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Proudly Hosting The Dementia Collective Podcast!

What if better dementia communication didn’t start with correcting someone — but by stepping into their world? In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with ⁠Rachael Wonderlin⁠, internationally recognized dementia care expert and founder of ⁠Dementia By Day⁠, to explore a transformative idea reshaping how caregivers connect with loved ones: their reality comes first. Rachael shares how her early experiences as a dementia care director pushed her beyond traditional guidance like “redirect and distract” and toward a more compassionate approach built on understanding a person’s lived reality. From her concepts of embracing their reality and timeline confusion to her improv-based communication workshop, she offers caregivers practical tools that actually work in everyday moments. Together, Andrew and Rachael unpack why care inconsistency happens in communities, how families can advocate respectfully, and what meaningful engagement really looks like. They also explore the cultural differences she’s observed across care environments, the importance of proper staff training, and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful teaching tools in dementia care. In this episode: • Why embracing a person’s reality leads to calmer, more meaningful interactions • How timeline confusion explains “recognition” challenges • Common blind spots in care communities — and how families can navigate them • The role of improv in dementia communication • Why proper caregiver training changes everything • Practical signs of a strong dementia care community • What motivated Rachael to build ⁠Dementia By Day School⁠ Whether you are a caregiver searching for better communication strategies, a professional working in memory care, or someone looking for clarity on what truly helps, Rachael’s insights are a reminder that connection is still possible — especially when we meet people where they are. Learn more at:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://rachaelwonderlin.com⁠ ⁠https://dementiabyday.com⁠ ⁠https://dementiabydayschool.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. 52:16
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Their Reality Comes First (with Rachael Wonderlin)

In this Ask the Experts conversation, ⁠Teepa Snow⁠ (⁠Positive Approach to Care⁠), ⁠Carrie Aalberts⁠ (⁠Dementia Darling⁠), ⁠Dr. Natali Edmonds⁠ (⁠Dementia Careblazers⁠), and ⁠Rachael Wonderlin⁠ (⁠Dementia by Day⁠) explore the ethics of disguising exits in dementia care. The discussion includes real-world examples such as bookshelf-painted doors, waterfall murals, and other environmental design strategies used to reduce exit-seeking, while weighing safety, dignity, and autonomy. 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. 8:42
YouTube Video UExxYWcwUU01bW5IaEN3dFNkQ21kOUFFTE1FYUtYSHM2SC41MTA4RkYwMjM4QzhBNTE3

Ask the Experts: Should We Disguise Exits in Dementia Care?

What if the future of dementia care wasn’t in a hospital, but on a farm? In this episode, ⁠Andrew Karesa⁠ sits down with ⁠Rebekah Churchyard⁠, Founder and CEO of ⁠Green Care Farms⁠, to explore how one granddaughter’s love for her grandparents sparked a new model of dementia care rooted in nature, purpose, and community. After witnessing the gaps her grandparents faced in rural dementia care, Rebekah set out to reimagine what support could look like. Today, her award-winning organization operates Canada’s first nature-based day program for people living with dementia on an operational farm, where participants harvest vegetables, feed animals, and rediscover the joy of meaningful work. Together, Andrew and Rebekah unpack the deeper connection between land and care, the socioeconomic opportunity within Canada’s agri-food sector, and why she envisions a care farm in every community across Canada. They also discuss how caregivers can find renewal in the simplicity of open skies, green fields, and shared purpose. In this episode: • How Rebekah’s grandparents inspired the creation of Green Care Farms • What a typical day on a care farm looks like for someone living with dementia • The global roots of care farming and why Canada is ready for it • Challenges and opportunities for rural dementia care • How care farms support food security and community resilience • The growing movement to make care farming part of Canada’s care system • Rebekah’s vision for a care farm in every community Whether you are a caregiver, policymaker, or someone dreaming of a better way to age, Rebekah’s story is a reminder that healing can happen anywhere, especially when care meets the land. Learn more at:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.carefarmscanada.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. 52:48
YouTube Video UExxYWcwUU01bW5IaEN3dFNkQ21kOUFFTE1FYUtYSHM2SC5BOUNEMEI0OUY1OEEwQzdC

The Farm That’s Changing Dementia Care in Canada (with Rebekah Churchyard)

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Want more informative and impactful demetia content? Check out The Dementia Collective for more information.