support & amenities
Spark Program
Our story begins with a purpose. A purpose to make a difference in the lives of people living with dementia and those appropriate for a community-based memory care setting, with an intention to create a SPARK! Our evidence-based practices influence the standards of Fox Trail’s holistic person-centered care model and set the standards for dementia care across all care settings and throughout the disease course. These practices include our foundation of person-centered care, a collaborative approach to assessment and care planning, on-site medical care and transitions in care, education and support for families and our surrounding communities, support of activities of daily living, professional and comprehensive staff training, and supportive and therapeutic environments.
Our Signature Programs
Welcome SPARK!℠, an exclusive and innovative lifestyle program designed to bring intention, energy and overall well-being into the environment, culture, and community shared by our residents, families and staff.
Sensory Programs Awakening Resilience and Kinship, SPARK!℠, is more than just a program, it’s a way of life. SPARK!℠ embodies the meaning of connection in every sense of the word. Through resident centered care, strengths-based programming, and intergenerational
pathways, we connect with our residents, families and community around us in a way that is sincere, authentic and supportive. A way that can’t be matched!
SPARK!℠ Partnerships and Outreach
SPARK includes on-site research initiatives, host to college scholarship programs, regional youth volunteer program, community-based learning programs with universities, colleges and high schools.
- Host to college students awarded a prestigious college scholarship through the Drew Summer Science Institute
- Host to on-site collaborative academic research projects with national partners
- Hosts regional youth volunteers and youth volunteer programs on-site
- Outreach programs include: Memory Café’s, NCCDP Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
- Training for families and care staff, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Network, and community engagement includes Alzheimer’s fundraisers and silent auctions
SPARK!℠ Partnerships and Outreach
In-Touch Link integrative technology provides a unique resident and family experience that is personalized to each individual community and connects families with their loved ones through Activity Calendars & Activity Trackers, Online family Community Portal, Community TV, aTouchAway Video Calling, Community Message Broadcasting, Menu Management & Meal Tracker. All of these and more are accessible thru an app that allows families to stay InTouch!
Drew University, located in Madison NJ, is a collaborative and unique partnership. FTMCL hosts talented and dedicated Action Scholars and Changemakers to volunteer in our communities with immersive experiences and co-curricular requirements that lead to over 100 hours of experiential learning.
Ramapo College of NJ – FTMCL partners with the School of Social Science and Human Services (SSHS) to provide internships and co-op opportunities for students to gain experience in their field of study.
Middlesex College – FTMCL partners with MC for community engaged learning courses that run 14 weeks. CEL courses promote experiential learning thru community service projects where students gain skills in critical thinking, reflection, civic engagement, and workforce development.
LifeBio Memory is a groundbreaking reminisce platform that captures life story recordings all via voice technology. Each life story recording, assisted by a family member, care staff, or volunteer is personalized and engages the resident through voice and visual prompts capturing a memorable life story in their own voice. LifeBio Memory aligns with our holistic person-centered care model as it provides reminiscing therapy, offers LifeBio sanpshots/ action plans, and overall impacts the quality of care.
Obie Projection Entertainment integrates fun and innovative technology into our homes through sensory game play! Obie projects custom-made interactive games onto tables, floors and walls empowering movement, social interaction and cognitive stimulation. The bright display, crisp sound and rapid motion detection responds to every player keeping them engaged and active at all cognitive levels.
Ageless Innovations and Joy for All Pets bring pet therapy to the next level! The suite of robotic companion pups, cats and birds bring a sense of comfort, companionship and fun to people living with dementia. The joy and connection that these pets bring is incredible and brings such purpose and wellbeing to anyone interacting with these life like soft and furry pets. Complete with motion sensors, sounds and movement, the pets are interactive, engaging and hard to put down!
STEAM with Seniors- Promotes lifelong learning through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and intergenerational connectivity. STEAM with Seniors is a growing and developing partnership with FTMCL. This is an amazing program that focuses on health and wellness through hands-on STEAM activities and programs with an intergenerational approach.
YES℠ Youth Volunteer Program– Youth Empowering Seniors is a impactful intergenerational and social initiative that brings youth and older adults together providing connection and purposeful living. YES highlights the incredible power of compassion and harnesses youthful spirit thru connecting students with people living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. These bright, enthusiastic volunteers bring a burst of energy and joy into our memory care homes, making a real difference in the lives of our residents, families and care staff. By engaging in meaningful activities and building heartfelt connections, our volunteers help create a vibrant and uplifting environment. Their presence adds a special light to our community, enriching the daily lives of those we care for and fostering a sense of warmth and belonging for everyone involved. YES partners with multiple volunteer organizations that help provide volunteer opportunities through all of the FTMCL homes.
Partnering Non-Profit Organizations
Asian American Youth Alliance (AAYA) Asian American Youth Alliance empowers high school youths of all races to foster intergenerational connections within their community in a productive and meaningful manner. AAYA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization centered around Asian Americans dedicated to giving back to the community through volunteer work. Formed by students from Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan, NJ, the group is dedicated to connecting members to the community around us, and empowering young students through exclusive hands on experience in different fields.
Caring Thru Art – Connecting generations together thru art, we aim to enhance the well-being of person’s living with dementia while empowering teenagers to become compassionate leaders. This non-profit was founded by a Commercial Art major at Bergen County Technical High School and was inspired by her grandmother.
SPARK!℠ Lifestyle and Wellness Programming
We see wellness as more than just physical health, but as a holistic and healthy lifestyle that embraces 7 dimensions of wellness allowing our residents to thrive in an environment that is balanced, purposeful, experiential and fun!
Physical Health – FTMCL offers adaptable and progressive fitness programming designed specifically for people living with dementia. This programming incorporates Aerobic Exercise, Resistance Training, Balance and Flexibility into everyday routines aiming to promote a regular day-night rhythm, boost mood, and social engagement. Activities include scarf dancing, laughter yoga, salsa dancing, seated karate/martial arts, walking club, and more!
Emotional Health – Connecting mind, body and spirit through artistic expression, gardening therapy, reminiscing sessions, aromatherapy, pet therapy, self care, music, playing an instrument, and gentle exercise.
Social Health – Join our drama club with comedy skits, storytelling and readers theatre, indoor and outdoor games including cornhole, putting greens, beachball volleyball, balloon badminton, slime stations, refresh and connect socials, armchair travel, visual and audible trivia, and more!
Spiritual Health – Candlelight yoga, religious services on-site and livestream, prayer circle, motivational quotes/readings, acts of kindness, affirmations, etc
Environmental Health – Horticulture Club: indoor and outdoor gardening, hydroponics, exploring virtual botanical gardens and arboretums. Crafting thru upcycling, reminiscing thru google earth hometown visits, wilderness scavenger hunts, etc.
Vocational Health – STEAM with Seniors offers intergenerational science experiments, robotics club, building and creative play with legos, life stations such as folding laundry, putting away groceries, writing a letter, setting the table, sweep the floors, etc.
Intellectual Health – Virtual tours to historic museums, national parks, test your knowledge with word games, finish that saying, name that tune, visual trivia, lifelong learning videos, slideshows and virtual presentations shorts.
Tech-Wellness – Cutting-edge technology is increasingly being integrated into memory care to enhance the well-being of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Here are some innovative examples:
Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy
How it Helps: VR therapy allows individuals to engage in immersive experiences that can help trigger memories, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. For example, a VR program might simulate a walk through a favorite park or a visit to a childhood home, offering comfort and cognitive stimulation.
Example: MyndVR is a leading VR platform designed specifically for older adults, including those with dementia. It offers a variety of immersive experiences that are both relaxing and mentally stimulating.
AI-Powered Cognitive Training Apps
How it Helps: These apps use artificial intelligence to create personalized cognitive exercises aimed at slowing cognitive decline and improving memory. They adapt in real-time to the user’s performance, providing an engaging and challenging experience.
Example: CogniFit offers personalized brain training programs designed to improve cognitive function. The platform uses AI to tailor exercises to the user’s specific needs and abilities.
Reminiscence Therapy with Digital Memory Books
How it Helps: Digital memory books allow individuals to revisit and share personal memories through photos, videos, and written stories. This can stimulate conversation, reinforce identity, and provide comfort.
Example: LifeBio provides digital storytelling tools that help individuals with dementia create life stories, which can be shared with caregivers, family, and friends.
Robotic Companions
How it Helps: Robotic pets and companions offer emotional support, reduce feelings of loneliness, and provide sensory stimulation. These devices can be particularly beneficial for individuals in advanced stages of dementia.
Example: Joy For All pets are designed to interact with people in a therapeutic way, responding to touch and sound with lifelike movements and sounds, helping to calm and engage individuals with dementia
What SPARK!℠ means to us.
A spark is something that you feel and is expressed by actions not words.
A spark is an emotional connection to others in an environment you create.
A spark is an energy that shines bright and brings calm and peace.
A spark is about a sense of pride and the feeling that you did something good today.
A spark is about creating memories for some and bringing back memories for others.
A spark has reach beyond what the eye can see
A spark is like a superpower with the ability to heal and inspire others.
A spark is a reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things.
A spark is about making a difference in the world big or small.
A spark is about teaching and guiding others to be the best version of themselves
A spark is a magnet that draws people close to one another
VISIT FOX TRAIL
Our team can’t wait to welcome you to Fox Trail.
Find the closest Fox Trail Memory Community near you and schedule a visit today to experience the difference we can make in your loved one’s life or call 732-201-7338.
VISIT FOX TRAIL
Our team can’t wait to welcome you to Fox Trail.
Find the closest Fox Trail Memory Community near you and schedule a visit today to experience the difference we can make in your loved one’s life or call 1-855-5MEMORY.