Meet Hope & The Founder
At Hope, we believe memory loss should never mean a loss of dignity, purpose, or joy. We are proud to be Chico’s premier social adult day program for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, providing families with the peace of mind they deserve and offering their loved ones the enriching, compassionate care they need to thrive.
Founded by Jessica Dawn Bernhardt, a Registered Nurse and Certified Dementia Practitioner, Hope is the result of both professional expertise and deeply personal experience. Jessica’s journey began while caring for her grandmother, who lived with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Through this experience, she saw firsthand how isolating dementia can be, not just for those diagnosed, but for the families who love them.
That’s why Hope is more than a care program; it’s a movement to remove the stigma of dementia. We focus on celebrating each person’s story, abilities, and strengths, no matter the stage of their diagnosis. Our goal is to restore quality of life, foster genuine connection, and create a space where both guests and caregivers feel supported, understood, and never alone.
Our guests enjoy engaging, thoughtfully designed activities, therapeutic social interaction, and delicious organic meals, all in a safe, loving environment. Families gain the reassurance of knowing their loved ones are cared for by a knowledgeable team that leads with heart. We’re honored you’ve taken the time to explore what Hope can offer. We invite you to join us in redefining what memory care looks like, with dignity, empathy, and unwavering commitment.
Because every stage of dementia deserves to be met with hope.
"We Are Honored"
We are honored to share that Hope Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care has been recognized by Assisted Living Magazine for Excellence in Senior and Memory Care, as well as awarded the Best of 2025 Business Rating in Butte County for an Adult Day Program. This achievement is made possible through the heartfelt ratings and reviews shared by our wonderful families.
These distinctions reflect our unwavering commitment to providing compassionate, engaging, and personalized support for seniors living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We are deeply grateful for this recognition and remain dedicated to bringing hope, purpose, and joy to each day for the families we serve.
Services
Respite Care
Caring for a loved one at home is an act of love, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. That’s where respite care makes a world of difference, not just for caregivers, but for the loved ones they entrust to us. Respite provides essential support, allowing caregivers to rest, recharge, and maintain their own well-being while ensuring their loved ones continue to receive attentive, meaningful care.
Across the board, many adult day programs have high caregiver-to-guest ratios, which can limit personalized attention and engagement. At HOPE, we understand that true respite means creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and connected. Our focus is on fostering meaningful experiences, comfort, and dignity for every guest, while giving caregivers peace of mind.
Here, respite doesn’t feel like “care in a facility.” It feels like home. Families can trust that their loved one is in a compassionate environment designed to support both their well-being and the caregiver’s health, knowing that every moment is purposeful and caring.
"It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it."
– Lena Horne
Peace of Mind
Caring for a loved one is an act of devotion, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Even the most committed caregivers need support, guidance, and a chance to recharge. Respite care provides that essential relief, helping caregivers maintain their well-being while ensuring their loved ones continue to thrive in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment.
At HOPE Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, we’ve reimagined respite care to make it more personal, compassionate, and meaningful. By welcoming only six guests per day, we are able to provide focused attention and create a warm, home-like atmosphere. Every activity, interaction, and meal is thoughtfully designed to honor each individual’s preferences and needs, ensuring that care never feels impersonal or routine, it feels like home.
Our approach goes beyond standard respite services. With personalized enrichment activities, nourishing meals, and genuine human connection, every day is structured to promote comfort, dignity, and joy. Families gain more than just a few hours of relief, they gain peace of mind knowing their loved one is thriving in a compassionate environment where every moment is purposeful.
At HOPE, respite care isn’t just a service, it’s an innovative experience that transforms caregiving for both individuals and families.
Engaging
Mental & Social Stimulation
For individuals struggling to connect with the world around them, mental and social stimulation can be transformative. Engaging the mind and senses opens new pathways for connection, allowing individuals to relate to others in meaningful and positive ways. We recognize that every interaction has the potential to spark engagement, curiosity, and joy.
Sensory stimulation plays a powerful role in this process, awakening thoughts, memories, and emotions that may have been buried or forgotten. Through carefully designed exercises, activities, and experiences, HOPE helps individuals reconnect with their past, express themselves in new ways, and experience moments of clarity and fulfillment that enhance their overall well-being.
Our innovative approach combines mental, social, and sensory exercises that are not only enjoyable but also scientifically proven to support health.
Regular engagement can improve sleep quality, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and lift mood, creating a holistic benefit for both body and mind. At HOPE, stimulation isn’t just a tool, it’s a gateway to a richer, more connected life.
Healthy Meal Plans
At Hope we believe that dining is more than a meal, it’s an opportunity to nourish the body, nurture the mind, and foster connection. Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining strength, vitality, and overall well-being, and it plays a particularly important role for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Research shows that inadequate nutrition can exacerbate behavioral symptoms and contribute to weight loss, making the quality of every meal critical.
We believe that true brain health begins from the inside out, which is why our menus feature fresh, nutrient-rich, and organic foods whenever possible. Each recipe is thoughtfully crafted to support cognitive function, overall health, and emotional well-being, combining science-backed ingredients with flavors that delight the senses. From vibrant fruits and vegetables to wholesome proteins and grains, every dish is designed to fuel the body while nurturing the mind.
Mealtime at HOPE is a shared experience, where guests gather together at our table, engage, and connect in the warmth of a family-like atmosphere.
Beyond nutrition, it’s a time for conversation, laughter, and meaningful interaction, moments that enrich the day and reinforce a sense of belonging, dignity, and joy.
Exercise
Exercise is a cornerstone of holistic wellness, offering transformative benefits for older adults. Regular movement enhances aerobic fitness, functional mobility, and overall physical strength while significantly reducing the risk of chronic diseases. At HOPE Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, we understand that staying active is not just about maintaining the body; it’s about fostering independence and confidence in daily life.
Research consistently shows that consistent exercise positively impacts individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Engaging in structured physical activity supports upper body strength, balance, and endurance, helping participants maintain essential functional abilities.
By incorporating exercises tailored to their unique needs, we empower our guests to move safely, effectively, and with purpose.
Our innovative daily exercise routines go beyond the physical, providing a range of cognitive and emotional benefits. Participants experience improved mental clarity, better sleep quality, heightened alertness, enhanced mood, and even positive effects on blood glucose and blood pressure.
By integrating movement into each day, we create a holistic approach to wellness that strengthens the body, supports the mind, and uplifts the spirit.
Consistency
For individuals living with Alzheimer's and dementia, consistency is not just beneficial, it is essential. Studies have shown that maintaining a stable routine and familiar caregivers can significantly reduce anxiety, agitation, and confusion, leading to improved emotional well-being and quality of life.
A consistent caregiving environment fosters trust, enhances communication, and provides a sense of security, all of which are vital for individuals navigating the challenges of cognitive decline.
We believe that caregiving extends beyond physical assistance, it encompasses emotional support, companionship, and a nurturing environment. Our team is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where your loved one can feel valued and understood.
By offering consistent care and a personalized approach, we aim to enhance the well-being of both individuals and their families, providing peace of mind and fostering a sense of community.
Katie B., Durham, CA
Jessica and her team have been a true blessing in the care of our family member who has Alzheimer's. Before we found her, we were struggling to find anyone that could give us, and mainly my husband, some time for himself. We will be forever greatful for what Jessica is doing to not only help us and our family member, but also others who are in need.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Christina J., Chico, CA
Jessica and Cara are kind and caring professionals. HOPE is a top-notch day program focused on the needs of the guests. My father attends once a week and thoroughly enjoys his time spent with Jessica, Cara, and the other guests. He has experienced several craft sessions, singing, painting, outings to CSU Chico's rose garden, and family style meals at the long dining table. When I see his smile at the beginning and at pickup time I know he is in the right place.
Steve K., San Diego, CA
We have interacted with Hope from before they opened. I feel they are THE outstanding dementia care facility in Chico. My sister Carol loves the caring environment and great activities. With only 6 people at a time there is plenty of one on one attention and Jessica and staff are caring, loving health professionals. I reccomend Hope to anyone with Alzheimer's or dementia family members. You will be impressed.
Meet Our Team
At Hope we are skilled and professionally trained Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers. We recognize the symptoms and we understand expected outcomes of these conditions. It is our passion at Hope to provide daily, quality care and support for our clients and their caregivers who are managing Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.
Contact Us
We look forward to speaking with you! Please reach out with any questions or comments. You may fill out the form here, or call us during our operating hours. If we do not answer, we are with a guest or family member and will return your call or message as soon as possible.
Please note that you will receive a faster response by texting our number below. Thank you!
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri
Saturday & Sunday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed
Schedule a Consultation
Our program hours are from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, providing meaningful engagement and essential respite care in a safe, nurturing environment.
Our administrative hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, allowing us to be available for caregiver consultations, program inquiries, tours, and coordination of services.
Call us today to take a tour of our Hope home! We look forward to being a part of your care partner team!
530-592-9083
(Text Friendly)
MISSION
At Hope Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, we are reimagining dementia care through an innovative, home-based model that blends evidence-informed therapeutic engagement with genuine human connection. Our person-centered Social Adult Day Program empowers individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias to live meaningful, enriched days filled with joy, purpose, and dignity. Rooted in compassion and community, we also champion caregiver wellness by offering practical support, education, and critical respite, addressing burnout with real solutions and heartfelt partnership. At Hope, we believe that when families are supported and individuals are seen for who they are, even in the midst of memory loss, healing and hope are possible—every single day.
VISION
At Hope Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, our vision is to lead a new era of dementia support—where home-based, heart-centered care becomes the gold standard. We aim to be recognized not only in Butte County but across California as the organization that restores dignity, uplifts families, and redefines what’s possible for those living with memory loss.
By engaging hearts, transforming lives, and building systems that support both the person with dementia and their care partner, we’re breaking down barriers between clinical care and everyday living—one joyful, meaningful day at a time.
CORE VALUES
At Hope Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, our values are the foundation of everything we do. Rooted in compassion, dignity, and purpose, they guide each decision, interaction, and service we provide. We are committed to honoring the humanity of every individual we serve, bringing empathy, respect, and specialized care to those living with dementia and the families who walk beside them. Through personalized support, continuous learning, and ethical excellence, we preserve quality of life while easing the burdens of caregiving.
Our team operates as one—unified in mission, driven by service, and strengthened by collaboration. We believe in open communication, mutual respect, and going above and beyond to ensure our guests and caregivers feel truly seen and supported. With a strong commitment to growth, innovation, and community partnership, we strive every day to create a home-like sanctuary where healing happens, joy is cultivated, and hope is never out of reach.
Community
We serve others by bringing about the desired improvement in the well-being of individuals and families. Our efforts and relationships are unified in purpose and action to address the issues that affect our clients and caregivers. We work together with our community to bring the best respite care available.
Compassion
We practice acts of empathy and kindness when providing services and care. We understand the human condition of the disease through specialized training, and seek to preserve a quality of life for our clients and caregivers throughout the duration of the disease process.
Integrity
We are honest, trustworthy, and conduct ourselves with the highest standards of ethics. We are committed to providing service that is courteous, responsive, and contributes to a positive experience for clients, caregivers, volunteers, and fellow employees.
Loyalty
We faithfully commit to fulfilling the organization’s mission by serving and supporting others. We expect from ourselves open communication and going above the call of duty.
Collaboration
We work in unison through mutual cooperation and teamwork towards achieving common goals by sharing our ideas and skills. We are willing to replace self-interests with organizational goals to ensure team success.
Personal Goals
We engage in activities that improve self-awareness, develop skills, and promote learning. We take pride in our work to realize our dreams and aspirations.