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.

So-called breakthrough headlines can spark a lot of fear—and a lot of assumptions. In this episode, Greg and Teepa unpack what headlines such as depression doubles dementia risk and AI can predict Alzheimer years in advance actually mean — and what they don’t. Learn to consider practical questions and the choices that matter, even when predictions feel scary. If sensational headlines leave you feeling unsettled, you don’t have to sort it out alone. The Care Partner Support Series is a safe place to bring your questions, learn practical strategies, and connect with others who are on the same journey—without judgment and without overwhelm. If you’re looking for a little more confidence in how you respond day to day, the Care Partner Support Series is a next step worth checking out. 

Workplace violence and burnout don’t come out of nowhere—and in this episode, Teepa and Greg dig into the uncomfortable reasons behind it. You’ll hear how a task-first, us vs. them culture and a lack of dementia-specific skill-building can escalate everyday moments into refusal, fear, and trauma for everyone involved. Stick around for the practical shifts that change the whole dynamic: leading with relationship, understanding brain change, and building skills that reduce risk. If your team is dealing with burnout, refusals, or escalating moments, the PAC Champion Courses are a practical next step—short, skill-focused trainings that build a shared approach for how you show up, connect, and respond when things get tense. They’re designed to help staff move from “I’m just trying to get the task done” to “I know what to do next,” with tools that can be used the same day. Explore the Champion Courses and see which level fits where your team is right now. 

Ever wish you had a simple way to help your community or organization better understand dementia/brain change—without it being scary or overwhelming? In this episode, Teepa and Greg unpack the newly updated Getting to Know Dementia Community Training Kit (now with refreshed videos, updated PowerPoints, and refined interactive activities) and explain how you can run one session or link all six into a series. You’ll also hear how it helps people move from improved awareness to the realization of I might need a team—and here’s my next step. If you’ve been wanting an easy-to-use training resource that helps provide the transition from curiosity to real understanding, this is for you. The Getting to Know Dementia Community Training Kit provides everything you need to guide a meaningful learning experience with a group, even if you’re not sure where to start. It’s practical, adaptable, and designed to help people feel more prepared to respond with support (not judgment). 

For many of us, the scariest part of dementia isn’t the diagnosis itself—it’s the fear of losing our purpose, value, and roles. In this episode, Teepa Snow and Greg Phelps explore how to protect dignity while abilities shift by using substitution instead of subtraction. When a role needs to change, Teepa shares practical ways to offer a new job first—so the person isn’t left feeling sidelined. You’ll also hear why waiting for a crisis makes everything harder, and how the PIPES approach can help you plan role changes with more calm, clarity, and partnership.Feeling the shift in roles at home? Start with the Family Care Partner Starter Kit to build shared language, reduce friction, and keep your person involved in meaningful ways—one step at a time.This episode is educational and not medical advice.This podcast is distributed on third-party platforms (including Spotify and Apple Podcasts) to make listening more accessible and convenient for our community. Our presence on any platform does not indicate endorsement of that platform, its owners, its policies, moderation decisions, advertising practices, or any other content hosted or shared there. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Positive Approach to Care® (PAC™).

When it’s time to move someone you’re supporting into a new living setting, it’s tempting to search for a perfect checklist. In this episode, Teepa Snow and Greg Phelps invite you to start with something more person-centered: Who is your person, what matters most to them, and what kind of day are you hoping they can still have? They explore real-world tradeoffs (distance vs. access, great medical care vs. great lifestyle), and offer practical touring tips—like visiting at different times, including evenings and weekends—so you can make a more informed, compassionate choice.Want a simple tool you can use immediately? Grab the GEMS® State Tool—an in-the-moment reference guide to help you recognize someone’s GEMS state and choose a better support response during stressful transitions.This podcast is distributed on third-party platforms (including Spotify and Apple Podcasts) to make listening more accessible and convenient for our community. Our presence on any platform does not indicate endorsement of that platform, its owners, its policies, moderation decisions, advertising practices, or any other content hosted or shared there. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Positive Approach to Care® (PAC™).

In honor of National Alzheimer and Dementia Care Educators Week (Feb 14–21), Teepa Snow and Greg Phelps take on a specific headline that reads: You can be a dementia therapy practitioner by next week. They unpack why quick certification promises can miss what matters most—building real, person-centered skills that help you respond to brain change in the moment, with confidence and respect.Ready to move beyond quick-fix dementia training? Join the Positive Approach to Care® Dementia Trainer Certification (live online) to build practical, person-centered skills you can use—and teach. Next live online dates: Feb 17–18, 2026This podcast is distributed on third-party platforms (including Spotify and Apple Podcasts) to make listening more accessible and convenient for our community. Our presence on any platform does not indicate endorsement of that platform, its owners, its policies, moderation decisions, advertising practices, or any other content hosted or shared there. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Positive Approach to Care® (PAC™).

Is dementia the same thing as Alzheimer disease? Not exactly, and that difference can matter a lot when new symptoms show up.In this episode, Teepa Snow and Greg Phelps explain that dementia is an umbrella term and Alzheimer disease is one specific type of dementia under that umbrella. They then discuss the way that each form of dementia, with its specific pattern of brain change, can result in different real-life challenges—such as how visual hallucinations and frequent falls are far more common in some forms (like Lewy body dementia) and why sudden hallucinations in someone diagnosed with Alzheimer dementia may be a cue to look for something else that may be going on (illness, medication issues, etc.). In this episode, you’ll learn:• What dementia means—and why it’s not one single diagnosis• The basics of what’s often typical in Alzheimer patterns over time • Why hallucinations, delusions, and sudden body changes can be important to noticeWant a deeper dive beyond today’s episode? Watch Teepa’s Understanding Different Dementias (12-part recorded series) to learn common patterns, changes to notice, and how your approach can shift based on the type of dementia.This podcast is educational and not medical advice. If symptoms change suddenly or feel urgent, consider contacting a licensed healthcare professional.This podcast is distributed on third-party platforms (including Spotify and Apple Podcasts) to make listening more accessible and convenient for our community. Our presence on any platform does not indicate endorsement of that platform, its owners, its policies, moderation decisions, advertising practices, or any other content hosted or shared there. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Positive Approach to Care® (PAC™).

When you or someone you know is diagnosed with dementia, the advice avalanche soon follows: diets, supplements, medications, gadgets, and more. In this episode, Teepa Snow and Greg Phelps slow it all down and start where care partners actually need to start: pause, take a breath, and take inventory.Teepa explains why a dementia diagnosis can mean many different things—and why jumping straight into trying to fix things can create more fear and confusion. Instead, she offers a steadier path: get curious about what’s happening right now, name what you’re feeling, and reduce the urgency so you can make clearer decisions.You’ll also hear a simple, powerful reset that helps someone move out of panic mode: “Are you okay?”—a small interruption that creates space for real support.Helpful next step (product tie-in): If you want personalized guidance (without chasing fast fixes), consider a Care Partner Consult with a PAC-trained mentor—an individual conversation to talk through what’s happening and identify practical first steps to move forward.To inquire, email info@teepasnow.com.Our content is available on Spotify to make it easy for our community to listen to. Our presence on Spotify does not indicate endorsement of Spotify, or its owners, its policies, moderation decisions, advertising, or any content shared on the platform. The views and opinions expressed during this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Positive Approach to Care® (PAC™)

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.This podcast is distributed on third-party platforms (including Spotify and Apple Podcasts) to make listening more accessible and convenient for our community. Our presence on any platform does not indicate endorsement of that platform, its owners, its policies, moderation decisions, advertising practices, or any other content hosted or shared there. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Positive Approach to Care® (PAC™).

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.This podcast is distributed on third-party platforms (including Spotify and Apple Podcasts) to make listening more accessible and convenient for our community. Our presence on any platform does not indicate endorsement of that platform, its owners, its policies, moderation decisions, advertising practices, or any other content hosted or shared there. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Positive Approach to Care® (PAC™).

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.This podcast is distributed on third-party platforms (including Spotify and Apple Podcasts) to make listening more accessible and convenient for our community. Our presence on any platform does not indicate endorsement of that platform, its owners, its policies, moderation decisions, advertising practices, or any other content hosted or shared there. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Positive Approach to Care® (PAC™).

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.This podcast is distributed on third-party platforms (including Spotify and Apple Podcasts) to make listening more accessible and convenient for our community. Our presence on any platform does not indicate endorsement of that platform, its owners, its policies, moderation decisions, advertising practices, or any other content hosted or shared there. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Positive Approach to Care® (PAC™).

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.