Celebrating Emily Sitzes: EverTrue’s Wellness Director and Memory Care Innovation Award Recipient

Emily Sitzes, the Wellness Director at EverTrue, has been recognized as a 2025 Memory Care Innovation Award winner by Senior Housing News. This prestigious award honors individuals who are making significant contributions to the field of cognitive care across various sectors, including behavioral health, home health, hospice and palliative care, senior housing, and skilled nursing. To be considered for this award, nominees must be high-performing professionals who advocate for individuals living with memory-related disorders and the dedicated caregivers who support them.

Sitzes recently spoke with Senior Housing News about her experiences in caring for patients with cognitive needs, her vision for the future of cognitive care, and more. For additional information on the Memory Care Innovation Awards and to view this year’s winners, visit https://innovation.memorycarebusiness.com/.

SHN: How long have you been a part of the memory care, senior housing & senior living industry?

Sitzes: I’ve been honored to serve in the memory support and senior living industry for over 7 years as part of the EverTrue team.

SHN: What drew you to caring for patients/residents with cognitive care needs?

Sitzes: My journey in caring for individuals living with dementia began during my time at EverTrue. As a Board-Certified Music Therapist, I discovered that music could create meaningful connections with our residents. This approach allowed me to engage with them beyond words, facilitating moments of joy and fulfillment. It was incredibly rewarding to help revive old memories and acknowledge our residents for who they are, rather than their diagnosis. I realized I had found my calling.

SHN: If you could change one thing about cognitive care in the memory care, senior housing & senior living industry, what would it be?

Sitzes: I envision a future of inclusivity for those living with dementia. Often, when a diagnosis occurs, both the individual and their caregivers become so focused on daily needs that activities, friendships, and enjoyment are neglected. At EverTrue, our Memory Support units are integrated with Assisted Living and Independent Living areas, promoting inclusivity for those with dementia while addressing their additional needs. We utilize our StillYou® patented care model to build education and awareness, offer supportive environments, and provide resources for individuals living with dementia, regardless of where they call home.

SHN: If you had a crystal ball, what do you think will most impact your ability to provide cognitive care in the next five years?

Sitzes: Innovation will be a key driver in the future of memory support within the senior living industry. At EverTrue, we are already implementing innovative technologies like Tovertafel and Crdl, which focus on strengths and abilities while enhancing human connection. Additionally, education and training will benefit from artificial intelligence (AI) resources and health technologies aimed at supporting brain health. I look forward to witnessing this evolution.

SHN: If you could describe cognitive care in one word, what would it be and why?

Sitzes: Evolving.

The senior living industry is undergoing significant changes, and our approach to cognitive care must continue to adapt. There is no “one size fits all” solution for supporting those living with dementia, as individual needs change throughout their journey. This adaptability is a core component of EverTrue’s StillYou® care model, which aligns with our motto, “Life According to You.” It’s inspiring to see a shift toward compassionate care grounded in innovation, research, and partnerships.

SHN: What’s been the biggest lesson you have learned throughout your career?

Sitzes: Collaboration is essential. The best care for individuals living with dementia is achieved when both the resident and the entire support team feel informed and included. That’s why the EverTrue StillYou® care model is built on insights from various disciplines within our organization, as well as partnerships in our broader communities.

SHN: If you could give yourself advice on your first day in the industry, what would it be?

Sitzes: I would advise myself to never stop learning and to remember the impact one person can make. Approaching each day with a mindset of curiosity and a desire to share knowledge will keep your passion and purpose alive, inspiring others along the way.

SHN: What qualities should all Memory Care Innovation Award winners possess?

Sitzes: Award winners should embody a unique blend of forward-thinking vision and deep-rooted compassion. They must be committed to continuous learning, staying curious, informed, and open to new ideas that can enhance the lives of those living with dementia. Innovation in this field should extend beyond technology, focusing on reimagining memory support while honoring each individual’s dignity and story. Winners should lead with heart and design creative solutions that prioritize connection in their care.

Emily Sitzes, the Wellness Director at EverTrue, has been recognized as a 2025 Memory Care Innovation Award winner by Senior Housing News. This prestigious award honors individuals who are making significant contributions to the field of cognitive care across various sectors, including behavioral health, home health, hospice and palliative care, senior housing, and skilled nursing. To be considered for this award, nominees must be high-performing professionals who advocate for individuals living with memory-related disorders and the dedicated caregivers who support them.

Sitzes recently spoke with Senior Housing News about her experiences in caring for patients with cognitive needs, her vision for the future of cognitive care, and more. For additional information on the Memory Care Innovation Awards and to view this year’s winners, visit https://innovation.memorycarebusiness.com/.

SHN: How long have you been a part of the memory care, senior housing & senior living industry?

Sitzes: I’ve been honored to serve in the memory support and senior living industry for over 7 years as part of the EverTrue team.

SHN: What drew you to caring for patients/residents with cognitive care needs?

Sitzes: My journey in caring for individuals living with dementia began during my time at EverTrue. As a Board-Certified Music Therapist, I discovered that music could create meaningful connections with our residents. This approach allowed me to engage with them beyond words, facilitating moments of joy and fulfillment. It was incredibly rewarding to help revive old memories and acknowledge our residents for who they are, rather than their diagnosis. I realized I had found my calling.

SHN: If you could change one thing about cognitive care in the memory care, senior housing & senior living industry, what would it be?

Sitzes: I envision a future of inclusivity for those living with dementia. Often, when a diagnosis occurs, both the individual and their caregivers become so focused on daily needs that activities, friendships, and enjoyment are neglected. At EverTrue, our Memory Support units are integrated with Assisted Living and Independent Living areas, promoting inclusivity for those with dementia while addressing their additional needs. We utilize our StillYou® patented care model to build education and awareness, offer supportive environments, and provide resources for individuals living with dementia, regardless of where they call home.

SHN: If you had a crystal ball, what do you think will most impact your ability to provide cognitive care in the next five years?

Sitzes: Innovation will be a key driver in the future of memory support within the senior living industry. At EverTrue, we are already implementing innovative technologies like Tovertafel and Crdl, which focus on strengths and abilities while enhancing human connection. Additionally, education and training will benefit from artificial intelligence (AI) resources and health technologies aimed at supporting brain health. I look forward to witnessing this evolution.

SHN: If you could describe cognitive care in one word, what would it be and why?

Sitzes: Evolving.

The senior living industry is undergoing significant changes, and our approach to cognitive care must continue to adapt. There is no “one size fits all” solution for supporting those living with dementia, as individual needs change throughout their journey. This adaptability is a core component of EverTrue’s StillYou® care model, which aligns with our motto, “Life According to You.” It’s inspiring to see a shift toward compassionate care grounded in innovation, research, and partnerships.

SHN: What’s been the biggest lesson you have learned throughout your career?

Sitzes: Collaboration is essential. The best care for individuals living with dementia is achieved when both the resident and the entire support team feel informed and included. That’s why the EverTrue StillYou® care model is built on insights from various disciplines within our organization, as well as partnerships in our broader communities.

SHN: If you could give yourself advice on your first day in the industry, what would it be?

Sitzes: I would advise myself to never stop learning and to remember the impact one person can make. Approaching each day with a mindset of curiosity and a desire to share knowledge will keep your passion and purpose alive, inspiring others along the way.

SHN: What qualities should all Memory Care Innovation Award winners possess?

Sitzes: Award winners should embody a unique blend of forward-thinking vision and deep-rooted compassion. They must be committed to continuous learning, staying curious, informed, and open to new ideas that can enhance the lives of those living with dementia. Innovation in this field should extend beyond technology, focusing on reimagining memory support while honoring each individual’s dignity and story. Winners should lead with heart and design creative solutions that prioritize connection in their care.