At a Glance
The Berkeley Square Memory Walk is an annual resident-inspired and resident-led event at Berkeley Square Independent Living in Hamilton, Ohio. Held on Aug. 29, 2026, the third annual walk drew close to 100 residents, family members and team members, raising nearly $13,000. Every dollar contributed goes toward elevating the experiences of their neighbors living with dementia within the Anne Carter Memory Care Neighborhood of their community.
A Bright Morning Filled with Meaning
On a picture-perfect Saturday morning in late August, the paths of Berkeley Square were filled with walk participants. Residents in sneakers and sun hats strolled alongside their grown children, grandchildren and team members. They were even cheered on along their route by an enthusiastic contingent of local Stephen T. Badin High School students.
The walk was about more than steps. Signs posted on campus displayed names in honor of loved ones and friends touched by dementia. Most participants likely had one or more names in mind as they joined together in support of their neighbors living with dementia, just a short walk from their own front doors.
An Idea Becomes a Community Tradition
Sparked by an idea from resident Barb Terry and brought to life by many willing hands, the Memory Walk has become a Berkeley Square tradition. A retired non-profit executive and avid runner, Barb joined a local Alzheimer’s awareness walk during her first year in the community. She came home with a thought: “Why not hold one right here?” Berkeley Square’s beautiful, walkable campus would let far more neighbors take part, including those who might not travel to an event across town.
So, Barb did what she does best. She put her professional know-how, her love of running and her considerable powers of persuasion to work. Barb spearheaded the effort alongside a dedicated team of resident volunteers who brought their time and talents to the cause. Together, they turned an idea into an event, and, each year, more hands join the effort.
A Tradition Deepens Its Impact
With the first walk a resounding success, the event has grown in both participants and dollars raised every year since. Each year, the organizers have added a new way for people to give. In year two, the addition of signs gave participants a way to honor someone impacted by dementia. This year, raffle baskets were added as another fun way to contribute.
For Megan Deaton, LPN, Memory Care Manager, the most meaningful part of this Memory Walk is the people behind it. “This event truly is resident-led,” she says. “Our residents didn’t have to do this. They chose to.”
One way that residents see their generosity at work is through outings that take memory care residents into the wider community for new adventures and a sense of normalcy beyond the walls of home. They also witness it in the community’s TouchPoint Sensory™ approach, designed to enrich daily life for residents living with dementia. “It’s about creating meaningful moments,” Megan shares with gratitude for the neighbors who help make them possible.
A Giving Heart Brings Its Own Rewards
What Berkeley Square residents feel on walk day is backed by a growing body of research. Research, such as the Mather Institute’s Age Well Study and the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Connection, consistently links volunteering, purpose and giving with better health and well-being in later life.
In other words, when Barb and her neighbors plan a walk for residents in memory care, everyone benefits. The people they walk for experience even more moments of discovery, laughter and joy. And the walkers gain connection, purpose and the deep satisfaction of making a difference close to home.
At Berkeley Square, being part of a continuing care community means more than having a range of services on one campus. It means neighbors who keep caring for one another at every stage of life. The Memory Walk is their way of saying: you are still our neighbors, and we are still walking with you.
Take Your First Step with Us
Whether you love to lead, lend a hand or simply enjoy the company of caring neighbors, you’ll find a place to belong at Berkeley Square. We would love to show you around, introduce you to our residents and share what makes life in our community so rewarding. Plan your visit to Berkeley Square today.
Published September 30, 2026
