In Champagne-en-Valromey, a solemn atmosphere settled this Tuesday, March 31, at the Ehpad Fondation Costaz, where the centenarian Carmen Fernandez was honored for her 100 years. Surrounded by residents, staff members, and relatives, this celebration not only highlighted an exceptional longevity but also showcased the kindness and care prevailing within this nursing home located in the heart of a preserved natural setting. This dedicated day reflects the respect and recognition inspired by old age and the experience accumulated by individuals like Carmen, whose vitality inspires many generations. In a peaceful setting at the foot of the Valromey mountains, the Fondation Costaz illustrates through this celebration a modern and humane concept of senior residence, where quality of life prevails at every moment.
While Champagne-en-Valromey traditionally evokes charm and tranquility, the event organized at the Ehpad Fondation Costaz also highlights the importance of marking major life milestones in an institution. Thanks to a dedicated animation team and adapted infrastructures, the public residence, which houses 131 residents, combines conviviality, care, and stimulating activities. Celebrating Carmen Fernandez’s birthday is an opportunity to bring the local community closer, to enhance social bonds, and to strengthen the vital role of these establishments in territorial dynamics. This acknowledgment of a life also sheds light on the evolving mindset about old age, now seen not as a tangle of isolation but as a rich period of stories to pass on.
A century of life in Champagne-en-Valromey: the unique story of Carmen Fernandez
Carmen Fernandez embodies a form of living memory, woven from personal stories that recount a century of local and family history, as well as societal transformations of the 20th and early 21st centuries. Born in a rural environment in Bugey, she has passed through eras with the quiet strength of those who know how to adapt. Her journey is marked by major events: world wars, economic and social changes, as well as the gradual emergence of institutions dedicated to the care of the elderly, of which the Ehpad Fondation Costaz is a contemporary example.
This longevity is also explained by a lifestyle made up of essential balances, mixing healthy eating, moderate physical activity, and strong social support. Each resident benefits, at the Fondation Costaz, from individualized support that cultivates autonomy and dignity. Carmen thus benefited from care combining medical expertise and human warmth, allowing her days to flow between shared moments, adapted leisure, and attentive care. This constant attention promotes not only the maintenance of physical health but also stimulates cognitive functions, essential in the support of elders.
The Champagne-en-Valromey residence offers an exceptional setting, set in a generous nature where mountains and valley contribute to the residents’ well-being. The historic building, stemming from the Costaz family, combines tradition and modernity, ensuring optimal comfort. The celebration organized for Carmen Fernandez’s centenary is much more than a simple festive gathering; it symbolizes the continuity of humanist values upheld by this institution serving seniors.
The Fondation Costaz: a model Ehpad combining history, modernity, and quality of life for seniors
The Ehpad Fondation Costaz stands out in the landscape of care structures for the elderly by its location in the heart of Champagne-en-Valromey and by the integration of a philosophy centered on respect and the valorization of each resident. With its 131 places spread over two sites and several buildings, this public senior residence offers a wide range of services aimed at ensuring a balanced and pleasant daily life. The layout of the premises meets accessibility and safety requirements, while promoting convivial spaces, essential to fight against isolation.
Beyond the essential medical care, the Fondation Costaz is committed to offering a rich and diverse animation aimed at stimulating the mind and body of the elderly. Creative workshops, cultural outings, collective memory times as well as convivial moments punctuate the residents’ days. This approach, a counter to the clichés associated with aging, helps maintain a sense of belonging and strengthen social ties. Moreover, the privileged natural environment, between mountains and waterways, allows the organization of outdoor activities, vital for morale and health.
This model of autonomous public Ehpad also relies on a multidisciplinary team composed of care staff, facilitators, life auxiliaries, and coordinating doctors. Their coordination ensures an adapted response to specific needs. The Fondation Costaz thus illustrates the modernity of elder care establishments, combining historical heritage – the buildings were constructed at the beginning of the 19th century by the Costaz family – and social innovations.
It should be noted that this residence is also located in a high-quality environment where local shops, services, and nature delight its residents and their families. The Foundation has adapted to contemporary expectations while preserving its territorial roots, thus reinforcing the notion of a living space rather than just accommodation.
The importance of celebrating birthdays in Ehpads
Organizing celebrations like the centenary of Carmen Fernandez goes far beyond a simple tribute. These events play a fundamental role in the living environment of residents and their entourage. They are a source of motivation, bring joy, and reinforce the sense of belonging to a community. Valuing personal experiences and longevity also helps combat the negative idea of old age as an inevitable decline.
Indeed, testimonials collected during these celebrations reveal that residents gain self-esteem and nurture positive dynamics that can impact their mental and physical health. This emotional aspect is a key factor in successful Ehpad journeys, a field where comprehensive care is not limited to medical issues.
Champagne-en-Valromey: a privileged environment for Ehpad residents
The commune of Champagne-en-Valromey, located in the heart of Valromey in Ain, benefits from a remarkable natural environment made up of mountains and lush valleys. This natural gem plays a considerable role in the quality of life of elderly people welcomed at the Fondation Costaz. Access to peaceful walks and soothing panoramas helps preserve a balance both physical and psychological.
The region is also part of a rich wine and gastronomic tradition, known well beyond its borders. While the name “Champagne” may immediately bring to mind the world-famous wine region, Champagne-en-Valromey is more of a haven of calm that combines heritage, terroir, and quality of life. This proximity to the vineyard and champagne houses contributes to a unique local culture: for example, residents, and their families, can enjoy festive events around champagne. This complements the offer of cultural and heritage activities organized at the residence.
This region, in 2026, is all the more dynamic as it combines wine gems with a tradition of welcoming hospitality, as illustrated by the Ehpad Fondation Costaz. Joining an establishment in such a natural and cultural environment undeniably promotes the overall well-being of seniors.
The benefits of longevity: beyond age, a model of human inspiration
The journey of Carmen Fernandez, centenarian in Champagne-en-Valromey, perfectly illustrates the benefits that longevity can bring to a community. She is a true vector of memory and history, embodying a bridge between several generations. Her birthday was thus an opportunity to remind that aging with dignity is possible thanks to adapted support and constant attention to quality of life.
Seniors like Carmen play a crucial role in transmitting knowledge and values. Their presence in structures such as the Fondation Costaz enriches the local social fabric, creates stimulating social interactions, and guides young people towards a more respectful approach to old age. Numerous studies show that elderly people involved in social and cultural activities enjoy better mental and physical health, thus reinforcing their autonomy for longer.
Another important vector to highlight in this context is the role of wine and champagne in cultural traditions associated with this longevity. Indeed, the region around Champagne-en-Valromey benefits from legendary ties with this nectar, exemplified by iconic houses where tradition and modernity merge. This cultural aspect helps differentiate the residents’ experience, offering moments of exception and quality, such as those occurring during festive times linked to birthdays or visits of Champagne-related initiatives, thus reminding us that living fully, even in old age, is an art of living.
- Personalized support thanks to multidisciplinary teams
- Privileged natural environment for daily well-being
- Adapted animations promoting cognitive and physical stimulation
- Valorization of residents’ life experiences as a source of inspiration
- Maintaining social ties through festivities and regular meetings
Integrating history and modernity in Ehpad management: advances in senior care
The Fondation Costaz, which takes its name from the family who built its first wings in the 19th century, represents a compelling example of harmonizing architectural heritage and contemporary requirements. In 2026, Ehpad management is experiencing a major evolution mixing tradition and innovation. Thus, the Champagne-en-Valromey residence innovates notably on technological and human levels to improve residents’ daily lives.
The introduction of digital solutions for medical monitoring, communication with families, and administrative management is part of this. These tools facilitate interactions while simplifying care coordination. However, their use remains always oriented towards respect for residents’ privacy and autonomy. At the same time, the human approach remains the cornerstone of care. Continuous training of caregivers and facilitators has strengthened their skills in geriatrics and the psychology of aging.
Moreover, the Fondation Costaz is committed to an ecological approach by enhancing a green setting and promoting soft mobility around the residence. This willingness to integrate sustainable practices contributes to the quality of life of residents as well as the attractiveness of the territory.
By identifying local partners, the residence has also been able to create synergies with regional stakeholders that help enrich the cultural and social offer. For example, ties with Champagne vineyards allow the organization of introductory workshops and the discovery of the fascinating history of this wine, according to the values and innovations described in articles to be read on recognized sites such as the Champagne caves mapping or the modernization of historic domains mentioned in Thienot: Tradition and modernity. These initiatives help open new horizons for the residence and its residents.
What services does the Ehpad Fondation Costaz offer?
The Fondation Costaz offers comprehensive support including medical care, cultural activities, psychological support, and a privileged natural setting for the overall well-being of residents.
How does the Fondation Costaz promote the quality of life of residents?
Thanks to a multidisciplinary team, diversified activities, and a soothing natural environment, the residence is committed to maintaining autonomy and stimulating the social and cognitive life of seniors.
Why is celebrating residents’ birthdays important?
These celebrations strengthen residents’ emotional well-being, value their journey, and create a strong social bond within the establishment.
Why is Champagne-en-Valromey an ideal place for a senior residence?
This commune offers an exceptional natural setting, rich heritage, and dynamic local life, promoting comfort and serenity for elderly people.
What cultural ties exist between the region and the world of champagne?
The territory combines renowned wine traditions and modernity, offering residents and visitors unique cultural experiences around champagne, such as discovering caves and historic houses.