About Our Dementia Care Program in Encinitas, CA

Safety & Dignity, Always.

Why We Focus on Dementia Care and Support

We help Encinitas families navigate dementia at home with safety, dignity, and calm routines. Standard home care wasn’t built for memory loss, behavior changes, and unpredictable days. We chose to specialize in dementia so every visit blends full-service in-home support with structured, stage-aware engagement that reduces anxiety, sparks connection, and helps your loved one feel more like themselves.

Our Philosophy — We Are CARE

Compassionate. Accountable. Respectful. Ethical.

These values guide owners, staff, and caregivers in every interaction with your family. 

Compassionate

We lead with patience and sensitivity.

Accountable

We stand behind our plans and follow-through.

Respectful

We protect dignity and honor life stories.

Ethical

We maintain the highest standards in the home and in our decisions.

Caregiver Training, Credentials, and Supervision

Our caregivers complete dementia-focused training before entering the home and continue with supervised practice and refreshers throughout the year. Training emphasizes calm communication and brain-supportive engagement, not just task lists.

Core Dementia Competencies

Supervision & Quality

Credentials & Screening

Background checks and reference verification for every caregiver

What Makes Our Program Different

Families don’t need “babysitting.” They need dementia-aware support that engages the brain

Purpose-built Engagement

We bring materials and plan activities designed to stimulate multiple brain regions (creative arts, music & rhythm, guided movement, nature engagement, life story sharing, purposeful tasks).

Structured Visit Flow

ADLs/IADLs as needed, a planned engagement block, pacing with backups, and a calm wind-down.

Stage-aware Plans

Reviewed by a supervisor and adjusted as needs change.

Family Coaching

Practical guidance so spouses and adult children keep the home routine steady.

Sam and Joscelyn Van Valzah, Co-Owners

Community-minded leaders with a background in human services and planning. Sam focuses on practical solutions that improve daily life for families living with dementia.

Our Caregivers

Encinitas-area professionals who reflect our We Are CARE values. They’re trained for dementia, background-checked, and supported by hands-on supervision. Beyond tasks, they bring calm presence, materials for engagement, and clear updates after each visit. Our caregivers are different because they receive extensive training, support and debriefing before being paired with a family. This is how we make sure your loved one is matched with the perfect caregiver for their needs.

Meet Your Local Encinitas Team

Our Story

A Place At Home began with families like ours, searching for reliable, dignified help during uncertain seasons. Bringing that spirit to Encinitas, we built a dementia-focused program around trained caregivers, brain-supportive engagement, and steady guidance for families—so home can feel like home again.

Areas We Serve in North County, CA

Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Carlsbad, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, and nearby communities.

Let’s Plan Your First Visit

Book a 15-minute planning call and we’ll listen, outline a personalized plan, and schedule your first visit. From there, we stay with you—checking in, adjusting the plan, and sharing regular updates.