Relief, Reimagined: Innovative CBD Wellness Program at Bridgewater Retirement Community

The Experts Behind the Program

Cannability Consulting was co-founded by Dr. Alex Hill, Corporate Director of Quality Improvement at Westminster Canterbury Chesapeake Bay, and Victoria (Tori) Crenshaw, Senior VP of Health and Innovation. The idea grew from Alex’s doctoral research on cannabis and wellness, which caught the attention of her organization’s leadership and board. “We wanted to help people navigate a tricky and often confusing subject in a way that meets regulatory requirements but also promotes quality of life and personhood,” Alex explains. Tori adds, “We’re mission-driven. If we can help another community, that’s what we’re here for.”

Their approach is built on both professional experience and careful research. “We saw that people were already using these products,” Tori says. “The question was: are they using the right product, at the right dose, in the safest way possible? We wanted to guide that process.”

How It Works at BRC

Before any resident began using CBD products, Alex and Tori hosted an all-day seminar for BRC’s nursing team, pharmacy partners, CNAs, nurse practitioners, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.

“BRC’s thoughtful approach stood out,” Alex said. “You invested in educating your team before introducing it to residents.”

Each resident’s plan is highly individualized. The consultation process includes:

• Goal setting—what symptom(s) the resident and care team want to address
• Review of medical history & medications—to identify potential interactions
• Safety screening—including state and federal compliance checks
• Product selection—gummies, tinctures, lozenges, creams, capsules, CBD-infused drinks, or other options tailored to needs

Monitoring is ongoing, especially for residents who cannot describe their symptoms. “We set personal markers,” Alex says. “That might mean less pacing, better engagement at meals, or attending programs again.”

Follow-up consultations—often done virtually—are built into the process. Adjustments are made slowly, starting with the smallest dose and increasing only as needed. About 60% of Cannability Consulting’s clients are served this way.

Results and Success Stories

BRC Director of Nursing Cindy Morris has seen results in both verbal and non-verbal residents. “For those using CBD for sleep, we ask daily how they rested. In many cases, we’ve seen symptom relief,” she shares.

One case from another community particularly stands out for Tori. The resident was living with dementia and PTSD from military service, with a history of sudden, intense aggression. Team members feared for their safety, and family visits were strained. “After starting a carefully designed cannabis plan, the individual became noticeably calmer and more engaged,” Tori recalls. “Family could visit without fear, and their time together became positive again. You could see a visible shift in their comfort and quality of life.”

BRC Clinical Coordinator Kellie Nelson shares the story of a resident who began using Lazarus Naturals Unwind Gummies for sleep and anxiety, paired with Pure Shenandoah Soothe Cream for foot pain. “The gummies improved her sleep, eased her anxiety, and reduced discomfort. The cream brought quick relief for the first couple of months,” Kellie shares. “She and her family are satisfied, and from a teammate perspective, we encourage others to explore the benefits.”

Why It Matters

For many residents and families, CBD offers an appealing alternative to prescription or over-the-counter pain medications—often without the long-term side effects. “We’re finding
people are open to non-traditional options,” Cindy says. “If it improves comfort and quality of life, they want to know more.”

Alex emphasizes that safety and education are at the heart of the program. “Just because it’s for sale doesn’t mean it’s safe. We carefully vet every product for quality, transparency, and compliance,” she says. Cannability Consulting sources products from a variety of trusted providers—including Pure Shenandoah in Elkton, Virginia, which happens to be local to the BRC community—ensuring clients receive safe, high-quality options.

Looking Ahead

Whether the program expands will depend on resident interest, but the partnership has already shown how innovative thinking can improve quality of life for both residents and team. “I think our team was excited we were willing to try something different,” Jeff adds. “If it helps residents live their best lives, it’s worth exploring.”