July 23, 2025 —Dedicated to maintaining older adults’ quality of life as they age in the homes they love, Kendal at Home provides meaningful opportunities — virtually and in person — to prevent isolation and foster a sense of community across their markets in the United States.
Though the “At Home” model functions outside the traditional senior living community setting, members have the chance to connect with their peers, showcasing the person-centered, holistic approach to aging that Kendal at Home encourages and offers.
Staff Leading the Way in 2024
Staff-led initiatives at Kendal at Home play a crucial role in supporting member well-being. Experienced trainers lead programs such as Stepping On, a seven-week falls prevention program to help individuals aged 60 and above live confidently and independently in their homes.
With the support of these wellness experts, the initiative supports members as they manage the changes in their health and lifestyle that come with aging. StephanieTewes and Melissa Neman, dedicated Kendal at Home care coordinators, lead the program to help reduce members’ risk of falling.
Throughout 2024, Kendal at Home also continued its partnership with Dementia Friends USA, a global movement aimed at raising awareness and understanding of dementia, transforming attitudes and inspiring action to support those living with the disease.
Developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, the program emphasizes how the quality of life for those with dementia has improved with health and social advancements. It also shows how loved ones, neighbors and community members can make small changes to make a big difference in the lives of those with dementia.
Dementia Champions
Kendal at Home staff have been trained as Dementia Champions as part of a program offered by the Ohio Council for Cognitive Health under the Dementia Friends Initiative. As Dementia Champions, Kendal at Home employees are equipped to recognize the signs of dementia, improve the quality of life for those with the disease, and train family and community members to ultimately foster “dementia-friendly communities.”
“Care coordinators are not only elevating member experiences across the region but are transforming the daily lives of members through their educational programming,” said Lynne Giacobbe, Chief Executive Officer of Kendal at Home. “These initiatives support our priority of personalized support for members as they live more independently.”
Fostering Connection Through Spanish Classes, Book Clubs and More
Kendal at Home believes that aging within the home you love should never mean experiencing isolation. By fostering an environment that empowers members to take ownership of their life experiences, the CCRC without walls model has created meaningful opportunities to connect, learn and lead alongside their peers.
Bilingual members meet regularly for Spanish discussions with Nathaly Lopera, care coordinator to sharpen their skills, maintain the language they love and build bonds with members they otherwise would have never interacted with.
The idea for a participant-driven club stems from the longstanding book club that Kendal at Home member Yoland Cruz hosts virtually once a month. This initiative has become a cornerstone of connection, with members circling in and out of the club over the last 10 years, all sharing their love for literature.
Kendal at Home also offers members an in-person Tai Chi class led by Kendal at Home care coordinator Heather Gansel. Flexible for members of all abilities, this form of exercise can take place while standing or sitting. Kendal at Home encourages members to join the classes to help improve balance, strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health and to enjoy getting to know other Kendal at Home members.
At the heart of Kendal at Home is a shared commitment among both employees and members to enhance the aging experience at home.