Capturing Legacy: How a Simple Photoshoot Transformed Phoenix Senior Living
By Victoria James, COTA/L, CDP, MDCP | February 27, 2025
Editor’s Note: This article was written and submitted by senior-living executive Victoria James, COTA/L, CDP, MDCP, of Phoenix Senior Living. If you are a senior-living executive at an organization or a community with an idea for an article that you’d like to write and publish in Senior Living News you’re welcome to submit your idea or written article to Jim Nelson at jnelson@seniorlivingnews.com. We welcome all ideas relating to senior living.
In the fall of 2022, I had the privilege of serving as the program and outreach director for The Pearl at Jamestown, an all-memory care residential community dedicated to supporting 50 individuals with a range of physical and cognitive needs. This environment presented a unique set of challenges — not only for the residents, but for their families as well.
For many family members, the demands of caregiving had taken an emotional toll, often leaving them drained, grieving, and struggling with shifting identities. Whether or not they’re consciously aware of it, daughters, sons, and spouses saw their roles evolve from loved ones to caretakers, a transition that eroded their sense of connection. As visits grew less frequent or became strained under the weight of these emotional burdens, the impact was palpable. It wasn’t just the families who felt the strain — our dedicated staff, tirelessly providing individualized care, also faced the risk of burnout.
Amid this challenging landscape, I found myself reflecting on my own experience. While deeply invested in the well-being of our residents, I noticed that I was not feeling the same emotional grief that weighed so heavily on families. Why was that? I realized I occupied a unique space — straddling the line between caregiver and person of attachment, yet without the weight of anticipatory grief. This realization led me to ask: How could we bridge the emotional gap for families? How could we help staff see beyond medical needs and diagnoses to reconnect with the essence of each resident?
That’s when an inspiring idea emerged.
In collaboration with local photographer Cole Lambert, we envisioned a project that would celebrate the lives of our residents by capturing them in a deeply personal way. Our idea was simple yet powerful — a professional photoshoot where residents would be surrounded by props and clothing that reflected their former careers, hobbies, or cherished memories. We hoped these images would serve as a beacon for families, reminding them of the person their loved one had always been, rather than the challenges they now faced. Additionally, we saw this as an opportunity for staff to gain deeper insight into the individuals they cared for daily.
What we didn’t expect was just how profound the experience would be.
During the photoshoot, something remarkable happened. Residents — regardless of their level of memory loss — found moments of joy and recognition as they interacted with familiar objects from their past. A retired musician lit up when he held his old trumpet. A former teacher instinctively adjusted the books in front of her, as if preparing for a lesson. The energy in the room was electrifying, as staff, families, and residents alike witnessed a rekindling of identity.
These were not just photographs; they were windows into lives well lived.
The finished portraits were nothing short of extraordinary. They stripped away the stigma of dementia and Alzheimer’s, allowing families to see their loved ones not as patients, but as the vibrant individuals they had always been. These images sparked conversations, triggered memories, and, in many cases, helped families reconnect in ways they hadn’t in years.
For our staff, the impact was equally transformative. Seeing residents in this new light fostered a deeper sense of empathy, helping caregivers approach their work with renewed perspective. Instead of focusing solely on medical needs, they could now engage residents through shared stories, familiar passions, and personal histories.
What began as a single photoshoot quickly grew into something far greater. Inspired by its success, Phoenix Senior Living launched the Legacy Project, an initiative designed to celebrate the rich histories of those in our memory care communities.
To date, 16 memory care neighborhoods within our organization have participated, engaging over 250 residents from diverse backgrounds. The overwhelming response has solidified our commitment to expanding the program, and in 2025 Phoenix Senior Living will roll out the Legacy Project across all communities.
This initiative has become more than just a photography project — it’s a movement. It’s a way to honor the legacies of our residents, strengthen family bonds, and remind everyone involved that, even in the face of memory loss, a person’s story is never forgotten.
Through the Legacy Project, we are not only preserving the past — we are fostering moments of joy, understanding, and connection in the present. And that, above all, is a legacy worth celebrating.
This article has been lightly edited for style.
