Dementia Care Partner Podcast with Teepa Snow

Depression and anxiety are widespread in long-term care—but they often go unrecognized and untreated. In this episode, Teepa Snow explores how environmental stressors, lack of meaningful engagement, staffing pressures, and unmet needs all contribute to low mood and distress for residents, families, and professionals alike. Teepa and Greg discuss why quick fixes fall short, what meaningful change requires, and how leadership and staff can work together to build a community where well-being is possible. You’ll also hear how PAC™ supports organizations through training experiences, mentorship, and sustainable culture-change initiatives.Teepa’s discussion of widespread low mood in care facilities underscores that meaningful change – not quick fixes – is needed to improve quality of life. For those looking to foster a better care environment, the Culture Change Bundle (DVD) is an excellent fit. It includes Dementia Care Provision: Reducing Risk by Changing Care Strategies, a training video showing how adjusting staff approaches and routines can dramatically reduce distress behaviors and accidents in professional care settings. Teepa’s methods teach leadership and staff to address unmet needs through non-pharmacological skills, rather than defaulting to medication or restraint. By equipping your team with these positive strategies (along with the bundled PAC Skills DVD), you’ll be empowered to start transforming your community’s culture – building the kind of engagement and emotional support that Teepa describes as being essential for true well-being.

What’s the difference between Alzheimer disease and dementia—and how important is it to get an accurate diagnosis? In this episode, Teepa Snow clearly explains dementia as a syndrome, breaks down how Alzheimer disease fits under the umbrella of dementia, and highlights why different forms of neurodegeneration require different approaches. You’ll learn how patterns of brain change influence abilities, behaviors, and support needs, and why getting curious about strengths and shifts sometimes matters more than chasing a perfect diagnosis. Teepa also shares how PAC™ complimentary resource cards and no-cost initial consults can help you take the next right step with confidence.When tackling the distinctions between Alzheimer disease and other dementias, Teepa stresses getting curious about abilities and support needs rather than spending excessive time chasing a diagnosis. A helpful resource here is the PAC Resource Cards set – handy reference cards covering core concepts like the GEMS® model of dementia progression and the “umbrella” of different dementia types. These cards are packed with essential tips and insights, providing families and professionals at-a-glance guidance to adjust care approaches for different brain changes. Even better, Teepa’s team offers a complimentary 30-minute initial consultation for personalized advice. Together, the resource cards and a no-cost consult can help you confidently take the next right step after learning about what makes each dementia unique.

From miraculous brain supplements to artificial intelligence-generated health claims, today’s online world is full of noise—and care partners are often left trying to sort fact from fiction. In this episode, Teepa Snow and Greg Phelps unpack why misleading dementia headlines spread so quickly, how manipulative ads masquerade as science, and what red flags to look for before clicking add to cart. Teepa also explains why personalized guidance matters far more than the latest trending cure, and how PAC™ offers real human support when you’re unsure what (or whom) to trust.This episode exposes miraculous cures and misinformation, reinforcing that solid skills and personalized support outweigh sensational promises. To continue this theme, check out PAC Skills Make the Difference (DVD). In just under an hour, Teepa demonstrates how practical care techniques – like Positive Physical Approach™ and Hand-under-Hand® – truly improve life for people living with dementia. You’ll see the difference that compassionate, informed support makes, confirming that investing in real skills and human connection matters far more than any trending supplement or clickbait headline. It’s a perfect follow-up for care partners who want to replace hype with heartfelt, evidence-based strategies.

Families supporting individuals living with dementia can face challenges such as sleepless nights, isolation, and not being prepared with a backup plan for care. In this candid conversation, Teepa Snow explains why waiting for a crisis makes everything harder—and how early, family-wide support can protect relationships, reduce burnout, and prevent care partners from feeling like they’re carrying everything alone. Waiting until a crisis makes everything harder — especially for care partners already stretched thin. Challenging Behaviors: Using a Positive Approach® helps families recognize unmet needs behind distress, respond earlier, and prevent situations from escalating.

Should dementia really be written into wedding vows—or is that the wrong question altogether? In this thought-provoking conversation, Teepa Snow and Greg explore what care partnering truly means, and why it doesn’t always mean providing hands-on care. They also explore the ways that couples can rethink roles, strengths, and shared commitment as life—and brain change—reshapes the relationship. Care partnering isn’t just about tasks — it’s about relationships, roles, and shared humanity. A Family’s Journey Through Dementia — A Play brings these realities to life through storytelling, humor, and honest moments that reflect how couples and families adapt together over time. This DVD invites us to rethink partnership, recognize strengths beyond hands-on care, and explore what commitment can look like as life and brain change evolve.

When a hospital stay or other occurrence reveals unexpected brain change, families are often forced to make fast care decisions without a clear roadmap. In this episode, Teepa Snow is joined by senior advisor Tim Walsh to unpack why knowing what you’re shopping for matters—and how hands-on skill-building can change the way families, advisors, and communities support people living with dementia. When families are suddenly thrust into making care decisions, knowing how to help often matters more than knowing what to do. It’s All in Your Approach® focuses on the practical, hands-on skills that change everyday interactions — reducing distress, building trust, and truly supporting the person living with brain change. This DVD reinforces the episode’s message that informed choices and skill-building can transform care outcomes, even when families feel unprepared.

As 2025 comes to a close, dementia care expert Teepa Snow reflects on progress made—and shares what gives her hope for the year ahead: stronger foundations, global connection, and care that truly delivers what it promises. This forward-looking conversation invites care partners, professionals, and organizations to rethink awareness, skill-building, and what it really means to create communities that work well for everyone. If we’re going to build dementia care that truly delivers on its promises, we need a shared understanding of how brain change unfolds — and how support must shift along the way. Progression of Dementia: Seeing GEMS® — Not Just Loss offers a hopeful, practical framework for recognizing abilities, adjusting expectations, and responding with intention at every stage. This DVD supports the future-focused conversation in this episode by helping care partners, professionals, and communities build stronger foundations rooted in skill, awareness, and respect.

The holidays can bring joy—and overwhelm, especially when dementia is in the picture. In this episode, Teepa Snow walks through her 8 Ss for creating holiday moments that are meaningful, manageable, and matched to the person living with brain change. From keeping gatherings short and simple to understanding sensory and circadian needs, Teepa shares practical ways to prevent distress and build celebrations that truly satisfy everyone involved. Whether you’re a family member, a friend, or a professional care partner, these insights will help you create connection—not chaos—this holiday season.In this holiday-themed episode, Teepa emphasizes adapting celebrations to be meaningful and manageable for a person living with dementia. A great next step is the Seeing it From the Other Side: Part 1 – Caregiver Stress & Dementia Coping Strategies DVD, which provides care partners with practical ways to navigate stressful situations. It helps you distinguish what’s typical versus atypical in brain change and make respectful choices that set everyone up for a positive experience. By learning these coping strategies, you’ll be better prepared to keep gatherings short, simple, and sensitive to sensory and routine needs – just as Teepa advises in the podcast.

Does hearing loss cause dementia? Teepa explores what headlines often miss and why simple answers rarely illustrate the full picture of complex brain change. You’ll learn practical first questions—is it hearing, comprehension, or both?—as well as techniques that help keep people engaged. The takeaways: be skeptical of one-liners, stay curious, and choose practical strategies that help improve day-to-day interactions.Improving Communications in Dementia Care offers deeper insight into how hearing and comprehension challenges can look alike—and what to do about it. Learn practical strategies for sensitive conversations and keeping connections strong, even when communication changes.

Efficiency without empathy dehumanizes care. Teepa and Greg unpack how task-focused routines (and words like ‘feeder’) strip away personal agency—and what to do instead. Learn how quick team huddles, a focus on partnership, and right time/right-way prompts can reduce stress, minimize shower struggles, and restore dignity at mealtimes and beyond. Small shifts in language and preparation can truly transform the experience for the person you’re supporting and for all involved.If you’re ready to move your team from ‘getting things done’ to creating true care partnerships, How to Get Your Staff Engaged in Better Care Techniques is an effective resource. It helps leaders and managers build a positive culture of care—where empathy, coaching, and engagement drive every interaction.

When Nana or Papa starts to change, kids notice—and they need honest guidance. Teepa walks you through age-appropriate ways to talk about brain change and how to turn scary moments into opportunities for learning and connection. You’ll get language you can use immediately, ideas for practice and play (yes, even brain tours!), and suggestions for kid-friendly resources from PAC™.Bad Words and Dementia helps kids and families make sense of why people living with brain change may use strong or unexpected words. It turns confusion into understanding by offering age-appropriate ways to stay compassionate and connected.

Why do some approaches work when others fall flat? In this candid conversation, Teepa shares how deep curiosity, observation, research, and hands-on experiences shaped Positive Approach to Care®. Learn how to use some of her methods when supporting others, including the power of the word try, how to spot too-good-to-be-true claims, and a simple swap that improves daily interactions: skipping yes/no questions and offering clear choices instead.If you’re curious about how observation and trying different techniques can change outcomes, It’s All In Your Approach (DVD) is a great next step. This resource brings PAC™ principles to life through real-world examples that show how adapting your approach can improve understanding and connection.

It may come as a shock, but dementia isn’t only an older adult’s condition. Teepa and Greg talk about the rare but very real topic of childhood dementia—affecting about 1 in 2,900 kids. They explain the types of childhood dementia, why it’s often missed or misdiagnosed, and how families can access desperately needed support. Most importantly, they share why raising awareness is essential to getting children the right help. ✨ Want to understand the different types of dementia? Explore Which Dementia Is It? Getting to Know the Various Forms and Types (Recorded Webinar) to learn about the unique challenges and signs of different dementias.

Why do today’s care options often feel more like luxury hotels than true homes—and why do so many still fall short for people living with dementia? Teepa and Greg unpack what’s happening in the care system today, why finding the right fit has become so difficult, and what families can do to navigate the challenges with more clarity and confidence. ✨ Want to see an example of what effective support looks like? Watch A Family’s Journey Through Dementia – A Play (DVD) to explore the difference PAC skills can make in creating true quality of life.

A beautiful building and five-star reviews don’t always equal quality care. Teepa and Greg share the surprising signs that truly matter when evaluating a memory care home. From whether staff greet residents with warmth to how daily routines are handled, they’ll provide a few tips to spot the difference between a facility that just looks polished and one that genuinely feels like home. ✨ Need deeper insight before choosing care options? Check out Senior Care Options: Insider’s Tips to Selecting the Best Care Level for Changing Abilities (Streaming) for practical guidance on evaluating what really matters.

This week, Teepa and Greg share what families and care partners need to know about wandering and elopement. Learn why it happens more often at certain times of day or year, and what steps you can take today to reduce risk. They also explain how to prepare so that, if someone does go missing, you can act quickly to keep them safe and get them back home. ✨ Looking for practical tools? Watch How to Help When Someone is Lost in Time or Place (Recorded Webinar) for proven strategies to reduce risks and respond effectively if wandering happens.

Teepa and Greg address the tough but vital topic of planning when a dementia diagnosis is received. What happens when dementia takes away the ability to make decisions—and why can waiting too long to make plans cause significant issues? They share practical ways to start conversations about medical care, finances, and end-of-life wishes—while voices and opinions can still be clearly shared. ✨ Want more guidance on planning and readiness? Explore The Journey of Dementia (Streaming)—over three hours of insight on what to expect, how to prepare, and how to plan for the future.

When Greg tries to give helpful safety information about leaving a pot on the stove, it triggers an angry outburst about being controlled—revealing how even well-meaning advice can feel like an attack to someone living with dementia. Teepa explains why the feeling of being treated as incompetent often remains long after the actual words are forgotten, and she shares how to provide the same important information without triggering a defensive reaction. 👉 Recommended Resource: It’s All In Your Approach Learning Kit This kit helps you shift tone and body language in exactly the way Teepa recommends. It teaches you how to adapt communication so that important safety messages are heard—without creating a defensive reaction. Because feelings often linger long after words are gone, this resource makes your approach matter.

When Greg shares the latest dementia research headlines, Teepa helps him shift focus towards what truly helps care partners, and why it's often not beneficial to chase every new study that pops up online. She reveals why sudden dementia changes are almost always a red flag for something else entirely, and she shares her six-part problem-solving strategy that helps care partners determine what may be causing a challenging situation. 👉 Recommended Resource: Creative Solutions to Challenging Situations Workbook This workbook puts Teepa’s Six Pieces of the Puzzle strategy into your hands. Instead of chasing headlines, it helps you uncover unmet needs and root causes behind sudden changes—so you can respond with confidence and creativity.

When Greg asks about the different types of dementia, Teepa reveals there are anywhere from 120 to 220 different forms—and she explains why you don't need to memorize them all. She shares a lifesaving example of how knowing just one key detail about Lewy body dementia can help prevent irreversible damage from a commonly-prescribed medication. 👉 Recommended Resource: Lewy Body Dementia – What Everyone Needs to Know Learning Kit This kit explains Lewy body dementia symptoms, care strategies, and why some medications can be harmful. It’s a lifesaving learning tool for anyone supporting someone living with Lewy body dementia.