Highmark Senior Living

Kailee Bonebrake is the Memory Care Director at Highmark Senior Living, dedicated to advancing person-centered dementia care. Highmark manages Edencrest Senior Living, which has 10 communities throughout Iowa, providing independent and assisted living, as well as memory care, all under one roof. A certified dementia practitioner and trainer, she leads staff education, supports families and develops care interventions, blending professional expertise with her personal passion to elevate Alzheimer’s and dementia support across the Central Iowa community.

Through this article, Bonebrake highlights how leading with empathy and person-centered compassion, combined with innovative technology and family engagement, can transform memory care and enhance the well-being of residents in her care.

AT A GLANCE:

• Smart Technology Integration – Using innovative tools and programs to engage residents, stimulate learning and create meaningful interactions.

• Person-Centered Care & Compassion – Prioritizing empathy, individualized care plans and holistic approaches that honor each resident’s history and preferences.

• Family & Staff Engagement – Involving families in activities and care planning while providing continuous education and support for staff.

• Leadership & Innovation – Fostering team resilience, mentoring staff and embracing evolving best practices in memory care.

Guiding Values in Memory Care: Empathy and Compassion at the Center

Empathy has been a guiding value throughout my journey. I believe it is not only essential to understand residents but equally vital to extend that understanding to their families and caregivers. Genuine care begins with the recognition that every person connected to this journey carries hopes, fears and responsibilities.

For me, compassionate leadership means seeing each resident as a whole person, honoring their history, respecting their choices and ensuring that our teams do the same. It is about shaping person-centered care that adapts to individual needs and is sustained by clear, consistent communication with families. I encourage staff to share updates frequently, celebrate moments of joy and involve loved ones so that they feel just as valued as the residents themselves.

Over time, I have learned that it is far better to communicate too much than too little. Families did not choose this path; it was placed upon them, often under challenging circumstances. That reality makes empathy not optional but essential. Communication becomes a form of compassion when it reassures families that their concerns matter and that their loved ones are safe, respected and cherished.

Innovating Memory Care: Technology That Connects

One of the most promising advancements I see in memory care is the integration of technology into daily programs. Many of us bring technology-focused backgrounds to this work and it has been inspiring to watch residents not only adopt these tools but engage with them in ways that spark joy and purpose.

When we understand the residents’ histories, preferences and experiences, we can shape moments that feel familiar, purposeful and meaningful. This not only improves well-being but also creates an environment where trust can grow.

At one of our Edencrest communities, we introduced a device that offers memory games and virtual reality experiences. I cared for a former math teacher who thrived when we prepared daily math exercises for him. Each session gave him a renewed sense of purpose and watching him light up with accomplishment reminded me that learning and growth never truly stop.

Experiences like these reinforce my belief that technology is more than a tool; it is a bridge. It provides residents with stimulating activities and opens new opportunities for staff to connect with them on a deeper level. Engaging side by side with technology encourages conversation, shared learning and meaningful interaction that strengthens the fabric of care.

Balancing Care and Compassion: Prioritizing Residents, Families Always

I have learned that true excellence in senior living stems from striking a balance between clinical precision and empathy, fostering dignity. At Highmark Senior Living and Edencrest, we take a holistic, person-centered approach that treats each resident as an individual, rather than focusing on a diagnosis. Our care plans are clinically sound, but they also include meaningful activities, structured routines and clear, consistent communication. Every element is designed not only to support health but to honor the whole person.

Equally important is the role of families. I believe families are partners in this journey and we make every effort to involve them. Whether through participation in daily activities, attendance at community events or collaboration in care planning, their presence strengthens the sense of trust and connection that residents need. We encourage them to join our educational programs and we are preparing to launch support groups that will provide a space for families to share experiences, learn together and support one another.

What I have seen is that when families feel included, residents feel more secure and staff feel more supported. This shared effort builds a community where dignity, compassion and clinical excellence coexist. Looking ahead, I believe our greatest strength will continue to be this commitment to residents and families first. It is both a source of pride and the foundation for the future we are building in senior living at Highmark and Edencrest.

Aspiring Memory Care Advice: Compassion in Every Interaction

I have learned that memory care begins with empathy and patience. Meeting residents where they are, rather than asking them to adapt to our world, is the foundation of compassionate care. It means getting down to their level, making eye contact and showing through every interaction that we genuinely care.

A vital part of this work is learning each resident’s life story. When we understand their histories, preferences and experiences, we can shape moments that feel familiar, purposeful and meaningful. This not only improves well-being but also creates an environment where trust can grow. I encourage anyone drawn to memory care to take the time to learn these stories, because they are the key to building genuine relationships.

I believe authentic connection is just as crucial with families and colleagues as it is with residents. Strong relationships form the heart of a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. For those entering the field, I recommend focusing on these connections and embracing continuous learning as a means to stay ahead of the curve. Dementia and Alzheimer’s care continually evolve and staying open to new practices and innovative strategies enables us to provide the best possible support.