E15 – Freedom to Move: Designing Memory Care Communities for Autonomy, Engagement, and Reduced Risk

As residents living with dementia enter senior living communities with increasingly complex cognitive and physical needs, designers and operators face a growing challenge: creating environments that support movement, engagement, and independence while minimizing the consequences of falls and other adverse events. This session explores how the built environment influences resident behavior, mobility, confidence, and quality of life in memory care settings. Through the combined perspectives of design, operations, clinical care, and development, panelists will examine how environmental decisions - from circulation patterns and sensory cues to flooring systems and neighborhood organization - shape both resident outcomes and operational performance. The discussion will highlight practical strategies for new construction and renovation projects, including ways to support purposeful movement, reduce environmental stressors, improve staff oversight, and create spaces that help residents remain active and engaged longer. Real-world examples and emerging research will demonstrate how thoughtful design decisions can positively impact resident well-being, staff effectiveness, family satisfaction, and fall-related outcomes. Participants will leave with actionable insights they can apply to future memory care projects regardless of budget, project scope, or care model.