The Memory Care Innovation program aims to recognize passionate and innovative industry members shaping the future of cognitive care in various sectors. To view this year’s award winners, visit here.
To become a Memory Care Innovation Award winner, a nominee must be nominated by peers, be a high-performing employee who puts vision into action, and advocates for those with memory-related disorders and their caregivers.
This week, Memory Care Business features an interview with Ryan Muzzey, director of memory care at Clarendale of St. Peters in Missouri.
1. What drew you to working in memory care?
From childhood, I was inspired by my mother’s dedication to running an adult day center for individuals with dementia. Her innovative approaches motivated me to pursue a career in memory care.
2. What’s your biggest lesson learned since starting to work in memory care?
Flexibility, curiosity, and servant leadership are key lessons I’ve learned while working in memory care.
3. If you could change one thing with an eye toward the future of memory care, what would it be?
Redefining memory care roles to prioritize resident care and work-life balance is essential for the future of memory care.
4. What is the biggest obstacle to being innovative in memory care, and how do you try to overcome that obstacle?
Financial constraints can hinder innovation in memory care, but long-term benefits outweigh initial costs.
5. In a word, how would you describe the future of memory care?
Elevated.
What quality must all Memory Care Innovation Award winners possess?
Memory Care innovators must operate from purpose to drive meaningful change.
If you could give advice to yourself looking back to your first day in the industry, what would it be and why?
Embrace leadership, learn from failures, practice patience, and listen to intuition.
Use a movie, book, or TV show title to describe the year ahead for the senior living industry in 2024?
The Times They Are A-Changing by Bob Dylan
Choose one person to help change the senior living industry for the better. Who are you choosing and why?
Yvonne van Amerongen, for creating thriving environments for individuals with dementia and their carers.
