LifeStories Director Tracy Spallone Draws on Two Decades of Experience to foster a person-centered environment for residents with dementia
GREENSBURG, Pa. — Newhaven Court at Lindwood recently opened its newly renovated memory care unit with a familiar and trusted leader guiding the enhanced program. Tracy Spallone, LifeStories Director, brings 21 years of experience in dementia care to this new beginning.
Newhaven Court at Lindwood celebrated the LifeStories program and the renovated unit’s grand opening on May 28. Since then, Spallone and her team have helped residents adapt to life in the 10-apartment memory care unit program.
“This renovation creates an atmosphere that is lighter, more modern, very inviting and also feels bigger,” Spallone said. “I love everything that has been done to improve the lives of our residents and provide peace of mind to their families.”
“We’ve thoughtfully adapted the lighting to support the way our residents live and feel,” she continued. “Brighter, more expansive lighting in the kitchen and dining areas helps create a vibrant, energetic space for connection and activity. In contrast, softer lighting and table lamps in the living room offer a calm, soothing atmosphere ideal for relaxation. These may seem like subtle changes, but they make a significant difference in how our residents experience comfort and familiarity — and that matters deeply to our team.”
Newhaven Court at Lindwood’s upgrades represent more than just a physical transformation. They signal a renewed commitment to compassionate, person-centered care. At the core of this new chapter is Spallone, who shapes LifeStories. The program emphasizes personalized engagement and meaningful connections to foster a sense of belonging, purpose and dignity for those living with memory loss.
“Tracy Spallone has devoted more than 20 years to enhancing the lives of seniors through our Life Stories program, and her passion and experience are truly invaluable,” said Lori Grant, Executive Operations Officer at Newhaven Court at Lindwood. “Her deep understanding of memory care and her ability to connect with residents on a personal level will be instrumental as we open our improved memory care unit. Tracy brings heart, expertise, and a strong commitment to helping each resident live with dignity and purpose.”
The renovated unit includes 10 apartments featuring private room, semi-private and companion-style living options, with a total of 19 beds. The care team also has grown. Two Resident Wellness Associates as well as a Medication Assistant staff the morning and afternoon shifts, and an overnight Resident Wellness Associate ensures 24/7 support.
“We have introduced additional Life Stations to our memory care unit program,” said Michael Brandonio, Community Relations Director at Newhaven Court at Lindwood. “Those Life Stations help our residents continue to experience lifelong passions such as fishing, gardening, sports and even the role of a handyman.”
“Residents may visit our upgraded courtyard. It is wheelchair accessible and they may also walk around our newly raised garden area, which is fully resident maintained,” Brandonio continued. “Our residents planted a variety of flowers as well as vegetables that will be used in our daily healthy snack program.”
Spallone’s experience and leadership skills complement the improvements to the physical building. Last year, she earned one of IntegraCare’s two Peer Recognition Awards after voting was held throughout the 17 IntegraCare senior living communities in three states.
“Tracy Spallone brings a rare combination of deep knowledge and heartfelt dedication to those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s,” said Gary Renwick, IntegraCare Area General Manager for the West Region. “She’s a respected leader not only within her community but throughout our entire organization. Tracy draws on years of experience to truly understand each resident as a person — not as a diagnosis — and she is a firm believer that this disease should never overshadow their identity.”
For more information, contact Michael Brandonio, Community Relations Director, Newhaven Court at Lindwood, at mbrandonio@integracare.com or call 724.853.2505.