Listening Beyond Words: Understanding Unmet Needs in Dementia Care | Dr. Jennifer Carson

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into a transformative, human-centered approach to supporting individuals living with dementia. Traditional dementia care often relies on redirection, isolation, or medical sedation to manage challenging behaviors. However, this conversation shifts the focus toward understanding what those behaviors are actually trying to communicate—unmet physical, emotional, and psychological needs. Key Topics Covered: Moving Beyond Redirection: Why traditional management strategies often fail to address the root causes of distress, and how to transition toward empathetic, needs-based support. Decoding Behavior as Communication: Learning to interpret non-verbal cues, expressions of frustration, and sensory overload when words are no longer accessible. The Systemic Gaps in Care: Examining the harsh realities of isolation, over-sedation, and emotional neglect within care environments—and how care providers can actively drive change. Fostering Freedom and Belonging: Practical methods for creating environments where individuals with dementia retain a sense of autonomy, safety, and community connection. Key Takeaways: Behavior is Communication: Distressing behaviors are rarely unprovoked; they are frequently attempts to express pain, fear, loneliness, or sensory discomfort. Empathy Over Control: Prioritizing genuine human connection and validation yields far better long-term outcomes than attempting to redirect or overpower the individual. Actionable Care Strategies: Simple shifts in environment, routine, and staff engagement can drastically reduce the reliance on chemical or physical restraints. Whether you are a professional care provider, a family caregiver, or a healthcare advocate, this episode provides actionable insights and a powerful new lens for supporting those living with cognitive decline. About Dr. Carson Dr. Jennifer Carson is a critical gerontologist and the Founding Director of the Dementia Engagement, Education and Research (DEER) Program in the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her work focuses on combatting ageism and improving quality of life in long-term care. Dr Carson is teaches professional and family care partners as the author and facilitator of Bravo Zulu: Achieving Excellence in Relationship-Centered Dementia Care, a comprehensive, 12-hour dementia education program developed in partnership with the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. Bravo Zulu was recently nominated for an Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Carson brings a commitment to service, collaboration and innovation built upon more than 35 years of practical experience in long-term care and aging services. Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs. Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.