04/14/2025

🚶‍♂️ Stay One Step Ahead of Wandering 🧠❤️

Use this Emergency Face Sheet 📄 as a proactive measure in case your loved one with dementia wanders off. Keep it on your fridge 🧊 or in another easy-to-access spot so you can quickly share vital info with first responders 🚓🚑.

❗ Did you know up to 60% of people with dementia may wander (NIDE, 2020)? Some even begin walking toward their dominant side — notice which foot steps out first 👣.

✅ Proactive steps include: 🧳 Storing suitcases & coats out of sight
🎨 Painting doors the same color as walls
🚪 Placing a dark mat by the door (can look like a "hole") to deter wandering

Small changes = big impact in preventing unsafe situations! 💡🙌

💬 🤝 🚨 📝 🛡️

03/13/2025

Being a caregiver is rewarding, but also challenging. Our free, expert-led support group at Mount Dora offers personalized solutions, memory care resources, and guidance in developing goals as a caregiver. Register and connect with a community who understands: https://www.certusseniorliving.com/family-caregiver-coaching/

02/11/2025

CERTUS Mount Dora isn’t just a memory care community – it's a place where residents feel at home and live with purpose. With 24/7 personalized care, engaging social activities, and even group outings to keep our residents active, we focus on what residents can do rather than what they can’t.

Read more about how CERTUS is making a difference in dementia care:

CERTUS Mount Dora creates a secure, enriching memory care environment with personalized support, social engagement, and purpose.

12/18/2024

🎄🎅🎖️ Christmas in Camo! 🎖️🎅🎄

Today’s the day! Join us from 4 PM to 6 PM at Certus in Mount Dora for a festive celebration honoring our local veterans. 🫡

Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks 🍴🍹, and great company—all FREE of charge! 🎁✨

This event is open to the public, so bring your friends and family as we come together to celebrate this holiday season in true patriotic spirit! 🇺🇸❤️💚

We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉

11/18/2024

The time has almost come! We are so excited to welcome all of you into our beautiful community!

🎉 Join Us for a Friendsgiving Celebration at CERTUS at Mount Dora! 🍂

We’re thrilled to open our doors to the public for a special Friendsgiving event that showcases our amazing chef and his incredible culinary creations! Join us on November 20th from 4-6 PM for an evening filled with delicious food, great company, and festive fun.
What to Expect:
🍤Delectable heavy hors d'oeuvres prepared by our talented chef
🍹Complimentary cocktails
🎁Exciting raffles and fantastic giveaways
🎼Feative music to enhance the celebration
This is a wonderful opportunity to taste our chef's exceptional dishes while connecting with friends, family, and neighbors. Everyone is welcome, so bring your loved ones and join us for a memorable evening!
📍 Location: CERTUS at Mount Dora
4901 Lake Park Ct
We can’t wait to celebrate with you and share the flavors that make our community special! 🦃✨
For more information, feel free to reach out to Cindy 352-385-1800

See you there!

Come join us for a Friendsgiving Party open to everyone - good food, great company, and lots of fun!

10/10/2024

Respite Care Available for Hurricane Relief!

To our Mount Dora community:

We know many families are dealing with the aftermath of the hurricane and could use a little extra help. At Certus at Mount Dora, we’re offering respite care for families affected by the storm. This way, while you focus on home repairs and recovery, you don’t have to worry about your loved one with dementia. 💙

Our community has power, fresh meals, and engaging activities to ensure your loved one is safe, comfortable, and having fun while you take care of the things that matter most.

If you or someone you know could benefit from our respite care during this time, please reach out to us today!

📞 Call us at 352-385-1800 to learn more or schedule a stay.

Stay safe, Mount Dora! We’re in this together.

09/04/2024

Raking in the Cash fundraiser drawing 💜

08/09/2024

Certus Mount Dora - Premier Memory Care Living is raising funds for Walk to End Alzheimer's The Villages . 💜 We are half way to our $8k fundraising goal but we need your help to get there.

Raking in the Cash raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. 🎟️ Winner gets over $100 and prizes including scratch offs and the rake.... Just in time for fall leaves. 🍂

Tickets can be purchased in community or using the following payment methods with "RAKE" as the memo:
Cash app $Theda
Venmo -Heiserman
Zelle 352-408-6118