Discovery Senior Living

Dawn Platt is a distinguished clinician with extensive experience in geriatrics rehabilitation and dementia care, now serving as the National Director of Memory Care Programs at Discovery Senior Living. With a career dedicated to advancing dementia care, she oversees the flagship memory care brand across over 100 communities nationwide, ensuring operational, sales and marketing alignment for excellence. Her multifaceted role reflects a deep commitment to enhancing memory care through education, strategic programming and community support, marking her as a visionary in the field.

Through this article, Platt discusses how she navigated her extensive career in healthcare toward her role at Discovery Senior Living, addressing evolving dementia care challenges and highlighting the importance of innovation and adaptation in senior care.

Could you describe your professional journey leading up to your current position as Corporate Director of Memory Care at Discovery Senior Living?

My career in healthcare spans over 35 years, beginning shortly after I graduated from college. I moved from the Midwest to Naples, Florida, with a desire for a change. A renowned retirement destination, Florida steered my career toward geriatrics and dementia care—a field I hadn't originally chosen but grew to be deeply passionate about.

In the early stages of my career, the understanding of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias was quite rudimentary compared to today. Back then, the approach to dementia care included methods like reality orientation, which we have since learned is ineffective. Terms now considered outdated, such as "organic brain syndrome" and "senile dementia," were commonly used and this period allowed me to learn from the ground up, experiencing the evolution of dementia care firsthand.

My journey took me through various hospitals and nursing homes, and eventually into the field of senior living. I found my calling in developing and leading Memory care units , particularly as senior living communities began to take shape in Florida.I dedicated 12 years to Legend Senior Living as a Sales Director, Executive Director, Trainor and Memory Care Specialist, and held positions as an Executive Director at both Brookdale Senior Living and Florida Senior Living. My career also includes a variety of roles in rehabilitation and related fields.This background in hands-on care and program development, coupled with continuous learning and adaptation to new insights in dementia care, prepared me for my current role.

What are your day-to-day responsibilities in this role?

I manage the memory care programs across various companies under the umbrella of Discovery management, focusing on creating and implementing innovative training curricula and fostering a supportive environment for individuals, families and caregivers through initiatives like national virtual support groups.My responsibilities involve overseeing memory care operations, ranging from smaller to larger facilities, each with its unique challenges. I manage the SHINE Accredited Memory Care program, a distinctive curriculum recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association. This program, which I update every two years with the latest research and care techniques, is exclusive to Discovery Senior Living.

As we navigate mixed dementias and the emergence of additional psychiatric symptoms among patients, integrating comprehensive healthcare partnerships into our service offerings becomes imperative.

My role also extends to developing new programs for our network's expanding family of companies. I contribute to all dementia-related content, including articles and web-based resources. Apart from these responsibilities, I host a national podcast titled "The Disappearing Mind,” which addresses concerns, common topicsand other issues that might arise as a loved one progresses through dementia.

What are some of the key challenges facing the senior placement market?

From observing through a dementia and memory care lens, one can observe a shift in customer demographics and needs. The aging population, notably the baby boomers, has been a focal point for a while, but we are now witnessing a surge in various types of dementia, including vascular dementia and mixed forms, affecting increasingly younger demographics. Today’s clients, influenced by advancements in diagnosis and a broader understanding of dementia, demand more personalized care options, from food preferences to holistic treatments. This diversification extends to their cultural backgrounds and lifestyle choices, moving away from traditional activities to ones that reflect the rock’n’roll era and beyond. Furthermore, the decision-making process within families is changing, with younger generations, such as grandchildren, becoming key influencers in navigating care options. 

Have you initiated any specific programs or projects to address the evolving needs of your clients in dementia and memory care?

We have recognized the need to diversify our amenities and services in response to the shifting preferences of our clientele. Our approach includes incorporating holistic and alternative medical options, broadening leisure and intellectual activities and providing more choices in everyday decisions such as dining, healthcare providers and living spaces. The demand for more spacious accommodations has risen, reflecting the desire for choice and quality in living arrangements. The importance of socializing and entertainment spaces has also grown, aligning with the desire for a vibrant community life. This includes catering to the athletic interests of our residents, ensuring they can continue their active lifestyles even while navigating dementia challenges. Modern lifestyle elements, such as coffee bars, suggest a move toward integrating familiar comforts and conveniences into our facilities. 

What are some key trends or areas that leaders in the senior living and dementia care community should focus on in the next 12 to 18 months?

The focus needs to be onforming partnerships with top-tier geriatric and dementia care centers, including those specializing in behavioral health. As we navigate mixed dementias and the emergence of additional psychiatric symptoms among patients, integrating comprehensive healthcare partnerships into our service offerings becomes imperative. This strategy aims to address the evolving needs of our clients effectively, particularly as we observe dementia affecting increasingly younger populations. The emphasis on collaborative care with prestigious health institutions is anticipated to become even more significant, ensuring our clients receive the most advanced and tailored care possible.

What advice would you offer to your peers and those aspiring to enter the senior living industry?

My key piece of advice would be to critically review and update your assessment procedures and the therapeutic programs you provide, ensuring they align with the most recent research and scientific developments. This proactive approach ensures that we not only meet but exceed the evolving expectations of our clients, setting a new standard for excellence in dementia and senior care.