The Dementia Collective

What if the problem isn’t whether Canada has a dementia strategy, but whether families can actually feel it?In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Dr. Saskia Sivananthan to examine the gap between Canada’s National Dementia Strategy and the lived reality of families, clinicians, and communities trying to navigate brain change.Drawing on her experience working at the intersection of research, policy, and national coordination, Dr. Sivananthan unpacks what strategy is supposed to do, where implementation breaks down, and how funding decisions shape what support is actually available on the ground. Together, Andrew and Saskia discuss federal leadership, provincial variation, accountability, and why a plan on paper does not automatically translate into coordinated care.The conversation moves beyond individual caregiving stories to ask a broader systems question: if we say we have a national plan, what would it look like for families to experience it as one?In this episode:• What Canada’s National Dementia Strategy was designed to accomplish• How funding shifts affect coordination and long-term impact• The difference between announcing a strategy and implementing one• Why fragmentation across provinces continues to shape care experiences• The role of accountability in national health initiatives• Where Canada lags and where it shows leadership globally• What meaningful national alignment in dementia care could actually look likeWhether you are a caregiver, policymaker, clinician, researcher, or someone trying to understand how dementia care is structured in Canada, this conversation offers a grounded look at the systems behind the support families depend on.Learn more at:⁠⁠⁠https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://brainwellinstitute.orghttps://www.saskiasivananthan.comDisclaimer: 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.

What happens to joy when dementia enters the picture? When routines change, roles shift, and caregiving becomes heavier than anyone expected, is joy still possible, or does it quietly disappear?In this episode of The Dementia Collective, Andrew Karesa sits down with Carrie Aalberts, gerontologist, dementia educator, and founder of Dementia Darling, to explore why joy still matters in dementia care and how it can exist alongside grief, exhaustion, and uncertainty.Carrie shares her personal journey into dementia care, shaped by her grandmother’s diagnosis and years working inside senior living, adult day programs, and community-based care. She reflects on what surprised her early on, including how often families were left without guidance, and how those experiences reshaped her understanding of dignity, empathy, and what meaningful care actually looks like.Much of the conversation centers on joy, not as positivity or denial, but as an intentional and evolving practice. Carrie explains how joy changes throughout the dementia journey, why it looks different than it once did, and how caregivers can find moments of connection even in the most difficult seasons. She emphasizes presence, slowing down, and letting go of unrealistic expectations placed on both caregivers and people living with dementia.Andrew and Carrie also explore the role of children in dementia care, sharing why intergenerational spaces can foster empathy, normalize aging, and create powerful moments of connection. They discuss how community-based models challenge the isolation many families experience, and why caregiving should never be a solitary endeavor.The conversation turns to systemic barriers in dementia care, including cost, staffing shortages, and the emotional toll placed on family caregivers who are often forced to navigate complex systems with little support. Carrie speaks candidly about burnout, grief, and the need for better structures that honor both caregivers and care workers.Throughout the episode, they examine how technology can enhance care when used thoughtfully, from virtual reality and remote support tools to digital education platforms that meet caregivers where they are. Rather than presenting technology as a replacement for human connection, Carrie frames it as a way to reduce burden, expand access, and preserve dignity.In this episode:• Why joy still matters in dementia care• How joy changes throughout the caregiving journey• The emotional reality caregivers rarely talk about• Why intergenerational care benefits both children and elders• Systemic barriers families face when seeking support• How technology can enhance connection and quality of life• What dignity-centered dementia care really looks likeWhether you are a caregiver, a professional, or someone walking alongside a loved one with dementia, this conversation offers reassurance, honesty, and a grounded reminder that joy does not disappear with diagnosis. It changes, it deepens, and it still belongs.Learn more at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠https://www.dementiadarling.comDisclaimer: 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.

What if The Notebook was never really a love story?Most people remember it that way.But underneath the romance, the film is doing something much more unsettling.It’s exploring what happens when memory fades… to the point that identity itself begins to break apart.In this video, we look at why The Notebook might actually be one of the most revealing films about dementia, caregiving, and the way we understand a person over time.The story quietly captures a tension that many caregivers recognize immediately:• The difference between who someone was and who they are now• Why families respond to that change in completely different ways• How care systems focus on the present, often at the expense of the past• What moments of recognition really mean… and what they don’t• And how one person can begin to feel like twoWhat makes The Notebook powerful isn’t just the love story.It’s the way it shows that memory loss isn’t only about forgetting.It’s about what happens when the continuity of a person’s life is disrupted.And that idea matters far beyond film.Because the way we understand memory shapes how we respond to aging, caregiving, and conditions like dementia.This isn’t a recap of the movie.It’s a reflection on how The Notebook captures something deeply true about identity, loss, and what it means to care for someone who is still here… but no longer the same.

What does it mean when a former governor says caregiving was harder than public office?In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with former Wisconsin Governor Martin J. Schreiber, author of My Two Elaines, for a deeply personal conversation about loving, caring for, and slowly losing his wife Elaine after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis.Marty brings a perspective few people can offer. He has lived in the world of leadership, policy, and public responsibility, yet says the hardest role he ever held was caregiver. What unfolds in this conversation is not a political discussion, but a human one. It is about what dementia asks of a family, how caregiving changes your identity, and why so many people are unprepared for what the journey really becomes.Together, Andrew and Marty explore the emotional reality of caring for someone whose mind is changing over time. Marty reflects on the idea behind My Two Elaines: that the woman he loved was still there, but Alzheimer’s required him to relate to her differently. In turn, he had to become a different version of himself too.The conversation also explores the hidden toll caregiving takes on families, why caregivers must protect their own health, and what governments still fail to understand about supporting families living with dementia.In this episode:• Why caregiving was harder than being governor• The meaning behind My Two Elaines• How dementia changes both the person diagnosed and the caregiver• Why arguing with dementia often makes things worse• The emotional toll caregiving takes on spouses and families• Why caregivers must protect their own health• What policymakers still misunderstand about dementia careWhether you are caring for a spouse, supporting a parent, or trying to understand how dementia reshapes a family, this conversation offers honesty, perspective, and a reminder that even when memory changes, connection still matters.Learn more at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mytwoelaines.com/index.php/about-martin/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.

What happens to faith when memory fades, words disappear, and the person we knew begins to change in ways that feel unfamiliar, or even unsettling?In this episode of The Dementia Collective, Andrew Karesa sits down with Elisa Bosley, chaplain and founder of SpiritualElderCare.com, to explore how faith, music, and presence continue to matter in dementia care, especially near the end of life.Elisa begins by sharing her own origin story and how she was drawn into chaplaincy work with older adults. She reflects on what first surprised her when accompanying people living with dementia, and how those early experiences reshaped her understanding of faith, identity, and what it truly means to offer spiritual care.Much of the conversation centers on music, particularly hymns, and why they so often reach people long after other forms of communication have fallen away. Elisa explains how familiar songs can act as a bridge to comfort, connection, and peace, even when cognitive decline is advanced, and why music frequently carries spiritual meaning when spoken theology no longer does.Andrew and Elisa also explore the tension many families feel when a loved one’s beliefs or behaviours near the end of life seem incongruent with who they were earlier. They discuss common fears about faith, salvation, and whether dementia can somehow sever a person’s relationship with God. Rather than offering simplistic answers, Elisa speaks from her experience walking alongside individuals and families in long term care, emphasizing presence, reassurance, and trust over correction or fear.The conversation addresses chaplaincy in diverse care settings, including how Elisa approaches interfaith spaces with sensitivity and respect. She reflects on the difference between supporting someone spiritually and evangelizing them, and why honoring a person’s history, values, and sense of safety matters far more than imposing belief.Throughout the episode, Elisa returns to a consistent theme: that dignity, comfort, and connection are not lost simply because cognition changes. She shares what she has witnessed again and again in long term care, moments where peace, familiarity, and faith surface quietly through song, touch, or presence.In this episode:• Why hymns often reach people late in dementia• How music can act as a bridge to comfort and faith• What families fear when beliefs seem to change near the end of life• Whether dementia can affect a person’s relationship with God• The difference between spiritual support and evangelization• How chaplains navigate interfaith spaces in long term care• What brings peace and dignity near the end of lifeWhether you are a caregiver, a family member, or someone wrestling with questions about faith, memory, and meaning in dementia, this conversation offers reassurance, reflection, and a grounded reminder that presence often speaks louder than certainty.Learn more at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠https://spiritualeldercare.comDisclaimer: 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.

What if good dementia care was not about getting everything right, but about understanding the person in front of you?In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Dr. Natali Edmonds, board certified geropsychologist and founder of Dementia Careblazers, to explore what caregivers are rarely told about dementia care, and why striving for perfection often makes the journey harder, not better.Natali shares her path into geropsychology, from a formative moment during her clinical training that exposed how poorly systems serve older adults, to her work inside hospital and home based care settings. She reflects on why short appointments and blanket rules fail families, and how individualized, compassionate care makes a meaningful difference.Together, Andrew and Natali unpack the emotional weight caregivers carry, why self blame is so common, and how well intentioned strategies can sometimes increase stress for both caregivers and their loved ones. They also discuss early onset dementia, gaps in existing supports, the role of multidisciplinary care, and why listening to a person’s response matters more than following rigid guidance.In this episode:• Why good dementia care is not about perfection• What caregivers often overthink, and what they miss instead• How to evaluate advice and credentials in a crowded online space• Why explaining “you have dementia” can backfire• When safety strategies help, and when they hide unmet needs• The unique challenges of early onset dementia and younger caregivers• How self compassion changes the caregiving experience• What caregivers are doing better than they realizeWhether you are caring for a loved one with dementia, navigating burnout and self doubt, or working professionally in aging and memory care, this conversation is a grounded reminder that doing your best does not mean doing everything right. Good dementia care is personal, human, and shaped by the person you are caring for.Learn more at:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://careblazers.comDisclaimer: 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.

What if Inside Out accidentally explained how memory really works?Pixar created a world where memories form as glowing spheres, fade over time, and are reshaped by emotion. It’s a beautiful storytelling device.But it’s also surprisingly close to what researchers understand about how human memory actually works.In this video, we explore why Inside Out might be one of the most accurate films about memory ever made.The movie quietly captures several ideas psychologists and neuroscientists have studied for decades:• Memories are shaped by emotion• Memories change each time we revisit them• Sadness plays a critical role in healing and connection• Some memories fade while others become part of who we areWhat makes Inside Out powerful is that it doesn’t present memory as a filing cabinet. It presents it as something living, fragile, and constantly evolving.And that idea matters far beyond film.Because the way our culture understands memory shapes how we respond to aging, grief, and conditions like dementia.This isn’t a clinical breakdown of neuroscience.It’s a cultural reflection on how a Pixar film captured something deeply true about the human mind.

What happens when families sense cognitive change years before dementia is ever named, and are left living in uncertainty while waiting for clarity that arrives too late?In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Greg McGillis, engineer, entrepreneur, and founder of Brain Care Technologies, to explore why dementia is so often detected only after lives have already been disrupted, and what might change if cognitive decline were noticed earlier.Greg shares the long arc of his career, beginning in the early 1990s working in assistive technology with people whose physical disabilities limited their independence. That early work shaped his understanding of dignity and agency, lessons that stayed with him through decades in engineering leadership before he made a deliberate return to biomedical engineering later in life.The conversation becomes deeply personal as Greg reflects on supporting his father in law, who is now living with Lewy body dementia in long term care. He speaks candidly about watching subtle changes accumulate, the years of uncertainty before answers arrived, and how families are often left wishing they had known sooner, not for a cure, but for time, planning, and fewer surprises.Andrew and Greg explore why the gap between early brain changes and clinical diagnosis remains so wide, and what families lose during that waiting period. They discuss how current systems often rely on crisis rather than curiosity, and why caregivers are frequently the first to notice cognitive change long before healthcare systems are prepared to respond.The episode also examines Greg’s work at Brain Care Technologies and his belief that understanding brain function earlier, through non invasive approaches, can support better conversations and planning. Rather than positioning technology as a solution on its own, Greg emphasizes its role in helping families move from confusion to clarity, while respecting uncertainty and avoiding false promises.Throughout the conversation, Greg challenges the idea that early awareness should be feared. He speaks to the importance of hope grounded in realism, and why earlier understanding, even without definitive answers, can empower families rather than overwhelm them.In this episode:• Why dementia is often detected years after cognitive changes begin• What families lose during the long wait for answers• Why caregivers are usually the first to notice change• The emotional toll of uncertainty before diagnosis• What early awareness can and cannot change today• How earlier understanding can support planning and dignity• Why proactive dementia care must be handled with honesty and careWhether you are a caregiver, a family member, or someone trying to understand dementia beyond clinical timelines and stereotypes, this conversation offers clarity, perspective, and a grounded look at why knowing sooner can change how dementia care is experienced.Learn more at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://braincaretech.caDisclaimer: 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.

What if the most powerful story in Coco isn’t about music at all?In one quiet moment near the end of the film, Pixar reveals something deeply human about memory, aging, and the fear of being forgotten. When Miguel sings Remember Me to Coco, the song stops being about fame or performance and becomes something far more personal — a bridge back to memory.In this video, we explore the hidden story inside Coco and why that scene resonates so deeply with families who have experienced aging and fading memory.Through Coco’s character and the traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos, the film quietly reminds us that memory is not just something we carry alone. It lives in stories, in families, and in the people who choose to remember.This isn’t a clinical analysis.It’s a cultural one.Because the stories we tell about memory and aging shape how we treat the people living with them.

What happens when a diagnosis doesn’t just change a life, but quietly changes the way a room responds to you?In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Phyllis Fehr, an international dementia advocate, registered nurse, author, and human rights leader who has been living with a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s since the age of 53. Phyllis’s relationship with dementia began long before her own diagnosis, shaped by early caregiving experiences in her family and later by a career in critical care nursing. Those layers of lived experience inform everything she shares in this conversation.Phyllis reflects on what it was like to notice changes in herself, to seek answers as a healthcare professional, and to eventually receive a diagnosis that altered not only how systems saw her, but how people spoke to her, looked at her, and included her. She describes moments where conversations shifted mid-sentence, where attention moved away from her, and where assumptions about capacity replaced curiosity about who she still was.Throughout the conversation, Phyllis speaks candidly about living with dementia day to day. She challenges the idea that diagnosis equals disappearance, and explains how capacity, autonomy, and consent can fluctuate without vanishing. She shares how she continues to assess her own abilities, adapt when needed, and assert her right to be involved in decisions about her life.Andrew and Phyllis also explore how dementia becomes a human rights issue, not only in policy rooms, but in ordinary interactions. Phyllis draws from her work with provincial, national, and international bodies, including advisory roles and advocacy at the United Nations, to explain how people living with dementia are often invited into conversations symbolically but excluded in practice. She speaks openly about tokenism, stigma, and the emotional cost of constantly having to prove you are still capable.The episode also touches on the importance of creativity, intergenerational relationships, and purpose. Phyllis shares how staying engaged, writing, speaking, and connecting with children and grandchildren has helped her maintain identity and meaning, even as she navigates change. Rather than framing dementia as a story of loss alone, she offers a more complex and honest account of what remains.Throughout the episode, Phyllis challenges common assumptions about dementia, including who it affects, how capacity is understood, and why silence and exclusion often cause more harm than the disease itself.In this episode:• What changes socially after a dementia diagnosis, even when the person is still present• How being treated differently can erode dignity long before abilities are lost• What capacity and consent look like when cognition fluctuates• Why living with dementia is also a human rights issue• How advocacy rooted in lived experience differs from policy on paper• The role of creativity, purpose, and connection in living well with dementia• Why claiming your voice matters, even when systems are uncomfortable listeningWhether you are living with dementia, supporting someone who is, or trying to understand dementia beyond stereotypes and clinical language, this conversation offers clarity, honesty, and a powerful reminder that diagnosis does not erase personhood.Learn more at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: 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.

What if dementia isn’t just something that happens to us, but something shaped over time by how we live?In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Dr. Tommy Wood, neuroscientist, physician, and author of The Stimulated Mind, to explore one of the most challenging ideas in brain health: that a significant portion of dementia may be preventable, and that everyday choices play a meaningful role across the lifespan.Dr. Wood’s work spans newborn brain injury, long-term cognitive health, and elite performance with Formula 1 drivers. At the center of it is a simple question: what helps the brain stay resilient, adaptable, and capable over time?Together, Andrew and Tommy explore the concept of “headroom,” the brain’s ability to build capacity so that decline has less impact when it comes. They revisit the common belief that dementia is simply part of aging and look at why focusing on a single cause, like amyloid, has limited our understanding of cognitive decline.The conversation moves into what actually matters in daily life. From physical activity and social connection to cognitive challenge and recovery, Tommy explains which behaviors are most influential and where people often focus on the wrong things.They also consider what this means for families already living with dementia. What still makes a difference after a diagnosis? What is worth prioritizing when time and energy are limited? And how can we talk about prevention in a way that supports, rather than burdens, caregivers?The episode also explores populations with very low rates of dementia and what their lifestyles reveal about the gap between what we know and how we live. Along the way, Tommy offers perspective on brain training, optimization, and the tendency to overcomplicate what is often more straightforward.In this episode:• What “45% of dementia may be preventable” actually means• The idea of “headroom” and how the brain builds resilience• Why focusing only on amyloid falls short• Which behaviors have the greatest impact on brain health• The role of social connection in protecting the brain• What people misunderstand about brain training and stimulation• The gap between knowledge and action• What still matters after a dementia diagnosis• What caregivers can let go of• How to prioritize when you cannot do everythingWhether you are thinking about your own future, supporting someone you love, or trying to make sense of conflicting advice around brain health, this conversation offers a clearer understanding of what matters and where to focus your energy.Learn more at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drtommywood.com⁠https://www.drtommywood.com/stimulated-mindhttps://www.amazon.com/Stimulated-Mind-Future-Proof-Brain-Dementia/dp/0593797817Disclaimer: 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.

In this Ask the Experts conversation, Governor Martin Schreiber, Ron Beleno, Alfredo Botello, and Spencer Cline explore why so many male caregivers struggle to ask for help. The discussion examines the pressure men often feel to stay strong, handle everything alone, and suppress their own needs, while also unpacking the guilt, silence, and isolation that can come with caregiving.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.

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 careWhether 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.ca⁠⁠⁠https://teepasnow.comDisclaimer: 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.

What if supporting people living with dementia was not only about care, but about activity, connection, and purpose?In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Haidong Liang, gerontologist and CEO of WE Seniors and the Westend Seniors Activity Centre, to explore why meaningful activity is critical in dementia care and healthy aging.Haidong shares how his work bridging research, policy, and real-world community programs has reshaped how he thinks about dementia support. From the role of physical movement and social engagement to the quiet ways families can unintentionally hold seniors back in the name of love, he explains why engagement often matters more than supervision alone.Together, Andrew and Haidong unpack what aging with dignity looks like in practice, not just in policy documents. They discuss how seniors activity centres can support people living with dementia and their caregivers long before crisis sets in, why caregivers need wraparound community support, and how local organizations can fill the gaps left by one-size-fits-all approaches to aging at home.This episode is part of Podcasthon 2026, a global initiative highlighting nonprofits creating meaningful change in their communities. As part of Podcasthon, this conversation shines a light on WE Seniors, an Edmonton-based nonprofit doing impactful, on-the-ground work to support seniors and caregivers through inclusive programming, collaboration, and purposeful activity.In this episode:• Why activity and engagement are critical in dementia care• What families notice first when participation is truly working• How social connection supports both caregivers and people living with dementia• Why aging is not a disease and how that belief harms care• The role of seniors activity centres in supporting aging at home• How community-based programs reach diverse and underserved seniors• What aging with dignity means beyond basic careWhether you are a caregiver, professional, policymaker, or someone thinking about aging in your own family, this conversation is a reminder that activity, connection, and purpose do not disappear with a diagnosis. They become more important than ever.Learn more at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠⁠https://weseniors.caDisclaimer: 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.

In this short bonus episode of The Dementia Collective, Andrew Karesa turns to the DC universe and one of Batman’s most fascinating ideas: the Lazarus Pit.Within the mythology of DC Comics, the Lazarus Pit offers an extraordinary promise. When the body begins to fail, the pit restores it. Age recedes. Strength returns. Life begins again.But beneath that supernatural premise lies a deeper cultural question:What does our fascination with reversal reveal about how society understands decline?Often associated with Ra’s al Ghul, the Lazarus Pit represents a powerful belief embedded in both fiction and reality—the idea that decline should always be temporary, that with enough innovation or intervention the body can be returned to what it once was.In this reflection, Andrew explores how that narrative shapes the way modern systems approach aging, illness, and vulnerability. Cultural stories tend to celebrate cure, restoration, and breakthrough. Yet far less attention is given to the structural challenge of supporting lives that change in ways that cannot simply be reversed.By examining the Lazarus Pit through a critical lens, this episode asks whether our institutions are quietly built around the expectation of restoration—and what happens when restoration never arrives.Batman has long explored questions of power, morality, and human limits. Here, the Lazarus Pit becomes something else: a mirror for the cultural myth that decline must always be undone.If you care about pop culture, aging, systems design, caregiving, or the deeper stories that shape how society responds to vulnerability, this reflection pushes beyond comic lore and into the architecture of how we value people when restoration is no longer possible.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.

What happens when childhood unfolds alongside loss — not all at once, but slowly, quietly, and long before anyone knows how to name it?In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Spencer Cline — FTD advocate, former college basketball player, endurance athlete, and AFTD Ambassador — to talk about what it means to grow up while a parent is living with dementia. Spencer’s father began showing symptoms of frontotemporal dementia shortly after Spencer was born, was diagnosed when Spencer was seven, and later identified as carrying the C9orf72 genetic variant, a mutation linked to both FTD and ALS. His father passed away in 2012, but the impact of the disease shaped Spencer’s life long before that moment.Spencer shares what it was like to grow up inside a disease few people understood — navigating embarrassment, anger, responsibility, and grief while still trying to be a kid. He reflects on the moments he didn’t yet have words for, the silence around his family’s reality, and the complicated emotions of loving a parent whose behavior no longer matched who they once were. He speaks candidly about the freedom he needed as a child, the importance of choice in caregiving relationships, and the quiet weight carried by young caregivers who are often overlooked.The conversation also explores the role sport played in Spencer’s life — how basketball became a refuge, a place where he could escape the chaos at home and feel normal, focused, and grounded. Later, that same drive showed up in a different form: a 3,700-mile bike ride across the United States to raise awareness for FTD. Spencer recounts the physical and emotional demands of the journey, the strangers who carried him when his body couldn’t, and what endurance taught him about collective grief, community, and resilience.Andrew and Spencer also dig into the realities of genetic dementia — the fear, uncertainty, and existential weight of knowing you may carry the same mutation that took your parent. Spencer reflects on how that knowledge shapes the way he lives, loves, and plans for the future, and why advocacy has become both an outlet for grief and a source of purpose.Throughout the episode, Spencer challenges common assumptions about dementia — that it only affects memory, that it only happens in old age, and that children aren’t deeply impacted. He speaks openly about misdiagnosis, stigma, and why frontotemporal dementia remains widely misunderstood, even within healthcare systems.In this episode:• What children actually need when a parent is living with dementia• Why choice and autonomy matter for young caregivers• How growing up with FTD shaped Spencer’s emotional awareness and resilience• The role of sport as refuge, identity, and survival• What endurance challenges reveal about grief and community• The realities of living with genetic risk• Why FTD is often misdiagnosed — and why that matters• How awareness work can move beyond slogans into real impact• The unseen emotional cost of dementia on children and familiesWhether you’re a caregiver raising children, an adult reflecting on your own upbringing, or someone trying to understand dementia beyond the stereotypes, this conversation offers honesty, clarity, and a rare perspective on what it means to grow up fast — and keep going anyway.Learn more at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theaftd.orgDisclaimer: 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.

What happens when a system built to protect people becomes the very thing that limits their freedom — and the people inside it are left to carry the emotional weight?In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Dr. Sharon Kaasalainen — nurse, researcher, and co-lead of the ⁠SPA-LTC palliative care initiative⁠ — to explore what long-term care looks like from the inside, why caregivers often feel shut out of decisions, and how a new approach could reshape the way Canada cares for people living with dementia. Sharon has spent decades working in LTC homes, listening to care aides, supporting families, training nurses, and challenging the assumptions that have governed the sector for too long.Sharon shares the first moments that drew her into this work as a young bed-maker in long-term care, the early conversations that showed her how invisible caregiver expertise often is, and the painful reality of watching families arrive in crisis because no one prepared them for what was coming. She opens up about the unspoken tensions between nurses and care aides, the discomfort many providers feel around palliative conversations, and the fear that regulations and punitive oversight are pushing good people out of the profession.Together, Andrew and Sharon dive into why caregivers are still viewed as “difficult,” how early palliative conversations can calm crisis before it begins, and why the most meaningful innovations in LTC aren’t high-tech — they’re human. They examine models from the Netherlands, the need for smaller household-style living, the power of relationships in shaping resident well-being, and what it will take to trust LTC teams enough to let them innovate again.They also tackle the darker side of regulation: Bill 14, the rise of investigators, and what happens when a sector meant to care becomes a sector afraid to move. Sharon offers a candid perspective on the burnout of nurses, the undervaluing of care aides, and the emotional cost of a system where everyone feels watched but no one feels supported.In this episode:• Why caregivers should be involved from the very beginning — not only when signatures are needed• How early palliative conversations help families avoid crisis• The role of care aides, and why their expertise must be recognized and regulated fairly• Why LTC feels more like an institution than a home — and how to change that• How the Netherlands is reshaping global expectations for dementia care• The emotional reality of nurses navigating impossible workloads• The danger of punitive regulation and how it undermines innovation• How SPA-LTC is reducing hospital transfers and improving quality of dying• Why listening is still the most underrated skill in dementia care• What Sharon hopes the next generation of LTC will finally get rightWhether you’re a caregiver advocating for a loved one, a healthcare provider navigating the pressures of LTC, or someone trying to understand how we rebuild a system from the inside out, Sharon’s insights offer clarity, compassion, and a vision for long-term care where people — not policies — come first.Learn more at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://spaltc.caDisclaimer: 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.

In this short bonus episode of The Dementia Collective, Andrew Karesa turns to Star Trek: The Next Generation and the episode “Sarek” to examine a deeper cultural question:What happens when a society built on logic confronts cognitive decline?Through the allegory of Bendii Syndrome, this five minute reflection moves beyond disease comparison and into structural critique. Vulcan culture equates control with honour, rationality with legitimacy, and composure with dignity. When that control falters, the response is not only medical. It is political.By contrasting Bendii Syndrome with dementia, Andrew explores how modern systems respond to cognitive vulnerability. When autonomy shifts, who decides? When capacity changes, what happens to dignity? And how often does “protection” become quiet control?This episode challenges the assumption that dementia erodes human worth. Instead, it asks whether our institutions are designed in ways that make stigma inevitable.Star Trek has long been a vehicle for social critique. Here, it becomes a mirror for how we structure autonomy, caregiving, and legitimacy in the face of aging.If you care about dementia, systems design, ethics, or the future of dignity in aging, this reflection pushes beyond description and into the architecture of how we value people when logic fails.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.

What happens when dementia enters a home where achievement is expected, aging is denied, and illness isn’t talked about until it can’t be ignored?In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Anoushka Fernandes — caregiver, consultant, and founder of The Soggy Sandwich — to explore how dementia shows up inside South Asian families and why silence still surrounds it. After leaving a senior government role to support her parents, Anoushka found herself navigating a disease few in her community were willing to name, let alone prepare for.Anoushka shares the early signs her family noticed, the denial that followed, and the emotional hit of realizing that even a highly educated, active, and disciplined person like her mother could be affected. She opens up about the guilt, anger, and grief that shape caregiving, the isolation that comes from being “the one who steps in,” and the cultural expectations placed on daughters in first-generation households.Together, Andrew and Anoushka unpack why dementia remains stigmatized in South Asian homes, how cultural values both help and hinder caregiving, and what Canadian caregivers need to understand when supporting someone who grew up in a completely different world. They also talk about the power of early diagnosis, the gaps in Alberta’s healthcare navigation, the importance of community support, and why she became an early adopter of blueBell Connect during her mother’s care.In this episode:• Early signs families often miss — and why denial is common• How South Asian cultural expectations shape caregiving roles• The emotional paradoxes caregivers face: anger, guilt, grief, and acceptance• Why isolation grows in a hyperconnected world• How to find reliable information without getting lost in online noise• What Canadian caregivers need to know when supporting South Asian parents• The role of the Alzheimer Society and system navigators• Why she created The Soggy Sandwich after her mother’s sudden passing• How blueBell Connect helped her keep dispersed family members alignedWhether 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.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thesoggysandwich.ca/blog/https://www.marcelinomarisesolutions.comDisclaimer: 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.

In this short bonus episode of The Dementia Collective, Andrew Karesa challenges one of the most common assumptions in dementia care: that a person living with dementia is simply “confused.”What if that word is masking something more specific?Through an unexpected comparison using characters from Pokémon, this five minute reflection explores the difference between slowed cognitive processing and neurological overload. These two patterns can look similar on the surface, but they require very different responses from caregivers.By examining how Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect processing speed, attention, and sensory filtering, Andrew invites listeners to reconsider how they interpret pauses, agitation, and behavioural changes.When we shift from labeling behaviour to understanding what may be happening in the brain, dementia care becomes more patient, more precise, and more effective.If you care for a person living with dementia or want a clearer understanding of cognitive decline and memory changes, this short episode offers a practical and thought provoking perspective.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.

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 SchoolWhether 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.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rachaelwonderlin.comhttps://dementiabyday.comhttps://dementiabydayschool.comDisclaimer: 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.

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.

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 communityWhether 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.ca⁠⁠⁠https://www.carefarmscanada.comDisclaimer: 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.

What if one man’s run could change the course of dementia research?In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Jason Boschan, founder of Run4Papa, to explore how one grandson’s promise to his “Papa” became a global movement for hope, awareness, and change.Inspired by his grandfather, Dr. Louis “Papa” Heyman — a lifelong pediatrician who dedicated his life to caring for others — Jason has run marathons on all seven continents, raising nearly $400,000 in pilot funding that has generated over $20 million in research grants.Together, Andrew and Jason reflect on what it means to turn loss into legacy, why transparency builds trust in philanthropy, and how running can become a powerful form of advocacy. From the Great Wall of China to Mount Everest, Jason shares the lessons learned through every mile — and the families that keep him moving forward.In this episode:• The story behind Run4Papa and its mission to fund dementia research• How one race on the Great Wall of China changed everything• The power of storytelling and connection in global fundraising• Turning $350K into $10M+ in research impact• Why “everyone impacted by dementia is — or was — someone’s #1”• Lessons on resilience from marathons in Antarctica, Africa, and Everest• The vision for 50 half marathons in 50 states — and what drives him nextWhether you’re a caregiver, a runner, or someone searching for purpose through loss, Jason’s story is a reminder that hope can travel any distance — and that sometimes, the race for a cure begins with a single step.Learn more at:⁠https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠https://run4papa.comDisclaimer: 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.

What if dementia care wasn’t about managing decline — but about nurturing connection, learning, and joy?In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with James Lee, co-founder and CEO of Bella Groves, a dementia care community in Bulverde, Texas, that’s redefining what person-centered care can look like.For nearly 20 years, James has been reshaping senior living from the inside out — from his early days as a caregiver to his work as an industry leader, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Senior Living Think Tank. His journey reveals why the heart of dementia care isn’t efficiency or systems — it’s people.Together, Andrew and James explore what it means to lead with head and heart, the trade-offs of private versus public funding models, and how small communities can spark big change through empathy, education, and design. James also shares how Bella Groves is building a “learning community” that empowers families and professionals alike — and why joy should be measured as carefully as outcomes.In this episode:• The “accident” that led James from finance to dementia care• How Bella Groves redefines success through Unconditional Joy™• Why time is the caregiver’s most precious resource• The myth of operational efficiency in care settings• How the Senior Living Think Tank is creating global collaboration• Lessons from dementia communities in Amsterdam and Okinawa• Why joy doesn’t need to be remembered to be meaningfulWhether you’re a caregiver, a leader, or simply curious about what’s next for dementia care, this conversation will challenge how you see the future — and remind you that good care begins and ends with connection.Learn more at:https://www.bluebellvillage.cahttps://www.bellagroves.comhttps://www.thinktankleadership.comDisclaimer: 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.

What does trust look like when you’re caring for someone with dementia — and how do families rebuild it when systems, stress, and exhaustion get in the way?In this episode, Andrew sits down with Lance A. Slatton — known to millions as The Senior Care Influencer and host of the award-winning podcast All Home Care Matters.For more than 20 years, Lance has walked alongside families through the hardest parts of dementia care. From caring for his own grandmother and father, to leading one of Michigan’s most respected home care organizations, he’s seen how honesty, compassion, and community can turn fear into hope.Together, they explore what caregivers often get wrong, what professionals sometimes forget, and the simple truths that make care work — trust, dignity, and connection.In this episode:• The early lessons that shaped Lance’s life in care• What honesty really means in dementia support• How to recognize and recover from caregiver burnout• The hidden cost of revolving-door care• Why faith and purpose sustain caregivers when nothing else can• The story behind All Home Care Matters — and what nearly 400 conversations have taught him about resilienceWhether you’re a new caregiver or deep in the thick of it, this episode is a grounding reminder that good care isn’t just about doing more — it’s about being there, with trust at the center.Learn more at:https://www.bluebellvillage.cahttps://www.elhcs.comhttps://lanceaslatton.comhttps://allhomecarematters.comDisclaimer: 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.

What if your family forgot who you were? What if you had just minutes to prepare to be remembered?In this episode, Andrew talks with Aaron Tong, caregiver, father, and founder of Aeternum — a private, inheritable digital platform designed to preserve memory, legacy, and identity across generations.Aaron shares the deeply personal story behind Aeternum: a terrifying flight, a conversation with his young daughter, and the realization that even love isn’t always enough to be remembered. What started as a father’s promise became a mission to help other families — especially those affected by dementia — capture the stories, voices, and values that make us who we are.Together, they explore how preserving memory can reduce caregiver stress, rebuild empathy, and offer families a new way to stay connected — even after memory fades.In this episode:The moment Aaron thought he wouldn’t make it home — and what he did nextWhy his daughter’s question changed everything: “What if I don’t remember you?”How Aeternum helps caregivers preserve stories before they’re lostWhy traditional platforms like Facebook fall short for legacy and dementia supportHow memory-sharing can reduce friction and rehumanize caregivingWhat engineering taught Aaron about building simple, meaningful technologyWhy legacy matters more than ever for caregivers and the next generationWhether you’re just starting the dementia journey or reflecting on what remains after someone is gone, this episode is a powerful reminder: we all deserve to be remembered — and there are ways to make that easier.Learn more at:https://www.bluebellvillage.cahttps://www.aeternumproject.comDisclaimer: 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.

In this powerful episode of The Dementia Collective, host Andrew Karesa sits down with Stephanie Fauquier — strategic leader, endurance athlete, and founder of Race with Steph — to explore how love, movement, and purpose can transform the way we talk about dementia.When Stephanie’s mother, Dr. Robin McLeod, an Order of Canada recipient and trailblazing surgeon, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she chose to act. What began as one triathlon became ten races across Canada, raising nearly $1 million for Alzheimer’s research and sparking a national conversation about compassion, resilience, and legacy.Together, Andrew and Stephanie talk about caregiving through travel, finding structure amid chaos, and how kindness and curiosity can help families face dementia with strength and grace.In this episode:• How Race with Steph united communities across Canada• Lessons from Dr. Robin McLeod’s life and legacy• The reality of traveling with a loved one living with Alzheimer’s• Why resilience and community matter in caregiving• How small steps can lead to lasting changeLearn more at:https://www.bluebellvillage.cahttps://www.racewithsteph.comDisclaimer: 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.

What does it really mean to care for someone with dementia — not just keep them safe, but keep them seen?In this episode, Andrew talks with Katie Fyfe, caregiver, storyteller, and founder of Eldering.co.uk, who moved her father next door and gave him a dog — not because it was easy, but because it was right. That decision sparked a journey that led to the creation of @dadanddolly, a growing community centered on joy, memory, and connection in the face of Alzheimer’s.Katie shares how her lived experience caring for both her mother and father has shaped a life and business rooted in empathy. Through creative projects like the Dad and Dolly Project, she’s showing that later life — and caregiving — can be full of meaning, if we choose to slow down, pay attention, and care with intention.In this episode:• Katie’s journey from medicine to caregiving• Why she moved her dad next door — and eventually in together• The role Dolly (the dog) plays in companionship and cognitive strength• Daily strategies to help her father live well with dementia• The surprising power of clothing, memory, and routine• How society undervalues care work — and why that needs to change• Why creativity is essential to both care and identityWhether you’re walking the dementia journey now or preparing for it in the future, this conversation is a moving reminder that care isn’t just what we do — it’s who we become.Learn more at:https://bluebellvillage.cahttps://www.eldering.co.ukhttps://www.dadanddolly.comhttps://www.instagram.com/dadanddollyDisclaimer: 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.

In this episode of The Dementia Collective, Andrew Karesa discusses the profound impact of language in dementia care. He emphasizes the importance of using respectful and person-centered language, which acknowledges the individuality of those living with dementia. By reframing terms and focusing on the person rather than the diagnosis, caregivers can foster better relationships and improve the quality of care. The conversation also highlights how language influences behavior and communication, urging listeners to consider the implications of their words in the context of dementia care.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.

In this powerful episode of The Dementia Collective, host Andrew Karesa sits down with Dr. Rose Joudi — a globally recognized expert in aging, ethnocultural diversity, and elder abuse prevention.Drawing from a life that spans the Middle East, Australia, and now Canada, Dr. Joudi shares her deeply personal journey and the cultural lens she brings to elder care, trauma-informed practice, and system-wide advocacy.Together, they unpack why aging isn’t one-size-fits-all — especially when it comes to dementia care in ethnocultural communities. From cultural expectations around caregiving, to overlooked signs of mistreatment, to the language we use to describe aging itself, this conversation challenges assumptions and offers real, inclusive alternatives.Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare provider, policymaker, or simply passionate about justice in aging — this episode will leave you thinking differently about what it means to age with dignity.In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why culturally inclusive dementia care matters now more than ever • The unique challenges ethnocultural older adults face in Canada • What “dignity” means when someone is living with memory loss • How language can either reinforce or dismantle ageism Learn more at:⁠www.bluebellvillage.caDisclaimer: 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.

In this special solo episode of The Dementia Collective, host Andrew Karesa shares the personal story behind blueBell Village. This company was not built from a business plan. It was built for one person—his grandmother, Shirley Bell.Andrew opens up about how caring for his grandmother shaped everything. From her love of gardening to her sharp mind and daily scrabble games, Shirley inspired a vision for dementia care that was more human, more connected, and more personal.Originally intended as a dementia village in Edmonton, the vision shifted when the realities of funding, bureaucracy, and family caregiving challenges came to the forefront. What emerged instead was blueBell Connect—a digital tool designed to keep care teams aligned and loved ones supported.This is the origin story. Where it started. What changed. And why it still matters.In this episode:• The meaning behind the name “blueBell”• The garden wagon that made a difference• Discovering The Hogeweyk dementia village• How one idea turned into something unexpected• Why legacy is not about buildings, but impactLearn more at bluebellvillage.caDisclaimer: 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.

Who Really Holds the Healthcare System Together?What if we recognized caregivers not as afterthoughts — but as the backbone of our healthcare system?In this episode of The Dementia Collective, we sit down with Dr. Sharon Anderson — researcher, educator, caregiver, and one of the leading voices behind Alberta’s caregiver-centered care movement.Sharon’s path to this work isn’t just academic — it’s deeply personal. Her own experience as a family caregiver opened her eyes to the cracks in the system, and she’s spent the last decade working to repair them from the inside out. Through education, co-design, and policy change, she’s helping reshape how caregivers — especially those supporting people with dementia — are seen, supported, and included.Together with host Andrew Karesa, Sharon reflects on:• Why double duty caregiving is becoming unsustainable — for people and for the system• How her personal story became the catalyst for systems change• The critical shift from patient-centered to caregiver-centered care• What a caregiver-safe, dementia-friendly community actually looks like• What gives her hope about the future of dementia supportThis episode is a call to reimagine care — not just for those living with dementia, but for those walking beside them every step of the way.Learn more at:⁠www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠https://www.ualberta.ca/en/medicine/resources/education/learning-design-studio/featured-projects/caregiver-centered-care.htmlDisclaimer: 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.

What if dementia wasn’t a whispered word, but a conversation broadcast across the world?In this episode of The Dementia Collective, we sit down with Pete Hill, the voice behind The ‘D’ Word — the UK’s only weekly radio show dedicated to dementia.Pete’s path wasn’t a straight line. After more than 30 years in local government and a side career in sports radio, his outlook shifted when he joined the Alzheimer’s Society in 2016. There, he managed community groups for people living with dementia and saw firsthand the need for connection, visibility, and dignity. Out of that experience came The ‘D’ Word, a show that has since grown into a global platform with hundreds of episodes and listeners from every corner of the world.Together with host Andrew Karesa, Pete reflects on:• The rainy-day moment that sparked the idea for The ‘D’ Word• Lessons learned from hosting nearly 300 conversations on dementia• How radio can break stigma and make space for lived experience• The global voices that have shaped the show’s impact• His hopes for what still needs to change for people living with dementiaPete’s journey shows the power of turning silence into sound — and how one voice can amplify a movementLearn more at:www.bluebellvillage.cahttps://ukhealthradio.com/program/the-d-word/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.

When someone you love is diagnosed with dementia, life can change overnight. You go from being a spouse, a child, or a friend — to suddenly becoming a caregiver. It’s emotional, overwhelming, and often filled with uncertainty.In this episode of The Dementia Collective, we sit down with Tammy Lautner, a Registered Social Worker and founder of Peace of Mind Consulting, who helps families navigate the complex realities of caregiving.Drawing from her own lived experience and years of professional practice, Tammy shares how families can move from confusion to clarity — and how the right guidance can make all the difference when the system feels impossible to navigate.In this episode, we explore: • What to do when you suddenly become a caregiver • How to prepare for the emotional and logistical challenges of dementia care • The identity shift from family member to care partner • How Peace of Mind Consulting supports overwhelmed caregivers • Practical advice for navigating systems, services, and support optionsWhether you’re just starting your caregiving journey or supporting someone who is, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a path forward.Learn more at:www.bluebellvillage.cawww.peaceofmindalberta.comDisclaimer: 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.

What if dementia care could feel more like a neighborhood than an institution?In this episode of The Dementia Collective, we sit down with Elroy Jespersen, the brainchild behind The Village Langley, Canada’s first dementia village.Elroy shares how his formative years in a children’s home, surrounded by community and collective living, shaped his belief that people thrive best when they belong. After decades in recreation and senior living, he saw a gap in how dementia care was delivered — and set out to change it. That vision became The Village Langley, a groundbreaking community where people living with dementia live with freedom, dignity, and connection.Together with host Andrew Karesa, Elroy reflects on: • How his upbringing influenced his approach to community and care • The journey from concept to reality in building Canada’s first dementia village • Balancing freedom and safety in a new model of care • The global attention sparked by National Geographic’s feature on The Village Langley • What the future of dementia care could look like if we dared to reimagine itElroy’s story is a testament to how vision, courage, and lived experience can spark system change.Learn more at:www.bluebellvillage.cahttps://verveseniorliving.com/the-village/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.

What if receiving a dementia diagnosis wasn’t the end of the story — but the start of something new?In this episode, we meet Jim Mann, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2007 and has spent the years since as a leading voice in dementia advocacy across Canada. With host Andrew Karesa, Jim reflects on how the diagnosis impacted his identity, why he didn’t feel devastated by the news, and what motivated him to step into public advocacy.Together, they explore how challenging stigma, staying connected, and focusing on contribution can shape a meaningful life — even with a progressive diagnosis.In this episode:• What Jim noticed before his diagnosis• Why hearing “you have Alzheimer’s” didn’t break him• How stigma affects people living with dementia• Why Jim chose to become an advocate• Strategies that support well-being over time• What he wants caregivers to understandWhether you’re living with dementia, supporting someone who is, or working in care, Jim’s story offers a grounded, hopeful perspective on what’s possible after diagnosis.Learn more at:www.bluebellvillage.caDisclaimer: 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.

Caring for someone with dementia can make you feel like you’re constantly balancing between tasks and meaning — between caregiving and connection. In this episode, we meet Karen Murdock, founder of Voiced Memories, a digital storytelling platform that blends personal photos and audio narration to reduce isolation and support cognitive health.Karen shares her own caregiving journey — from supporting a close friend through diagnosis and decline, to creating a practical, deeply human tool that helps caregivers reconnect with the person behind the diagnosis. Together with host Andrew Karesa, they explore how technology, storytelling, and community can reshape the caregiving experience.In this episode:• Karen’s personal journey into caregiving• How Voiced Memories was born from lived experience• The emotional weight of long-term care• The power of stories in maintaining identity and relationships• The three-pillar system: prevention, connection, and early detection• How technology can enhance — not replace — human care• An introduction to Cogimetry and the Silver Connection NetworkWhether you’re a caregiver, service provider, or innovator, this conversation offers a refreshing look at how memory, voice, and design can bring people closer — even as dementia progresses.Learn more at:www.bluebellvillage.cahttps://www.photocollections.ca/voiced-memories

Caring for a loved one with dementia is deeply personal — and often overwhelming. In this episode, we explore how practical strategies and personalized technology can help lighten the load for family caregivers.Join Karen Tyrell, dementia care expert and founder of Personalized Dementia Solutions Inc., and Andrew Karesa, founder of blueBell Village, as they share insights on how to feel more confident, supported, and connected throughout the caregiving journey.In this episode:An overview about dementia and the journeyWhy technology in dementia care mattersDifferent ways technology is currently being used in dementia careThe benefits of using technology in dementia careCautions and ethical considerationsAn introduction to blueBell Connect, a new tech tool built to support caregivers with real-time recommendations and care team coordinationWhether you’re supporting a parent, partner, grandparent, or friend, this conversation offers real tools, real empathy, and real hope.Learn more at:www.bluebellvillage.cawww.dementiasolutions.caDisclaimer: 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.

This new podcast series opens the door to the often unseen world of dementia caregiving. Through expert insight, lived experience, and practical solutions, The Dementia Collective explores what it means to care — and to be cared for — in the face of memory loss.From blueBell Village, and hosted by founder Andrew Karesa, this show brings together voices from the front lines of dementia care: caregivers, clinicians, and innovators who are reshaping how we support those living with dementia