Dementia Care: Building Villages, Not Just Facilities with Jo-Anne Ross

In this week's episode of The Best Guest podcast we welcome Dementia with Dignity Champion and author, Jo-Anne Ross.We talk about:Why Jo-Anne's personal experience caring for her mother with dementia ignited her mission to transform the landscape of careHer visionary concept for a dementia village that prioritises dignity, joy, community, and connection with nature right to the very last breathHer seven-week Me First workshop methodology, designed to equip families and caregivers with practical self-care tools so they can give from a full vesselAbout Jo-Anne RossJo-Anne Ross is a Dementia with Dignity Champion, workshop facilitator, and multi-book author based in Canada. After spending nine months as the primary caregiver for her mother, Jo-Anne developed the Me First methodology to support families and caregivers navigating the emotional and practical challenges of dementia. She is currently developing a holistic dementia village concept and is the author of several books, with three more in progress.Key TakeawaysIf someone you love is showing signs of forgetfulness or behavioural changes, ask a doctor to test for a urinary tract infection before assuming dementia, as UTIs are frequently misdiagnosedDementia is also known as Type 3 Diabetes and reducing sugar intake can play a role in brain healthCaregivers must prioritise their own wellbeing first, because you cannot pour from an empty cupEvery dementia journey is unique, so research and tools need to be adapted to the individualIntergenerational, community-centred living benefits everyone, not just those with dementiaQuoteEvery single human being on this planet deserves to live with dignity and respect, joy and fun and community and quality of life, right to the very last breath." Jo-Anne RossConnect with Jo-Anne RossWebsite: savourthemomentinserenity.caFree Gift (Seven Things You Should Know About Dementia)Connect with Victoria BennionLearn more about us: https://thebestpodcastguest.co.uk/Download our checklist: How to be an Excellent Podcast Guest https://thebestpodcastguest.co.uk/checklist/Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebestpodcastguestJoin the Best Podcast Guest Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebestpodcastguestSubscribe to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@victoriabennionConnect with Victoria on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriabennion/