My Experiences with Memory Care: Bridging Generations Through Human Interaction

I wanted to switch up my style of posts and share my reflection on my yearlong journey volunteering at a local memory care home in Redwood City called Gordon Manor. My first experience at the Manor was actually through my club called Digital Impact, as we were in a unit focusing on rising dementia rates within our society. When our small group first walked into the Manor a year ago, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect. We had spent weeks vibe coding memory retention games, and our plan was simple: drop by, show the games, hang out with the residents for an afternoon, and call it a successful project.

What I didn’t expect was just how intrigued and attached I would get to the Manor over the next year. There’s something really special about the rhythm of the place, and spending time with the residents—along with working with John and Alisa, the home's coordinators—is really fulfilling. Being able to bring something fresh and exciting to the residents' routine gives me a huge sense of purpose, and I always leave with a bigger smile than when I arrived.

Over the summer, Alisa gave me an awesome opportunity to take these visits a step further. She connected me with a local startup that’s building an AI tool specifically designed to enrich conversations between visitors and seniors. Since then, I try to stop by every weekend to test out the app while chatting with a new resident and see how it shapes our time together.

Every single conversation has left a mark and taught me new things, but one interaction that really stood out was with a sweet old many named Randy. He loves to talk about his family, travels, and past life experiences. I spent my afternoon sitting with him and listening to his detailed recounts of the many countries he’s traveled to, and people he has met. He was particularly interested in the culture and lifestyle of Tibetan monks, and by the end we had made a pact that he would take me to visit the sandy Tibetan valleys. The hope and joy in his eyes hit me with a pang of guilt that always comes with talking to residents because you actively see them losing parts of themselves, and the best you can do is make the process easier through comfort and good energy. My experience with the residents has taught me many valuable things, but my most important realization is understanding just how important keeping a positive outlook and being strong for the people around you is. John illustrates this every single day - he always knows what to say to comfort a resident when they feel overly stressed. Whether his words are true or not, he knows exactly what will make their day and lives easier, which is what I have come to understand is essentially the overarching goal of memory care. 

My regular visits to the manor are a constant reminder of the scary transience that is human life, and what it means to establish genuine connection. I’m so grateful to John, Alisa, and every single resident at Gordon Manor for opening their doors to me, sharing their wisdom, and letting me be a small part of this wonderful community!

The last thing I want to share is the importance of having amazing centers like Gordon Manor. An estimated 5.7 million Americans are living with dementia in 2026, and many of these people are seen as little more than a burden to those around them. While memory may fade, the need for connection, dignity, and kindness never does, and that sometimes the smallest moments of compassion can make the biggest difference in someone’s life.