Memory Care Innovation Award Winner: Angela Champlin, Director of Memory Care Support Services, HumanGood

Angela Champlin, Director of Memory Care Support Services at HumanGood, has been named a 2025 Memory Care Innovation Award winner by Senior Housing News.

The Memory Care Innovation Awards program is designed to recognize passionate and innovative industry members who are shaping the future of cognitive care across behavioral health, home health and home care, hospice and palliative care, senior housing and senior living, and skilled nursing. To become a Memory Care Innovation Award winner, an individual must be nominated by their peers. The candidate should be a high-performing employee who knows how to put vision into action, serving as an advocate for those living with memory-related disorders and the committed professionals who ensure their well-being.

Champlin sat down with Senior Housing News to share her journey caring for patients and residents with cognitive care needs, her thoughts on the future of cognitive care in senior housing & senior living, and much more. To learn more about the Memory Care Innovation Awards program and view this year’s winners, visit https://innovation.memorycarebusiness.com/.

SHN: How long have you been a part of the memory care, senior housing & senior living industry?

Champlin: I have dedicated over 30 years to the senior living industry, beginning my career as an activities aide, and advancing through leadership roles in recreation, dementia care, and memory support services.

SHN: What drew you to caring for patients/residents with cognitive care needs?

Champlin: My passion for enriching the lives of older adults began early in my career, when I discovered a deep interest in dementia care through developing person-centered programs and coordinating volunteer services. This passion grew stronger as I met and worked alongside individuals living with cognitive impairment and their family members, learning from their resilience and unique experiences.

It also became deeply personal when my grandfather, whom I was especially close to, began showing symptoms of dementia. My commitment is rooted in empathy, advocacy, and a desire to elevate the quality of life for individuals living with cognitive impairment.

SHN: If you could change one thing about cognitive care in the memory care, senior housing & senior living industry, what would it be?

Champlin: I would shift the industry mindset from “helping people who are suffering from cognitive challenges” to “building a place where people can thrive, despite living with cognitive impairment.”

I advocate for environments that honor autonomy, dignity, and joy, and for care models that empower both residents and caregivers.

SHN: If you had a crystal ball, what do you think will most impact your ability to provide cognitive care in the memory care, senior housing & senior living industry in the next five years?

Champlin: Advances in training, technology, and family engagement will most impact cognitive care.

Equipping teams with evidence-based tools, fostering collaboration, and leveraging innovative programs, like Immerse (HumanGood’s memory support program), will be essential to adapt to evolving needs.

SHN: If you could describe cognitive care in the memory care, senior housing & senior living industry in one word, what would it be and why?

Champlin: Empowerment.

Cognitive care should empower individuals to live their fullest lives, support autonomy, and foster meaningful connections. My work centers on creating environments where residents, families, and team members are equipped and inspired to thrive.

SHN: What’s been the biggest lesson you have learned throughout your career?

Champlin: The biggest lesson I have learned is that compassionate, individualized support transforms lives. Leadership rooted in empathy, curiosity, and accountability drives innovation and elevates standards across communities.

SHN: If you could give yourself advice on the first day in the memory care, senior housing & senior living industry, what would it be and why?

Champlin: I would advise myself to embrace curiosity, seek mentorship, and always advocate for the dignity and rights of those living with cognitive impairment. A commitment to lifelong learning and collaboration is essential.

SHN: In your opinion, what qualities should all Memory Care Innovation Award winners possess?

Champlin: Award winners should demonstrate visionary leadership, compassion, advocacy, and a relentless drive for excellence. They should be innovators who champion dignity, empower teams, and transform the future of cognitive care.

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