Training Strengthens Memory Care at Emerald Crest

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Memory care training helps senior living teams create more meaningful, person-centered programming for residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. At Emerald Crest Shakopee, specialized training is improving how activities are planned, delivered and experienced every day.

Meaningful memory care programming doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intention, skill and a deep understanding of each resident’s unique story. At Emerald Crest Shakopee, that commitment to person-centered care is strengthened through ongoing training and development. For Annie, activities director, recent memory care training provided new tools, fresh perspective and renewed confidence to create experiences that help residents feel engaged, valued and connected every day. 

The training combined practical tools with immediate real-world application, allowing Annie to quickly translate ideas into meaningful resident experiences.

A Deeper Investment in Memory Care Training

This memory care training program showcases Cassia’s commitment to ongoing learning for team members across its senior living communities. For example, Annie participated in three online training sessions about a month apart, with hands-on components throughout.

Using AI to Enhance Activity Planning

As part of the training, Annie explored how tools like AI can support memory care activity planning for residents at varying stages of dementia.

“This approach will make activity planning more efficient while ensuring activities remain meaningful and appropriate,” Annie says.

While AI can provide a framework, Annie personalizes the activities for the residents, resulting in programming that is both efficient to plan and tailored to individual needs.

A Flexible, Holistic Activity Calendar

Beyond planning tools, Annie also rethought how activities are structured overall.

“I learned how to design a flexible activity calendar that offers options and alternatives to support residents with diverse interests and abilities, while ensuring our programming addresses physical, cognitive, social, sensory and emotional needs,” Annie says.

This person-centered approach to memory care programming shifts from rigid schedules to responsive planning, allowing residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia to engage in activities that match their abilities and interests throughout the day.

Building Confidence in Person-Centered Care

Annie values every resident she serves and wants them to enjoy life at Emerald Crest Shakopee. Her being better equipped through the training will help accomplish exactly that.

“This training gave me confidence in my approach and reaffirmed the importance of offering meaningful, person-centered activities that help memory care residents feel engaged and valued,” she says.

Why Purposeful Programming Matters

Every resident has a story, and Annie takes time to learn it to better serve them.

“It is very important to me to take the time to truly get to know each resident and learn about their life story,” she says.

“This understanding allows me to plan activities that are meaningful and personally fulfilling.”

Purposeful memory care programming can improve how residents feel and experience daily life by supporting emotional well-being and reinforcing a sense of identity.

“My goal is for every resident to feel valued and to know they are an important part of the home they live in,” Annie says.

A Family-Like Environment in Every Emerald Crest Home

Emerald Crest Shakopee uniquely features three separate homes, each with a strong sense of family and connection.

“Our activity program is designed to support that feeling,” Annie says. “Rather than simply keeping residents occupied, activities are intended to foster purpose, encourage growth and enhance quality of life.”

These learnings quickly translated into new and enhanced experiences for residents.

Inspiring New Activities

Since the training, Annie has implemented new programs to enhance resident engagement and family connections. These new ideas brought moments of joy, creativity and connection into everyday life at Emerald Crest Shakopee, giving residents new ways to express themselves and share meaningful experiences.

Instead of just hosting a tea party for Mother’s Day, as in years past, the team added a photo shoot for the mothers in the community.

“Residents were dressed up in fancy attire, with jewelry and crowns, to have their photos taken,” Annie says. “These special photos will be shared with their families, giving them a cherished keepsake and a meaningful way to celebrate their loved one.”

Emerald Crest Shakopee’s Easter celebration also became more interactive, with Annie wearing a giant inflatable Easter Bunny and handing out candy to residents.

“Each resident had the opportunity to take a photo with the bunny,” Annie says. “These photos were shared with families, creating joy, laughter and a lasting connection between residents and their loved ones.”

Sensory Kits for Comfort and Calm

As part of the training, Annie created a sensory kit with tools to help staff comfort and calm end-stage residents who may experience periods of agitation. This type of sensory-based memory care intervention supports residents who benefit from calming, tactile and familiar stimuli. The kit included an instruction sheet for staff, a soft weighted lap blanket, a small music box, an Aroma Pod personal oil diffuser, stress balls, a worry stone, relaxing imagery and various pieces of fabric with different textures.

“Each item was selected to promote relaxation and offer gentle sensory stimulation to help residents feel safe and comforted,” Annie says.

Positive Feedback from Families and Staff

The impact of these changes has been evident in feedback from both families and staff, demonstrating how meaningful programming can strengthen connections and improve overall resident experience.

“Families expressed gratitude for the photos of their loved ones with the Easter Bunny and shared how meaningful it was to see them smiling, engaged and enjoying the experience,” Annie says. “Staff also provided positive feedback, noting that the activity was enjoyable and that it was rewarding to observe residents actively participating and having fun.”

Gratitude for Support and Goals for the Future

Annie is thankful for the support and training Cassia has provided.

“It has strengthened my knowledge and skills and directly supported my ability to develop more meaningful, purposeful programming for my memory care residents,” Annie says.

She is inspired to build momentum with an even stronger focus on residents’ quality of life.

“Moving forward, my goal is to continue building on these strategies to ensure our programming remains person-centered, engaging and responsive to the evolving needs of our residents,” Annie says.

Continuing to Elevate Memory Care

The impact of this training at Emerald Crest Shakopee is clear: more thoughtful programming, stronger connections and greater confidence in delivering meaningful experiences for residents. By investing in education and innovation, Cassia empowers team members like Annie to continuously improve how they serve residents living with memory loss.

At each Emerald Crest community, that commitment is reflected in environments where residents are known, supported and celebrated for who they are. Purposeful programming, compassionate care and a focus on quality of life create a place that truly feels like home.

Explore memory care in the Twin Cities metro area at Emerald Crest in Shakopee, Burnsville and Minnetonka to learn how personalized programming and trained staff support residents and families every day.