Celebrating a Milestone: Senior Lifestyle and the Alzheimer’s Association Partnership
June 2025 marks a significant moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease as Senior Lifestyle proudly commemorates 10 years of collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association. This partnership has not only raised crucial funds but also advanced the field of memory care across communities nationwide.
A Decade of Dedication and Impact
Since the partnership’s inception in 2015, Senior Lifestyle has mobilized over $600,000 through initiatives like The Longest Day, significantly contributing to Alzheimer’s research and support. In 2024 alone, the contributions soared beyond $105,000, demonstrating a continued commitment to this essential cause. This June, with events still rolling out, the communities have already amassed nearly $70,000 in funding.
More Than Just Fundraising: A Commitment to Care
The heart of this partnership lies in its mission to enhance memory care, embodying Senior Lifestyle’s ethos of providing personalized, human-centered care. The organization’s flagship program, Embrace, stands testament to this mission, utilizing a research-informed approach designed to foster emotional connections and cognitive engagement, which are crucial for individuals grappling with Alzheimer’s.
Embrace: Revolutionizing Memory Care
Embrace is built on the belief that when memories fade, moments matter. This award-winning program combines cognitive stimulation, emotional connection, and sensory therapies to offer innovative interventions that aim to reduce reliance on medication. The goal? To create meaningful connections between residents, their loved ones, and their environment, enhancing quality of life significantly.
Brittany Coleman, Divisional Director of Memory Care, states, "Embrace was created to bring a higher standard of memory care to every community we serve." The program is tailored to accommodate the unique needs of each resident, ensuring that they receive a compassionate and individualized experience.
The Essence Program: A Holistic Approach
At the core of Embrace is the Essence program, which integrates sensory experiences such as aromatherapy, calming visuals, sounds, and touch to promote peace and alleviate distress. This innovative approach was recognized with Argentum’s 2017 Best of the Best Award, highlighting its contributions to enhancing memory care.
The Essence initiative is underpinned by expertise from Dr. Jennifer Stelter, Psy.D., DCS, DCSCT, a nationally recognized dementia care specialist. Known as The Oil Doctor, she trains Senior Lifestyle teams on the therapeutic use of essential oils, emphasizing their benefits in managing symptoms and improving residents’ quality of life.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Dr. Stelter notes that, "Intentional integration of essential oils into dementia care significantly enhances quality of life," confirming that specific oils can foster greater independence, elevate mood, and improve overall well-being. This holistic, non-pharmacological approach exemplifies how Senior Lifestyle prioritizes person-centered care.
Strengthening Community Ties
Throughout this month, Senior Lifestyle communities will continue to engage in Longest Day fundraising events, uniting residents, families, and team members in their shared effort to support Alzheimer’s awareness. These events are not just about raising funds; they are about celebrating community, resilience, and shared experiences.
About Senior Lifestyle
Since its inception in 1985, Senior Lifestyle has stood as a beacon of excellence in senior living services, with a portfolio of 100 communities nationwide. The organization emphasizes a range of personalized living options tailored to various care needs— from independent living and assisted living to memory care and continuing care. Senior Lifestyle consistently strives to create Great Places to Work and Live, setting the standard for innovative care and hospitality services.
For further information, please visit SeniorLifestyle.com.
Join the Fight
As we reflect on this decade-long partnership, it’s clear that the collaboration between Senior Lifestyle and the Alzheimer’s Association serves as a model for how community engagement can foster hope, understanding, and innovative care in the ongoing battle against Alzheimer’s disease. Together, we can make a difference.
