WHAT IS EARLY MEMORY CARE?
Circle of Friends®️: A Proactive Approach
At Belmont Village, Early Memory Care focuses on individuals who are experiencing measurable changes in memory or thinking, but who remain largely independent. This level of support provides structure, guidance and monitoring—helping residents stay engaged and capable within Assisted Living.
FOR SENIORS WHO:
| Have MCI or mild-to-moderate memory loss |
| Need additional support, but not in a secure setting |
| Benefit from structure and routine |
| Desire social and intellectual engagement |
You have options. Know what they are. Take our quick survey for personalized guidance.
FEATURES
A Therapeutic Program Focused on Residents
| Dedicated, specially trained team |
| Small-group participation |
| Breakfast-to-dinner program offered 7 days a week |
| Workouts on 6 mental domains: critical thinking, memory-body movement, learning, sequencing, long-term memory, problem solving |
| Whole Brain Fitness® framework |
| Physical wellness integration |
| Predictable routines |
| Ongoing cognitive monitoring |
| Consistent staff engagement |
| Connection to community life |
Wellness and Mental Fitness, Working Together
Pioneered by Belmont Village, Circle of Friends® addresses the specific needs of residents with MCI and early memory loss, such as early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The program uniquely combines physical wellness, cognitive engagement and social connection into a Whole Brain Fitness lifestyle.
Developed in consultation with Vanderbilt University’s Center for Quality Aging, Circle of Friends® is informed by leading research and supported by an ongoing evaluation process. The goal is not simply to manage symptoms, but to actively support brain health through intentional daily practice.
Circle of Friends® was created using evidence-based principles shown to support cognitive health, including routine, repetition, socialization and mental stimulation. The program continues to be evaluated to ensure it evolves alongside emerging research in aging and cognition.
- Program developed and refined for more than a decade
- Quality maintained through in-depth evaluation
- Participation tracking shows that engagement slows cognitive decline
In an internal study, we found that residents participating in Circle of Friends® demonstrated meaningful benefits when compared to similar populations without structured early memory support.
- About 75% of Circle of Friends® participants met daily engagement benchmarks, compared to less than one-third of self-directed participants
- Awarded George Mason University 2011 Health Care Quality Improvement Award and Argentum 2016 Best of the Best in Memory Care
Building Familiar Rhythms
Daily life within Circle of Friends® is built around consistency and engagement. Residents participate in guided mental fitness activities, movement, social interaction and community events—supported by staff trained in early cognitive change, while remaining connected to the broader Belmont Village community.
You’ve noticed the changes. Know what they mean. Take this short survey for personalized guidance on what you should do next.
Clinical Support, Around the Clock
Residents in Early Memory Care have access to 24/7 nursing support. This ensures ongoing wellness monitoring, medication oversight and coordination of care—adding reassurance while allowing residents to maintain independence and familiar routines. Learn more about our holistic approach to care.
Living Together, Supported Individually
Belmont Village’s licensed care model allows couples to continue living together when one partner experiences early memory loss. Circle of Friends® provides added support while preserving shared daily life, routines and connection.
Support that Evolves With You
Early Memory Care is one part of Belmont Village’s broader continuum. If additional memory support is needed over time, residents can transition within the same community—maintaining familiar surroundings, relationships and daily structure.
More than 7 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. To help individuals and families navigate the changes that memory loss brings, Belmont Village has developed our Dementia Education resource covering the basics of dementia, care options, coping with dementia in the family, and more.
