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Anthem Memory Care – A Human Touch

Author
Matt Watson

When Anthem Memory Care set out to refresh their brand and expand their marketing reach, they weren’t interested in gimmicks or over-polished messaging. They were looking for connection. Humanity. Honesty. Something that reflected the deep empathy at the heart of their work with individuals living with dementia.

They found it in a partnership with Watson.

Anthem, a national leader in dementia care, brought on Watson Creative to help reimagine their marketing from the inside out. What began as a branding conversation evolved into a full-scale transformation—across physical spaces, communications, and digital touchpoints. The result was a brand that not only resonated with prospective residents and families, but also drew in caregivers and professionals who aligned with Anthem’s mission.

“Watson Creative took a blank canvas and painted a wonderful picture for our primary and secondary audiences,” said Lewis McCoy, Principal at Anthem Memory Care. “It benefited us by building our core brand identity, attracting new and experienced staff, demonstrating our unique selling proposition, and generating sales.”‍

Designing for Dignity

From the outset, Watson took a holistic approach—recognizing that for families navigating memory loss, every interaction matters. We redesigned printed materials and signage for clarity and warmth, transformed lobby and public space environments to reflect a sense of welcome, and created digital tools to support both staff and residents’ loved ones.

But perhaps the most powerful asset of the campaign was one Anthem was initially uncertain about: a brand film. The idea of putting residents and staff on camera felt risky at first. But with care, trust, and collaboration, we created a short video that honored the people behind the brand—without ever feeling exploitative or saccharine.

“The product they produced was, in our estimation, quite a work of art,” said McCoy. “It so happened that in an employment interview for a pivotal position, I had the screen up and decided to play the video. At the end, I turned back to the applicant, who had tears in her eyes. She remarked that from watching the video, she could tell that Anthem Memory Care was a company that she wanted to be a part of.”

Stories That Stick

At Watson, we believe stories are systems—ways to transfer culture, emotion, and purpose. In the healthcare space, that means telling the truth with compassion. It means centering the people behind the statistics. And it means designing every brand element—visuals, copy, experience—as a reflection of the values you live by, not just what you say in a mission statement.

“I really felt Anthem Memory Care was doing something special,” said Matt Watson, Founder and Creative Director. “It was a privilege to be part of it. Our time with Anthem demonstrated that technology, meaningful stories, and lightweight communication systems can allow a small, dedicated staff to share and keep families connected—regardless of distance.”

Design That Heals

This work reinforced a simple but powerful truth: branding, when done well, can build trust, spark emotion, and support better care. Anthem’s story is proof that even in highly regulated, emotionally complex sectors like memory care, there’s room—and need—for warmth, clarity, and creative bravery.

To this day, the Anthem project remains a touchstone for our healthcare work. A reminder that good design isn’t about decoration—it’s about dignity. And that sometimes, the most impactful thing you can do isn’t to say more. It’s to show up, listen deeply, and tell the story that’s already there.

Let’s build brands that matter.

About Watson Creative
Watson Creative is a design-led business consultancy firm based in Portland, Oregon. Founded by Matt Watson, a design expert with 11 years experience with Nike, Watson Creative offers a wide range of business-led design services, including brand management and strategy, rebranding services, web design, VIP and athlete branding, and business strategy.
www.watsoncreative.com

About Anthem Memory Care
Anthem Memory Care is a team of experienced individuals who have successfully developed and leased more than 60 new senior communities, operated over 1,500 beds dedicated to memory care, and more than 12,000 senior units in total. With initial communities in Chico, California and Littleton, Colorado, Anthem is committed to creating a portfolio of communities dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare and housing for those with cognitive impairment.
anthemmemorycare.com