Juniper Village at South Hills Earns Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Excellence in Dementia Care

(October 23, 2025) Pittsburgh, PA - Juniper Village at South Hills is proud to announce that its community has been awarded the Excellence in Care Dementia Care Program of Distinction by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA). This certification signifies national recognition for achieving the highest standards in person-centered dementia care, and reflects Juniper's ongoing commitment to creating a supportive, engaging, and compassionate environment for residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

To earn this certification, Juniper Village at South Hills underwent a rigorous on-site evaluation by AFA specialists. The assessment reviewed essential care areas including staff training, safety measures, resident engagement, dining services, and environmental quality. Juniper’s team demonstrated excellence across all categories, showcasing both professional skill and heartfelt connection in their approach.

“The AFA onsite survey evaluates all facets of our memory care program and is awarded by industry experts. We are honored their evaluation found Juniper Village at South Hills worthy to be recognized as an Excellence in Care Dementia Care Program of Distinction,” stated Liz Plozner-Chalfa, Regional Director of Operations for Juniper Communities and Certified Dementia Practitioner and Trainer.

Evaluators noted several program strengths, including thoughtfully designed engagement opportunities that promote autonomy, cognitive stimulation, and connection. Associates were observed building meaningful relationships with residents, offering not only care, but warmth, encouragement, and respect. Dining experiences were similarly praised, with individualized support tools, choice-centered approaches, and a setting that honors dignity at every step.

“This recognition reflects our South Hills team’s unwavering dedication to providing exceptional, person-centered care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and their families. We congratulate them for receiving the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Excellence in Care Award,” remarked Plozner-Chalfa. “Every day, we strive to create a nurturing environment where residents feel valued, supported, and loved. This award reaffirms our ongoing commitment to excellence in memory care.”

This certification places Juniper Village at South Hills among a distinguished group of memory care providers nationwide recognized by AFA for excellence in dementia care. It underscores Juniper’s dedication to nurturing the spirit of life in every resident and supporting families with knowledge, empathy, and personalized care.

Juniper Village at South Hills is located at 1320 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220. For more information, please call (412) 844-2482 or visit www.junipersouthhills.com.

About Juniper Communities

Juniper Communities, a leader in quality, value, and innovation, operates senior living communities in Colorado, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas that emphasize the well-being, interaction and security of those who call Juniper home. Our approach to housing and care offers community members the opportunity to live a full life, regardless of age or health. Juniper’s innovative Connect4Life program has been proven to improve resident care by decreasing hospitalizations, re-hospitalizations, and urgent care visits, while offering potential cost savings to public programs such as Medicare. To learn more about the many ways Juniper Communities innovates in support of the communities’ residents, visit www.junipercommunities.com.

About the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, founded in 2002, provides support, services, and education to individuals, families, and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Through its Excellence in Care Dementia Care Program of Distinction, AFA sets a national standard for dementia care communities across the country. Learn more at www.alzfdn.org.