Creating a Contemporary and Activity Rich Dementia Care Program

Join us for this Linked Senior webinar moderated by David Troxel, Long-Term Care Consultant with featured speakers: Melissa Dillon, Director of Garden House at Merrill Gardens Senior Living and Diane Byrne, Vice President of Training, Program Development and Regional Operations at Juniper Communities. Coming out of the COVID pandemic, many anticipate a strong demand for memory care services, particularly from care partners who have been providing direct care at home, while balancing work and family responsibilities. Because residential programs are opening for more group activities and family visits, now is a good time to evaluate your program and plan for the future. Do you have an outstanding activity program to offer a prospective family? Are you satisfied with your staff training and development? How would you like to see your dementia program evolve in the next six to twelve months? This webinar will discuss these trends and argue that now is the time to go from “good to great” and build a distinctive and engaging program that will appeal to current clients and be successful in the marketplace.

Participants who join this webinar will be able to:

• Name the key elements of a contemporary dementia care program
• Describe three ways to enhance staff training and development
• Learn ways to develop and sustain an innovative program

Diane Byrne

Vice President of Training, Program Development and Regional Operations

Juniper Communities

Diane Byrne has over 40 years’ experience within the senior living industry with roles and responsibilities that have included national level corporate-wide development of innovative, comprehensive programs for various stakeholders. Diane is responsible for the conceptualization, design, development and implementation of Juniper’s nine Signature Programs, including our R.E.S.P.E.C.T. program that fosters associate welfare and spirit through recognition and empowerment centered celebrations and trainings and our Connections with Alive in All Seasons program designed to encourage active bodies, engaged minds and fulfilled spirits. Diane configured the curriculum for our web based training platform. She played a vital role in the creation of the Assisted Living assessments within the electronic health record. She is currently working on the integration of our HRIS operating platforms. Diane was also instrumental in the development of our Connect4Life program. Before joining Juniper, Diane was the National Director of Specialty Care and Activities for Atria, where she was responsible for the conceptualization and implementation of dementia and wellness programs for 115 assisted living communities in 22 states. Diane also served as the former Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association South Central Pennsylvania Chapter. Her Alzheimer’s poetry was part of a national exhibit “The Art of Caring” and featured on NPR. She has consulted in the design of award-winning collateral materials and lectured at various national conferences including the National Alzheimer’s Educational Conference. Diane received her BS in Special Education/Psychology in 1974 and a Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation in 1984 from Southern Connecticut State University. She lives in Mechanicsburg, PA with her husband, Doug, two sweet Ragdoll cats and one very large Saint Bernard puppy. She and Doug have one daughter and two grandkids. She and her family treasure their time together at their beach house on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Diane is an avid gardener and enjoys reading.

Melissa Dillon

Director of Garden House

Merrill Gardens Senior Living

Melissa Dillon has over a decade of experience in senior living as a Care Coordinator, Executive Director, and Company Director for Memory Care. Her passion is positively affecting lives through educating others in evidenced based practices for people living with dementia. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a master degree in Gerontology as well as certifications from Teepa Snow as a Certified Trainer, Certified Coach, and Certified Engagement Leader. She lives in Scottsdale, AZ and enjoys traveling the country meeting the heroes of senior living.