The Memory Nurturer

Quality of Life in a Safe Neighborhood

Riley Finnegan is only 23 years old, but she’s already making a difference as the Program Coordinator in the Memory Care Neighborhood at New Pond Village. The neighborhood, dedicated to individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory disorders, places a strong emphasis on quality of life in a safe environment. Riley, who joined New Pond Village in June 2023, immediately felt it was the ideal community for her work. “Residents in New Pond’s Memory Care Neighborhood seem happier and more engaged than in other places.”

Discovering Her Purpose

Riley’s studies in health science and psychology, with a focus on the psychology of aging, led her toward a career in memory care. She started as a Resident Care Associate (RCA) for a memory care unit during her sophomore year at Quinnipiac University, where she assisted with personal care and hygiene. After graduation, she transitioned into activities, which allowed her to express her creativity. Since she arrived at New Pond Village, she has introduced unique experiences for residents that she likes to call “armchair travel,” where Riley organizes activities around a destination such as baking Key Lime pies to “visit” Key West, Florida. She also she aspires to introduce seasonal produce and “barn babies” from a local farm.

Tailored Activities to Boost Engagement and Fun

Her daily responsibilities encompass a wide array of activities, ranging from outdoor pursuits and cognitive games like trivia and bingo to physical exercises such as chair yoga and arts and crafts. Riley tailors these activities to align with each resident’s cognitive abilities, while she looks to balance engagement and enjoyment as part of the neighborhood’s approach to programming. Residents’ preferences and feedback are highly valued, with Riley regularly conducting one-on-one consultations to personalize activities.

Riley also takes time to talk with residents’ family members to learn about their lives before entering memory care. “I like to learn about their hobbies, their former occupations, the foods they enjoyed and the music they listened to in order to tailor activities to the residents.”

“I go home every day with an immense sense of fulfillment.”

Managing as many as 25 residents can be a challenge, but Riley appreciates the support of RCAs who help and comfort residents and she takes joy in personal victories—like the reluctant resident who gradually started participating in activities. Riley acknowledges dementia can be a difficult process for families and caregivers alike. In fact, “It can be overwhelming at times, but I go home every day with an immense sense of fulfillment.”