Silverado Alexandria Memory Care Community

“Peace of mind knowing parent is well cared for by good people.”

Home > About Us > Testimonials

Please enjoy this preview of the first chapter of "New Possibilities in Memory Care: The Silverado Story."

"Loren Shook and Stephen Winner show us that memory impairment doesn’t have to mean the end of life. At Silverado, it means a new stage of life based on love not fear. By replacing restraints, drugs and sterile surroundings with a cozy home, clubs, animals, and children, the “Silverado Way” makes it possible for people with cognitive impairments to live full, engaged lives again, with dignity and purpose. This story is an inspiration – simple but revolutionary. Millions will benefit if this incredibly humane vision becomes the norm." Jeannine English, President, AARP (2012–2016)

"In their book, Loren Shook and Steve Winner make the compelling argument that providing meaningful care to those with Alzheimer’s and other memory-impairing diseases should rank alongside research into prevention and cure of the conditions as a top public priority. This is an important book and recommended reading for all who are concerned about the issue." Frank M. LaFerla, Ph.D. Chancellor’s Professor and Chair, Neurobiology and Behavior School of Biological Sciences Director, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California, Irvine

"The Silverado experience is such that each resident, (not patient), is treated with respect, dignity, and love. There are things beyond just being safe and living longer that are important. Every person my husband encountered was so caring and kind. There was support not only for my husband, but also for our entire family. We were still in his life, not just visitors to his life. When it came time for him to leave this earth, the entire staff surrounded us with support and love. He never had to go to a hospital, and died peacefully surrounded by the ones he loved. Who could ask for more?" Candy Pyle Wife of Mike Pyle, Captain of the 1963 NFL Champion Chicago Bears

"In 1993 when my stepfather developed Parkinson’s, we were unable to find a home that understood the needs of individuals with dementia. We settled on a community that was clean and safe but had no dementia experience. Three years later Loren Shook, Steve Winner and Jim Smith approached us about an entirely new concept – an assisted living that focused on improving quality of life for individuals with dementia. They had developed a care model that was focused on social interaction and participation, enabling the reduction of resident medication levels. Twenty years later, Silverado has brought life to tens of thousands of early- and late-stage dementia patients. Eventually, my mother developed Alzheimer’s and spent the last two years of her life at Silverado where she was able to enjoy life again as she visited museums, music performances, and even a USC football practice. Even with an advanced illness, she was able to participate in life – all while her family knew she was safe and lo

"This book puts into clear perspective why those of us involved in the field of human aging – from scientists to caregivers – do what we do. It truly is all about displaying compassionate understanding in the face of the great changes that come with older age and skillfully providing older adults with the environment and support that they need to maximize well-being in later life. Memory-impairment is one of the most difficult and heartrending challenges that can accompany aging, but Loren Shook and Steve Winner have shown us the importance of never letting our fears overwhelm our ability to provide loving care to those who need it most. Their story and their philosophy are an incredible inspiration to all of us who strive to make the world a better place for older adults." Pinchas Cohen, M.D. Dean, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Executive Director, Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center University of Southern California

"This is a story of creating extraordinary results. Silverado is about living to our fullest, knowing “and” is more powerful than “or” – just as love is more powerful than fear. Any leader exploring how his or her organization can achieve more will find this easy-to-read story of innovation, courage and conviction to be inspiring and useful." Vance Caesar, Ph.D. Premier Leadership Coach Business Visionary and Entrepreneur