Northwood Adult Day Program receives Dementia Friendly Award

Sometimes, it is the small moments that make the biggest difference.

A familiar activity. A favourite place. Someone taking the time to sit beside you and participate alongside you.

For the Northwood Adult Day Program in Bedford, creating those meaningful moments is part of what the care team does every day. And, this year, their commitment to providing meaningful, individualized experiences for people living with dementia has earned the program the dementia friendly award.

The award recognizes a not-for-profit organization or for-profit business that has implemented a dementia friendly initiative that supports their clients and/or employees affected by dementia.

We are proud to announce Northwood Adult Day Program in Bedford received the 2026 Dementia Friendly Award.

One family member who nominated the program shared her experience of watching her husband thrive at the program.

She shares that his days were filled with opportunities to connect, participate and simply enjoy himself. He enjoyed meals prepared by staff, took part in games and crafts, enjoyed regular exercise activities and spent time outdoors in the courtyard when the weather was nice. The crafts created by participants were even displayed throughout the room, celebrating their creativity and contributions.

But what stood out most to his family was the way staff took the time to know him as an individual and adapted opportunities to reflect his interests, abilities and needs.

When he couldn't participate in bingo, a staff member sat with him and played alongside him. When a farm visited the parking lot, staff knew how meaningful the experience would be for someone who had grown up on a farm. He was able to spend the afternoon outside with a caregiver, enjoying the experience at his own pace.

These moments may seem simple, but they are at the heart of dementia-friendly care.

The nomination described how staff consistently focused on individualized, interactive participation and made sure his routines and needs were respected throughout the day.

“He was happy each day he was there, even when he wasn't feeling like going,” his family member shared.

The impact extended beyond the participants themselves. Families also found support and reassurance through the program, knowing their loved ones were spending their day in a place where they were seen, included and cared for.

The program has also become a learning environment for students who spend time at Northwood, helping them better understand dementia, meaningful activities and the importance of person-centred interactions.

This recognition is a reflection of the dedicated Bedford team and the thoughtful, intentional approach they bring to their work every day. By taking the time to understand each individual, staff create an environment where people living with dementia can build connections, continue using their abilities and participate in experiences that bring them enjoyment, purpose and a sense of belonging.

Congratulations to the Northwood Adult Day Program, Bedford Campus team on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for creating a place where every person has the opportunity to feel included, supported and valued.

For more information or to contact us, please visit: www.northwoodcare.ca