Teresa Krueger of WesleyLife Honored with Memory Care Innovation Award
Teresa Krueger, the Executive Director at WesleyLife, has been honored as a 2025 Memory Care Innovation Award winner by Senior Housing News. This prestigious recognition highlights her dedication and innovative contributions to the field of cognitive care.
The Memory Care Innovation Awards program aims to celebrate passionate individuals who are transforming cognitive care across various sectors, including behavioral health, home health, hospice, senior housing, and skilled nursing. To earn this award, candidates must be nominated by their peers and demonstrate exceptional performance, advocacy for those with memory-related disorders, and a commitment to the professionals who support them.
In an insightful conversation with Senior Housing News, Krueger shared her experiences in caring for patients and residents with cognitive needs, her vision for the future of cognitive care, and much more. For additional details about 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?
Krueger: Over 20 years.
SHN: What drew you to caring for patients/residents with cognitive care needs?
Krueger: Connecting with residents in memory support requires patience, creativity, and heart. Instead of correcting memory lapses, we validate feelings and gently join the resident’s reality through:
- Engaging residents through senses: Utilizing music, touch, smell, and taste to evoke memories and emotions.
- Learning their life stories: Using photos, memory boxes, and storytelling to celebrate small moments—eye contact, a smile, and a shared laugh.
- Offering reassurance and kindness: Especially during moments of confusion or anxiety.
SHN: If you could change one thing about cognitive care in the memory care, senior housing & senior living industry, what would it be?
Krueger: I would focus on helping families and caregivers understand the importance of engaging with residents.
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?
Krueger: The increased use of technology.
SHN: If you could describe cognitive care in one word, what would it be and why?
Krueger: Opportunity. There is still much work to be done in educating families and caregivers.
SHN: What’s been the biggest lesson you have learned throughout your career?
Krueger: A resident may not remember your name or the details of your visit, but they will remember how you made them feel. Connections occur in moments, often beyond words.
SHN: If you could give yourself advice on your first day in the industry, what would it be and why?
Krueger: Every person has a story, even if they can’t express it as they once did. Learning to listen with your heart, not just your ears, can reveal so much.
SHN: What qualities should all Memory Care Innovation Award winners possess?
Krueger: Here are the essential qualities:
- Compassion, creativity, and leadership
- Prioritizing dignity, autonomy, and joy for residents
- Inspiring teams through empathy, patience, and kindness
- Introducing creative solutions—whether through technology, programming, or design—that enhance quality of life and provide purpose
- Championing awareness and understanding of memory-related conditions
- Engaging families, team members, and residents in decision-making
- Continuously learning, improving, and innovating
Teresa Krueger, the Executive Director at WesleyLife, has been honored as a 2025 Memory Care Innovation Award winner by Senior Housing News. This prestigious recognition highlights her dedication and innovative contributions to the field of cognitive care.
The Memory Care Innovation Awards program aims to celebrate passionate individuals who are transforming cognitive care across various sectors, including behavioral health, home health, hospice, senior housing, and skilled nursing. To earn this award, candidates must be nominated by their peers and demonstrate exceptional performance, advocacy for those with memory-related disorders, and a commitment to the professionals who support them.
In an insightful conversation with Senior Housing News, Krueger shared her experiences in caring for patients and residents with cognitive needs, her vision for the future of cognitive care, and much more. For additional details about 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?
Krueger: Over 20 years.
SHN: What drew you to caring for patients/residents with cognitive care needs?
Krueger: Connecting with residents in memory support requires patience, creativity, and heart. Instead of correcting memory lapses, we validate feelings and gently join the resident’s reality through:
- Engaging residents through senses: Utilizing music, touch, smell, and taste to evoke memories and emotions.
- Learning their life stories: Using photos, memory boxes, and storytelling to celebrate small moments—eye contact, a smile, and a shared laugh.
- Offering reassurance and kindness: Especially during moments of confusion or anxiety.
SHN: If you could change one thing about cognitive care in the memory care, senior housing & senior living industry, what would it be?
Krueger: I would focus on helping families and caregivers understand the importance of engaging with residents.
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?
Krueger: The increased use of technology.
SHN: If you could describe cognitive care in one word, what would it be and why?
Krueger: Opportunity. There is still much work to be done in educating families and caregivers.
SHN: What’s been the biggest lesson you have learned throughout your career?
Krueger: A resident may not remember your name or the details of your visit, but they will remember how you made them feel. Connections occur in moments, often beyond words.
SHN: If you could give yourself advice on your first day in the industry, what would it be and why?
Krueger: Every person has a story, even if they can’t express it as they once did. Learning to listen with your heart, not just your ears, can reveal so much.
SHN: What qualities should all Memory Care Innovation Award winners possess?
Krueger: Here are the essential qualities:
- Compassion, creativity, and leadership
- Prioritizing dignity, autonomy, and joy for residents
- Inspiring teams through empathy, patience, and kindness
- Introducing creative solutions—whether through technology, programming, or design—that enhance quality of life and provide purpose
- Championing awareness and understanding of memory-related conditions
- Engaging families, team members, and residents in decision-making
- Continuously learning, improving, and innovating
