Client: Skilled nursing facilities across Virginia participating in a statewide initiative to enhance cognitive function among residents with mild cognitive impairment.

Challenge: Goodwin Living, a faith-based, not-for-profit senior living and healthcare services organization launched the StrongerMemory brain health program for older adults with mild cognitive impairment and those looking to prevent or delay cognitive decline. Initially launched in assisted living facilities, senior centers and through community-based partnerships, the program showed promising results among older adults. Recognizing its broader potential, Goodwin Living’s leadership sought to expand access to StrongerMemory to nursing facilities and reach a wider population of older adults.

Solution: Goodwin Living partnered with Health Quality Innovators (HQI) to raise awareness and support implementation of StrongerMemory in skilled nursing facilities across Viriginia. The program engages residents in reading, writing, and math activities for 20–30 minutes a day, at least four times per week, over a 12-week period. HQI provided training, guidance, and hands-on support to help facilities integrate the program into their daily routines.  

Results: HQI facilitated nine StrongerMemory 12-week cohorts with participation from 91 nursing homes and 862 residents—far surpassing initial enrollment goals. Among participating residents, 76% reported improvements in cognitive function, underscoring the program’s impact and value in long-term care settings.

Sponsor: This project was funded by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) using Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment funds.