Memory Care Innovation Award Winner: Wendy Bucacci, Avita Program Director, Avita Of Wells

Wendy Bucacci, Avita Program Director at Avita of Wells, has been named to the Memory Care Innovation Awards Class of 2026 by Senior Housing News.

The Memory Care Innovation Awards program is designed to recognize passionate and innovative industry members who are shaping the future of cognitive care across behavioral health, home health and home care, hospice and palliative care, senior housing and senior living, and skilled nursing. To become a Memory Care Innovation Award winner, an individual must be nominated by their peers. The candidate should be a high-performing employee who knows how to put vision into action, serving as an advocate for those living with memory-related disorders and the committed professionals who ensure their well-being.

Bucacci sat down with Senior Housing News to share her journey caring for patients and residents with cognitive care needs, her thoughts on the future of cognitive care in senior housing & senior living, and much more. To learn more about the Memory Care Innovation Awards and view this year’s winners, visit https://innovation.memorycarebusiness.com/.

SHN: How long have you been working in the senior housing & senior living industry, and what has your career journey looked like?

Bucacci: I have been working in this industry for about 20 years. My journey started on a personal level when I became a 24/7 caregiver for my father in-law who lost his battle to cancer. A few years later, my mother in-law moved in and I cared for her during her journey with dementia and congestive heart failure. After their passing, I obtained my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and began a career in senior living. I haven’t looked back since. 

SHN: What inspired you to focus on caring for individuals living with memory-related conditions?

Bucacci: When I was doing my clinicals I was assigned to a nursing home and that’s when I met Malcom. He instantly became my “Why.” He was misunderstood by many staff because they didn’t understand dementia and, oftentimes, they would just medicate him. It hurt my heart to hear how colleagues referred to him and how they dismissed him. Malcolm and I connected with heart and song, through pictures, and just being in the moment!

SHN: If you could describe the current state of memory care in senior housing & senior living in one word, what would it be and why?

Bucacci: I would use Evolving to describe the current state of memory care in senior housing and senior living.

I feel that our field is continuously adapting to the changing needs of older adults, families, and even within our local communities. I have witnessed memory care evolve from your traditional care model that focused primarily on safety and daily assistance into a more holistic, person-centered approach that recognizes each resident’s history, preferences, abilities, emotions, and the need for meaningful connection.

With the company I work for, we are increasingly and constantly focusing on quality of life, purpose, engagement, dignity, and building relationships and not just working at managing the symptoms of dementia. 

SHN: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career caring for individuals with cognitive needs?

Bucacci: First and foremost, the individual is still a person first. This disease does not define who someone is-this is only one part in their journey. How blessed am I that I get to be a small part in their story.

SHN: What is one change you would most like to see across the memory care landscape in senior housing & senior living today?

Bucacci: I would like to see memory care continue evolving from a model focused on managing decline into one focused on honoring abilities, creating connection, and enhancing quality of life. Every person living with dementia deserves to feel valued, understood, and like they still have a meaningful place in their community.

SHN: Looking ahead five years, what do you think will have the greatest impact on your ability to deliver innovative, high-quality cognitive care?

Bucacci: Great question! Two key factors come to mind; investment and innovation.

Investment in our people, education, and the way we understand dementia. As we all know, this disease is not slowing down. As the needs of those living with dementia continue to grow, our success will depend on having well-trained, supported, and empowered teams who understand that exceptional memory care is built on connection, compassion, and person centered approach.

Innovation will play a key role from technology that enhances safety and communication, to creative programming and environments designed to support independence, engagement, and quality of life. The future of memory care will require us to move beyond traditional approaches and focus on what each person can still experience, contribute, and enjoy. 

SHN: If you could give yourself advice on your first day serving the cognitive care needs of your senior housing & senior living residents, what would it be and why?

Bucacci: To never lose sight of the individual behind the diagnosis and to fully value the small, everyday moments shared with them — because what may seem like a simple moment to us is often a profoundly meaningful experience for them. 

SHN: In your view, what qualities define a Memory Care Innovation Award winner?

Bucacci: It’s a person who embraces change and seeks out best practices, whether through evidence-based approaches, environmental enhancements, or the thoughtful use of technology. Ultimately, they stand out because they never lose sight of the person behind the diagnosis and consistently strive to make each day more meaningful, purposeful, and joyful for those they serve.

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