What Is Memory Care Week?
A national initiative sponsored by the National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP) to honor those working in dementia and memory care. It’s a week of gratitude, education, and connection — designed to uplift those who care for individuals living with dementia.
Why It Matters:
Memory Care professionals combine empathy, creativity, and skill to support quality of life for residents and families. This week shines a light on their essential work.
Memory Care is not just a job: it’s a Calling
November 9-13, 2026
2026 MEMORY CARE WEEK WEBINARS
Monday, November 9, 2026 10AM PST/12PM CST/1PM EST
GROWING OUR PROFESSION: A PANEL DISCUSSION ON LEADERSHIP & CAREER GROWTH
Panelists: Daniela Vegas, Assistant Vice President Trilogy Health Services; Wade Vest, VP of Operations Kisco Senior Living; and a senior living recruiter
Moderator: Tamorra Sims, Executive Director Validation Training Institute
REGISTER HERE
There are many paths to a meaningful career in senior living—and very few of them are perfectly straight. Join a panel of senior living professionals for a candid conversation about leadership, career growth, mentorship, and the experiences that have shaped their careers. Panelists will share lessons learned along the way, strategies for recognizing and developing talent, and ideas for professionals who are ready to take their next step.
Featured panelists include a diverse group of senior living leaders: Daniela Vegas, Assistant Vice President Trilogy Health Services; Wade Vest, VP of Operations Kisco Senior Living; and a senior living recruiter. The panel will be moderated by Tamorra Sims, Executive Director Validation Training Institute.
Whether you are new to senior living, growing into leadership, or looking for ways to support the next generation of leaders, this session will offer practical ideas and different perspectives from across our profession. Come ready to learn, reflect, and think about what might be next for you—or for someone you lead.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 10AM PST/12PM CST/1PM EST
PRACTICAL DEMENTIA PRINCIPLES FOR PARTICIPATION & ENGAGEMENT
Panelists: Rev Katie Norris, owner of Creative Connections in Dementia Care®?and author; Maureen Braen, Founder of RISE Dementia CARE
Moderator: Kim Mead, NAAP Leadership Team
REGISTER HERE
Individuals on a dementia journey do retain strengths, abilities, interests, and a desire to participate in meaningful life. When we focus on what is possible—and thoughtfully consider the environment, our approach, and the opportunities we provide—we can often uncover abilities that might otherwise be overlooked. What can we do differently to support greater participation, engagement, and purpose?
Join dementia specialists Rev Katie Norris and Maureen Braen for a practical conversation about dementia, participation, engagement, and activation. We’ll explore how our approach, environment, communication, expectations, and activity design can influence a person’s ability and willingness to participate. We’ll also consider other factors that can “look like dementia,” and why curiosity matters when we notice a change. Participants will leave with practical ideas they can immediately use to better support people living with dementia.
Rev Katie Norris is the owner of Creative Connections in Dementia Care ® and author; Maureen Braen is the founder of RISE Dementia CARE; and Kim Mead, moderator, is on the NAAP Leadership Team.
Friday, November 13, 2026 10AM PST/12PM CST/1PM EST
RESIDENTS IN THE LEAD: A CONVERSATION ABOUT PURPOSE, CHOICE AND ENGAGEMENT
Panelists: Incredible Residents from Frontier Senior Living; Edward Craft, Regional Lifestyle Specialist Frontier Senior Living
Moderator: Brenda Gurung, National Director of Memory Care Services Kisco Senior Living
REGISTER HERE
What makes a meaningful day? What makes a great party? What does it feel like to contribute to your neighborhood—and what do you wish professionals understood about the people they support?
In this special Memory Care Week conversation, residents take center stage (and rightly so!). We’ll hear directly from residents about their experiences, accomplishments, relationships, ideas, and the ways they contribute to life in their community. We’ll also talk with Edward Craft, Regional Lifestyle Specialist for Frontier Senior Living, about what happens when professionals create space for residents to lead, make decisions, take reasonable risks, and sometimes change the plan entirely. This session is an opportunity to listen, learn, laugh, and challenge some of our assumptions about what engagement and empowerment can look like. This panel will be moderated by Brenda Gurung, National Director of Memory Care Services at Kisco Senior Living.
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