Nicole Graham, Executive Director at Lumina Las Vegas, 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.
Graham 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?
Graham: I’ve been in senior living for the past 14 years, with experience spanning Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living, and standalone Memory Care communities. Each setting has shaped my understanding of the unique needs of older adults, especially those living with dementia.
Before that, I also spent five years working as a CNA, thinking I was headed into nursing. That hands-on experience as a CNA gave me a foundational understanding of care, compassion, and the day-to-day realities of supporting older adults. I wasn’t part of a team back then — I was often just trying to figure things out on my own, asking for help when I needed it and learning as I went. It taught me the importance of showing up, even when the work is hard, and it sparked my passion for person-centered care. That experience ultimately led me to pursue leadership in senior living, specifically memory care, where I could help build the kind of supportive, collaborative teams I wish I had back then.
SHN: What drew you to caring for patients/residents with cognitive care needs?
Graham: I wanted to be part of something more — something deeply meaningful — for those living with cognitive care needs.
Early in my career, I saw how often individuals with dementia were misunderstood or underserved, and I felt a strong pull to change that narrative. Cognitive care requires a unique blend of empathy, creativity, and consistency. It challenges us to meet people where they are, honor their stories, and create environments that foster dignity and connection. That challenge — and the opportunity to make a real impact — has kept me committed to this work for over 14 years.
SHN: If you could change one thing about cognitive care in the memory care, senior housing & senior living industry, what would it be?
Graham: Too often, cognitive care is treated as a separate piece of the puzzle, rather than part of a holistic approach. Providers, families, and healthcare partners often work in isolation, which can lead to fragmented care and missed opportunities for connection. I believe we need to move toward a more unified, collaborative model — one that breaks down barriers, shares information meaningfully, and keeps the person living with dementia at the heart of every decision.
When we align our efforts, we don’t just improve outcomes — we restore dignity, purpose, and quality of life. It’s time to shift from reactive care to proactive care and that starts with changing how we talk about cognitive care, how we structure it, and how we show up for those we serve — together.
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?
Graham: If I had a crystal ball, I believe the most transformative force in cognitive care over the next five years will be our ability to break down silos and build true collaboration across the senior living continuum. The future of memory care depends on how well we integrate data, align care teams, and create systems that are proactive, person-centered, and deeply coordinated. I’m proud to say I’m already part of that shift.
At Lumina, we’ve launched the Lumina Formula, a groundbreaking alliance of five organizations — Senior Doc, ALiS, EmpowerMe Wellness, Inspiren, and Lumina — who share a common goal: to dismantle fragmented care models and improve outcomes through better coordination in senior living. This integrated model is designed to create synergy across multiple dimensions of resident health, including:
- Therapy and cognitive support
- Primary care coordination and oversight
- Sleep optimization strategies
- Targeted nutritional interventions
- Food sensitivity and allergy testing to address potential inflammation triggers
By aligning efforts across these areas, we’ve already seen measurable improvements, including a reduction in falls and decreased hospitalizations — both critical indicators of quality care in memory support environments.
This kind of collaboration is unprecedented in our industry, and it’s reshaping how we approach dementia care. We’re not just reacting to symptoms — we’re proactively designing environments and care plans that support the whole person: medically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
The Lumina Formula is our blueprint for the future, and I’m honored to help lead this movement toward a more connected, compassionate, and impactful model of cognitive care.
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?
Graham: Dignity.
To me, dignity means seeing the whole person — not just their diagnosis. It’s about honoring their stories, their preferences, their autonomy, and their humanity, even as their cognitive abilities change. It’s the quiet respect in how we speak to someone, the patience we show in moments of confusion, and the care we take in creating environments that feel safe and familiar.
Dignity is the foundation of compassionate care. It guides how we train our staff, how we design dementia-friendly dining experiences, and how we advocate for age-friendly hospital measures. It’s not just a philosophy — it’s a daily practice. And when we center dignity in everything we do, we create spaces where people living with dementia can still experience joy, connection, and purpose. Cognitive care isn’t just clinical; it’s deeply human. And when we lead with dignity, we remind ourselves and others that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued — no matter where they are in their journey.
SHN: What’s been the biggest lesson you have learned throughout your career?
Graham: In senior living and memory care, no two days are ever the same. One moment you’re navigating a regulatory change, the next you’re comforting a family during a difficult transition, and later you’re troubleshooting a staffing gap that could impact resident care. It’s a field that demands flexibility, heart, and a deep commitment to the people we serve.
Perseverance, I’ve learned, is the secret superpower we all need to find within ourselves. It’s what keeps us grounded when things feel uncertain. It’s what helps us show up fully, even when the path is hard. And it’s what drives us to keep pushing for innovation, dignity, and better outcomes — not just for our residents, but for our teams and families too. That mindset has shaped who I am as a leader and a mentor. It’s not about having all the answers — it’s about staying committed, staying curious, and never losing sight of why we do this work in the first place.
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?
Graham: If I could give myself advice on my first day in this industry, I’d say, “Lean into perseverance, and never lose sight of your purpose.”
This field will test your resilience — emotionally, professionally, and personally. But every challenge is an opportunity to grow, to innovate, and to advocate for those who need us most.
Remember that every resident has a story worth honoring, and every family deserves compassion. The work is hard, but it’s also deeply meaningful. Stay curious, stay committed, and surround yourself with people who share your passion for dignified, person-centered care.
SHN: In your opinion, what qualities should all Memory Care Innovation Award winners possess?
Graham: In my opinion, Memory Care Innovation Award winners should embody three key qualities: perseverance, empathy, and vision.
- Perseverance because this work is not easy. It demands resilience in the face of regulatory challenges, emotional moments with families, and the constant push to improve systems that serve our most vulnerable populations.
- Empathy because memory care is deeply human. It’s about understanding the lived experiences of those with cognitive decline and creating environments where they feel safe, valued, and connected.
- Vision because innovation requires us to look beyond what is and imagine what could be — whether that’s rethinking dining experiences for dementia-friendly mealtimes or advocating for age-friendly hospital measures that truly meet the needs of older adults.
Award winners aren’t just doing good work — they’re leading with heart, challenging the status quo, and inspiring others to raise the bar in senior living.
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