LeadingAge Maryland and LifeSpan Network teamed up to reshape the picture of memory care with their inaugural National Memory Care Symposium July 8-9, 2024. Held at Ingleside at King Farm, a retirement community in Rockville, Maryland, the two-day event convened 120 aging services professionals keen to challenge and change the misperceptions surrounding memory care services and empower compassionate care for those navigating the challenges of cognitive decline.
The purpose of the National Memory Care Symposium was to create a national conversation about the next generation of services, approaches, and care for individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia.
Leaders and program staff from life plan/continuing care retirement communities, assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, home care organizations, adult day programs, and other services participated in this event in the shadow of the nation’s capital’s vibrant summer attractions. Keynote speakers included Samuel “Sam” Simon of the Dementia Man documentary and Carrie Shaw, CEO of Embodied Labs, alongside 17 breakout sessions spearheaded by industry professionals.
“We are honored to present the first-ever National Memory Care Symposium, planned and presented in partnership with LeadingAge Maryland. This groundbreaking event revolutionized the way we approach memory care, offering unparalleled insights and innovative strategies to enhance the quality of life for seniors living with memory impairments,” LifeSpan Network’s President & CEO Kevin Heffner shared. “By bringing together experts, caregivers, and industry leaders, we were able to foster a collaborative environment that will drive advancements in care practices and ensure a brighter future for memory care. This symposium represents our continued unwavering commitment to excellence in senior care and our dedication to supporting families and communities affected by memory-related conditions.”
LeadingAge Maryland’s President & CEO Allison Roenigk Ciborowski shared a similar sentiment on the success of the event. “Our commitment to supporting older adults and the organizations who serve them was highlighted at this event. This two-day symposium was the start of continued collaboration to help equip professionals to best support those living with dementia,” Ciborowski said. “Reshaping the picture of memory care requires us to use new inclusive language about the work that we do, and to embrace new approaches and innovative models of support and care. LeadingAge Maryland and LifeSpan Network partnering on this event helps both associations maximize our efforts and enact changes for the betterment of our members and older adults in Maryland.”
