Show Notes
What if dementia care isn’t about having the right answers, but about responding to the moment you’re in?
In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Teepa Snow, one of the most respected voices in dementia care, to explore what it really means to support someone living with brain change when memory, language, and recognition come and go.
Drawing on more than four decades of experience as an occupational therapist, educator, and caregiver, Teepa shares how dementia care shifts when we stop correcting, stop forcing outcomes, and start meeting people where they are right now. Together, Andrew and Teepa talk about presence, improvisation, caregiver grief, and why connection often matters more than getting things “right.”
The conversation also touches on dementia in the public eye, young onset and childhood dementias, brain injury and risk, and the ways communities can better support people living with dementia without stripping away agency or dignity.
In this episode: • Why dementia care happens in the moment, not in the past or future • How letting go of correction can reduce distress and build connection • What people with dementia still understand long after memory fades • The emotional cost of caregiving and the importance of debriefing and support • Dementia under public scrutiny and the added pressure families face • Young onset and childhood dementias that are rarely discussed • Why communities, not just clinicians, play a critical role in care
Whether you’re a caregiver, family member, professional, or someone trying to understand dementia more deeply, this conversation offers practical insight and reassurance for navigating care one moment at a time.
Learn more at: https://www.bluebellvillage.ca https://teepasnow.com
Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd., or any of its employees, contractors, or team members.
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