Engagement and Connection Happening Across America All from Our Memory Care Community on the Westside of Cincinnati 

Anita Morel, the Memory Care Director at Traditions at North Bend, on the west side of Cincinnati, was searching online one evening for fresh ideas for the residents in her care.   

Anita's journey in senior living began with her mom regularly caring for elderly loved ones in their home.  And while she originally thought she would go to art school, a supervisor at an early job as a Hospitality Aide saw a spark, a kindred spirit in Anita, and encouraged her to become certified just two weeks into the job.   

That was a number of years ago. She pursued a career in health care, including as a wellness director and hospice care worker, eventually bringing her skills and enthusiasm to North Bend Road.  Combining that clinical mind with her creativity, she found a group online of senior living activity directors also searching for ideas and connection. 

In February, the Memory Care neighborhood exchanged valentines with other residents across America.  All of these kind individuals had such fun that they decided to continue into March with shamrocks.  Only ten days into March, and shamrocks have poured in from Connecticut, New Mexico, Iowa, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin!  

Anita and her team (Trish, Tonya & Jim) save these shamrocks, and they transform into an engaging activity with the residents on Thursdays!  Activities are briefer and more flexible in Memory Care, person-directed as part of Varietas.  The team shares where the shamrock is from and ask stepping stone questions: 

“Have you traveled to this state?” 

“Did anyone bring their family to visit this state? 

And snatches of memories are shared about trips with spouses and mentions of their children emerged. 

Next up, she is emailing with Jackie Bannister at Ashcott Bungalow, a 9-bed cottage in England that provides services to adults with severe learning disabilities.  Across an ocean, two leaders who steer with their head and heart are brainstorming ways to make connections. 

Social media and the internet can still be a bit of the wild west.  But the good is there if you look for it. Anita found it and has brought it into the memory care neighborhood at Traditions at North Bend.