Emily Sitzes, Wellness Director at EverTrue, 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.
Sitzes 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?
Sitzes: I’ve been honored to serve in the memory support and senior living industry for over 7 years as part of the EverTrue team.
SHN: What drew you to caring for patients/residents with cognitive care needs?
Sitzes: My journey caring for individuals living with dementia began during my time at EverTrue. My background as a Board-Certified Music Therapist created opportunities for me to connect with our residents through music and specialized therapeutic services. I found that this was a powerful way to build relationships beyond words, meet people where they are, and facilitate moments of joy and fulfillment for those with cognitive care needs. It was incredibly rewarding to revive old memories, support reminiscing, and acknowledge our residents for who they still are and not their diagnosis. I knew I had found my calling.
SHN: If you could change one thing about cognitive care in the memory care, senior housing & senior living industry, what would it be?
Sitzes: I want to see a future of inclusivity for those living with dementia. Often when this diagnosis happens, both the individual and their caregivers are so focused on the day-to-day needs, that activities, friendships, even fun fall to the wayside.
At EverTrue, our Memory Support units are often in the mix with our Assisted Living and Independent Living areas, so we can be inclusive of those with a dementia diagnosis while supporting their additional needs. EverTrue does this across the continuum of care and in Anywhere Care services to the broader community using our StillYou® patented care model for Memory Support, building education and awareness, offering supportive environments, and providing resources to individuals living with dementia no matter where they call home.
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?
Sitzes: Innovation will be a driving force impacting the future of memory support in the senior living industry. We have seen this already within EverTrue as we implement pieces of innovative technology, such as Tovertafel and Crdl, that focus on strengths and abilities while reinforcing human connection.
Other components of care will be supported through innovation as well, such as education and training through artificial intelligence (AI) resources and health and wellness technology to support brain health. I look forward to seeing this evolution continue.
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?
Sitzes: Evolving.
The senior living industry as a whole is changing, and I believe our approach toward cognitive care should continue to evolve as well.
There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to supporting those living with dementia and individuals’ needs change throughout that journey – a key component of EverTrue’s StillYou® patented care model. I was proud to be part of the team that developed the StillYou® care model, in keeping with our EverTrue Life According to You motto.
It is inspiring to see a shift in approaches and care models in memory support grounded in compassionate care, while looking forward through innovation, research, and partnerships.
SHN: What’s been the biggest lesson you have learned throughout your career?
Sitzes: Collaboration is key. The best care for individuals living with dementia is provided when the resident and the whole support team feels informed and included. That is why the EverTrue StillYou® care model is not a top-down program – it is a memory support approach built on insight from disciplines throughout our organization, as well as partnerships in our broader communities and all over the world.
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?
Sitzes: I would tell myself to never stop learning and never forget the impact one person can make. If you approach every day looking for lessons to learn and share, your passion and purpose will continue to inspire others.
SHN: In your opinion, what qualities should all Memory Care Innovation Award winners possess?
Sitzes: Memory Care Innovation Award winners should embody a unique blend of forward-thinking vision and deep-rooted compassion. They must be committed to continuous learning by staying curious, informed, and open to new ideas that can improve the lives of those living with dementia.
Innovation in this industry can reach beyond technology, focusing on reimagining memory support and celebrating and honoring each person’s individuality, dignity, and story. Winners should lead with heart and design creative solutions that keep connection at the core of their care.
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