Overview

Linked Senior by LifeLoop, Activity Connection, Dementia Action Alliance, the National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP), and the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP) are proud to partner and provide quarterly educational #ActivitiesStrong virtual gatherings. 

Join us for a dynamic half-day online event focused on creating a culture of belonging in senior living communities, with an emphasis on memory care. This event is designed for professionals across all levels of care, from independent living to skilled nursing, and will provide actionable insights on how to foster inclusive environments where every resident, regardless of their cognitive abilities, feels a sense of connection and purpose. Our expert speakers will share strategies for translating the vision of belonging into daily operations, ensuring that every resident can thrive.

Sessions

Session 1: 12:00-1:00 PM ET / 9:00-10:00 AM PT 

Creating True Belonging in Senior Living: From Customers to Citizens

In today’s senior living communities, fostering a sense of belonging is essential to creating environments where residents feel like valued citizens, not just customers receiving hospitality services. This webinar will explore strategies for cultivating a community culture that empowers residents to have agency, purpose, and a sense of ownership not only over their own lives, but of the community in which they live. By focusing on dignity, participation, and social connection, senior living professionals can move beyond a service-based model to one that emphasizes community, inclusion, and engagement for all residents, including those living with dementia.

Speakers

• Jill Vitale-Aussem, CEO, Christian Living Communities
• Verna Cavey, Resident, Christian Living Communities

Session 2: 1:30-2:30 PM ET / 10:30-11:30 AM PT

Living With, Not Dying From: The Lived Experience of Dementia

The experience of dementia is more varied than many people realize. Individuals with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are reshaping how we understand and talk about it. This moderated panel of people living with dementia or MCI will offer insights into the challenges and emotions involved in receiving a diagnosis, and their stories will inspire us to make dementia care and support more person-directed. Join this engaging panel discussion as speakers share their experiences of shifting from "Dying from Dementia" to "Living with Dementia," emphasizing the importance of purpose, social connections, and gratitude as key elements of a life filled with well-being.

Speakers

• Laurie Scherrer, Board Vice Chair of Lived Experience, Dementia Action Alliance
• Meredith Martin, Education and Development Guide, The Eden Alternative
• Monica Downer, DAA Advisory Board
• Steve Taylor, DAA Advisory Board

Session 3: 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET / 12:00-1:00 PM PT

What is Citizenship in Memory Care?

This presentation explores the concept of citizenship within memory care communities, focusing on the importance of preserving dignity, autonomy, and inclusion for residents with cognitive impairments. Attendees will gain practical strategies to foster a sense of belonging while addressing the ethical and practical challenges of supporting resident rights and safety.

Speakers

• Stacey Flint, Director of Sales and Marketing, Center for Applied Research in Dementia
• Drew Percival, Regional Director of Operations, Balfour Senior Living