Stephen Franco
Forestdale,MA
Summary
Dynamic Memory Care Director and Activities Director with over 30 years of dedicated experience in long-term care and healthcare, specializing in innovative memory care and dementia programming. Expertise in designing and implementing impactful, person-centered activity programs that significantly enhance resident engagement, well-being, and overall quality of life. Proficient in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, leading staff effectively, and developing programs that thrive within financially successful frameworks. Committed to leveraging extensive knowledge to create enriching therapeutic experiences that align with resident needs and organizational objectives.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Memory Care Director
Maplewood Brewster
Brewster, MA
05.2025 - Current
- Develop memory care programs (ensuring resident safety, comfort, enjoyment and therapeutic engagement.
- Oversee and train a team of 10 RSA’s and activities staff, maintaining high standards aligned with Maplewood Senior Living best practices.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, families, and care staff to create and update personalized service plans and recreational care plans documented in EMR
- Conduct regular mental-status assessments and integrate findings into care and activity programming.
- Organize daily activities, special events, and one-on-one engagement to promote resident well-being and reduce behavioral triggers.
- Maintain accurate documentation of resident participation, progress, and program outcomes to support quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
- Foster strong relationships with residents, families, and community partners to enhance resources and resident satisfaction.
Long-Term Care Activities Director
Broad Reach Liberty Commons
North Chatham, MA
01.2009 - 03.2025
- Develop and implement engaging activities programs tailored to the specific needs of long-term care residents, including those with dementia for a locally five star facility that has been nationally recognized in Long term Care
- - Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to assess individual resident needs and preferences, ensuring personalized and meaningful experiences.
- - Train and supervise staff, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines and maintaining a high standard of care.
- - Foster a positive and inclusive environment that encourages resident participation and socialization.
- - Organize and coordinate outings, events, and special programs to enhance resident engagement and promote overall well-being.
- - Maintain accurate documentation of resident participation, progress, and feedback, contributing to individualized care plans.
Activities Director & Corporate Director of Activities
Royal Health Group
Buzzards Bay, MA
01.2000 - 01.2009
- Designed and executed diverse activity programs for seniors with varying physical and cognitive abilities across multiple facilities.
- Developed company-wide recreation policies and procedures to standardize quality programming.
- Provided training and mentorship to activities directors on documentation, regulatory compliance, and program development.
- Built collaborative relationships with residents, families, staff, and community organizations to expand activity opportunities and resources.
- Coordinated community outreach and volunteer programs to enhance resident engagement and socialization.
Education
College Coursework -
Becker Jr. College
Leicester, MACollege Coursework - undefined
Mount Wachusett Community College
Gardner, MARecreational Therapy College Coursework - undefined
Aquinas College
Milton, MASkills
- Senior care activities programming
- Dementia care and memory support
- Person-centered care approaches
- Leadership and team management
- Orientation and training of new staff
- Volunteer recruitment and management
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Creative problem-solving and program innovation
- Development and implementation of individualized care plans
- Electronic medical records (EMR) and documentation
- Resident mental-status assessment and monitoring
- Collaboration with clinical and family teams
- Photography for activity documentation and resident engagement
- Effective communication
- Activity programming
- Client advocacy
- Family support
Certification
- Nationally Certified Activities Director
- Certified Dementia Practitioner, University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg, VA
- Alzheimer's Train the Trainer Certification
- EssentiALZ Alzheimer’s Dementia Care Certification
- Massachusetts Registered Clergy and Wedding Officiate
Timeline
Memory Care Director
Maplewood Brewster
05.2025 - Current
Long-Term Care Activities Director
Broad Reach Liberty Commons
01.2009 - 03.2025
Activities Director & Corporate Director of Activities
Royal Health Group
01.2000 - 01.2009
College Coursework - undefined
Mount Wachusett Community College
Recreational Therapy College Coursework - undefined
Aquinas College
College Coursework -
Becker Jr. College