May 28, 2026
Providing exceptional memory support requires more than just clinical expertise. It demands profound empathy, a dedication to preserving dignity, and a community deeply rooted in shared values. Reflecting on the collective achievements for this year’s annual report, one milestone beautifully captures the heart of Barclay Friends.
In 2025, Barclay Friends proudly earned the prestigious Memory Care Seal of Excellence from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). This is not simply a certificate on a wall. It is a rigorous, hard-earned validation of a commitment to transforming the experience of aging and supporting those living with dementia, alongside their families.
Setting a Higher Standard for Person-Centered Care
The landscape of memory support is evolving, with trends pointing toward a critical need for highly specialized, empathetic care models. The Memory Care Excellence Network (MCEN) selectively identifies top-tier long-term care organizations that rise to meet this exact need. To earn this seal, communities must undergo a highly comprehensive evaluation of staff training, daily operations, and ongoing competency in memory care. Meeting these standards is a significant achievement; exceeding them reflects true dedication.
As Maria Santangelo, CEO of Barclay Friends, notes, this recognition underscores Barclay Friends’ deep commitment to older adults. The specialized education teams receive sets Barclay Friends apart, enabling them to create meaningful, supportive experiences. The community is dedicated to approaching support for those experiencing dementia and other memory impairments with the knowledge, dignity and the respect every individual deserves.
Driven by Compassion and Community
Behind this prestigious seal is a team of remarkable individuals who bring the mission to life every single day. Marina Hacking, Senior Director of Health Services, rightfully credits the talented and well-trained team at Barclay Friends. They consistently maintain high standards while offering genuine compassion to residents. The team focuses heavily on the abilities and unique needs of residents, ensuring that the community truly feels like a supportive home.
Recently, a family member of a resident shared, “Every single member of the staff has made both our mom and our family feel welcomed and cared for. Everything from the bright and airy community that is clean, well maintained and cheerful to the support from each member of the staff, it has been more than we could have hoped for during this time in our Mom’s life.”
This achievement also resonates far beyond the walls of the community grounds. Barclay Friends serves as an exemplary representative of the Quaker values of equality, peace, simplicity, integrity, and community that help unify the Kendal network across the nation. This seal of excellence is symbol of how shared principles and dedication elevated the standard of care and support for everyone.