Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Macchietto.
Hi Heather, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I didn’t plan a career in dementia care—it found me. I started out as a music therapist, drawn to the way music could reach people when words no longer could. My first role had me closely working with older adults, and I found I was enjoying connecting with those living with dementia. Those early roles in Life Enrichment and Activities showed me that meaningful engagement isn’t just therapeutic—it’s essential. That belief has guided every step of my career, from life enrichment to senior living leadership to and also education for families and professionals alike.
I currently serve as Director of the Senior Day Program at James L. West Center for Dementia Care, where I had the opportunity to reimagine and reopen the program after it was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this role, I oversee admissions, programming, and daily operations, and I led the program through a transition into a larger, expanded space with additional services. My work is centered on person-centered dementia care, supporting care partners, and creating programs where people living with dementia are seen, respected, and empowered to continue engaging in life. I also teach as an Adjunct Instructor at Tarrant County College.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Early in my career, people would ask, “Why would you want to work in a nursing home?” There’s so much stigma aroung aging, dementia, or working with older adults. I feel like it’s a big part of my job, showing there’s life that remains, moments of joy to be had, and that working with older adults is not scary!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about James L. West Senior Day Program?
The James L. West Senior Day Program is a specialized adult day program designed for people living with dementia and other cognitive changes. We refer to ourselves as the “best kept secret” in dementia care, but we don’t want to stay a secret! We are the second James L. West location, in southwest Fort Worth. The main location of James L. West is downtown on Summit Ave and serves as residential level of care for persons living with dementia.
Our Senior Day Program provides a safe, engaging, and supportive place for participants to spend the day while giving care partners have a chance to relax, go to work, or just get much-needed respite. Participants take part in structured, meaningful activities that support cognitive, physical, and social well-being—things like music, art, movement, conversation, games, and hands-on projects. The program is personalized, allowing staff to get to know each participant’s abilities, interests, and life history. Care is guided by dignity, respect, and a belief that people living with dementia can continue to experience purpose, joy, and connection. There is much life and joy in our location!
For families, the Senior Day Program offers more than supervision—it offers partnership. Staff work closely with care partners to understand each participant’s needs and provide support, education, and encouragement along the dementia journey. Above all, the James L. West Senior Day Program is a place where participants are known, valued, and engaged in life, and where families know their loved one is truly cared for.
I am personally very proud of our team–we have the most engaged, dedicated team of caregivers, activity staff and nurses you’ll ever find! I can truly say that every staff member loves our participants and is proud of the services we provide. We host theme events and family nights, and our staff all dress up and get involved and make everything so special for our folks. For example, on Friday February 13th we are hosting a Vow Renewal and Family Night to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Our location will be set up like a wedding venue to host the vow renewal and reception. I’m even playing the flute for the ceremony! It’s important for us that these families have a safe place to enjoy life together, make memories and not worry about if they have to leave early or have any dementia-related challenges.
What were you like growing up?
I was a shy, anxious, introverted girl who wanted to play the flute and become a weather forecaster. Like many kids growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, I spent my time playing outside, riding my bike, going to friends houses, doing arts and crafts, singing in the church choir, and taking piano lessons.
I quickly figured out that science wasn’t my thing—and for a while, it seemed like the flute might not be either. I started band with the other sixth graders but fell farther and farther behind as my band director gently (and repeatedly) tried to convince me to switch instruments. But I’m not someone who gives up easily. I was determined to be a flute player. That determination paid off when I got a flute teacher and moved from last chair to first chair in a single semester, eventually going on to college where I served as Principal Flutist for a year at Sam Houston State University.
Playing the flute gave me a way to express myself when words didn’t come easily. I was still labeled “shy,” and even professors would tease me to “speak up more,” but music became my voice and my confidence.
After college, I packed up my life and moved across the country to Cleveland, Ohio for my first job—just me and a U-Haul my dad bravely drove with me. I was looking for adventure and a challenge, and I definitely found both. Starting over in a new city, not knowing anyone, and stepping into my first professional role pushed me in ways nothing else could.
In 2020, I delivered my first professional speaking engagement at the International Conference on Active Aging. Once I started presenting, I realized how much I loved the challenge—and proving to myself that I could do it. Today, I especially enjoy training future activity directors, a group that is often overlooked despite the critical and meaningful work they do.
Pricing:
- $135/day at the Senior Day Program which is open from 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday-Friday
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jameslwest.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLWestSeniorDayProgram
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3692076/admin/dashboard/
