The Quest for Dementia-Inclusion

Upholding civil liberties, addressing fear, and creating flexible systems to support individuals who are living with dementia are passionate goals for the three guests on this episode of Elevate Eldercare.  Susan Ryan sits down with Jennifer Carson, PhD, director of the Dementia Engagement, Education, and Research (DEER) program at the Univ. of Nevada, Reno School of Public Health; Al Power, MD, geriatrician and Schlegel Chair in Aging and Dementia Innovation at the Schlegel-U Waterloo Research Institute at the Univ. of Rochester, New York; Jen Wilson, vice president of well-being at Carol Woods Retirement Community, as they help memory care providers open their minds and their doors to living well with cognitive change As the trio describes their quest to create “dementia-inclusive” communities, Wilson shares her 40-year career in supporting people with dementia, emphasizing the need for social justice and partnership with those affected. Dr. Power reflects on the negative impacts of segregated memory care, and Dr. Carson describes the Quest Upstream project, which focuses on reframing dementia, promoting well-being, and fostering inclusive environments. You can learn much more about their work at the forefront of dementia care during their preconference session at the 2024 Center for Innovation Conference this November: https://thegreenhouseproject.org/2024-conference/ Find out more about the DEER program here: https://www.unr.edu/public-health/centers-and-programs/dementia-engagement-education-and-research-program Learn about Carol Woods Retirement Community here: https://www.carolwoods.org