Dementia Care Partner Podcast with Teepa Snow

This is the Dementia Care Partner Podcast, a podcast to help you navigate the senior care maze. Learn and laugh with us as we discuss creative solutions and ideas to common and uncommon dementia care challenges, and how to make sense of the senior care industry and options even if you're not a professional. Are you caring for a person living with dementia? We would love to hear from you! Send us a note at info@teepasnow.com and tell us what you'd like for us to discuss! You can also visit our website at www.teepasnow.com.

330: How Do I Explain Dementia to Kids? Talking About Brains, Big Feelings, and Real Words

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.

11-14
07:14

329: From Curiosity to Action: How Teepa Became an ‘Expert’

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.

11-07
07:57

328: Children Can Get Dementia Too: The Importance of Awareness

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.

10-31
07:00

327: Why Finding the Right Place for Someone Living With Dementia is So Challenging

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.

10-24
05:32

326: How to Tell if a Memory Care Home Is Actually a Good Fit for the Person You’re Supporting

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.

10-17
06:39

325: When Someone Living With Dementia Goes Missing—and What to Do Before It Happens

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.

10-10
06:58

324: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: Why You Need to Plan Ahead When Dementia is Diagnosed

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.

10-03
07:38

323: When Facts Are Forgotten But Feelings Remain: Why Your Tone Matters More Than Your Words

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.

09-26
07:59

322: Stop Going Down Rabbit Holes: What Dementia Caregivers Really Need to Know

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.

09-19
06:36

321: Do I Really Need to Know Which Type of Dementia This Is?

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.

09-12
06:47

320: When They Say Yes, But Won't Let You In: Helping Someone with Dementia Navigate Unexpected Events

When Margaret agrees to let repair workers fix a leak in her apartment, she seems to understand perfectly—but when they arrive, she acts like she's never heard about it and refuses to let them in. Teepa reveals why this frustrating cycle happens with dementia and shares practical strategies for when someone can't hold onto plans, even ones they helped make. 👉 Recommended Resource: Dementia Care Partner Guide (2nd Edition) This guidebook is filled with the same practical tools Teepa describes in this episode—like Positive Physical Approach™ and Hand-under-Hand®. It’s a trusted resource for when someone forgets a plan and suddenly resists help, helping you respond with adaptability and calm.

09-05
08:10

319: Dementia Studies: Why You Need to Take a Closer Look

Dementia care educator Teepa Snow tackles those alarming dementia study headlines, including one that stated that loneliness increases dementia risk by 50%. She explains how study headlines often use fear tactics and shares practical advice on how to dig deeper into the research before panicking.Check out how to get connected with any person in your life by reading Teepa’s newest book, Dementia Care Partner Guide.

08-29
09:51

318: Start Getting Curious About Brain Changes

Dementia care educator Teepa Snow explains that the assumption that any cognitive changes must be dementia can cause an oversight of treatable issues such as depression, hearing loss, or grief. She shares the reasons that getting curious instead of fearful about brain changes can be beneficial.For a deeper dive, check out Teepa’s book Understanding the Changing Brain.

08-22
08:55

317: The Shrinking Nest: Why Seniors Who Stay Home Tend to Die Earlier

Dementia care educator Teepa Snow explains why many seniors naturally start spending more time at home after retirement and how this shrinking nest can actually shorten their expected life span. She discusses the value of older adults being involved in activities outside of their home or facility, and she stresses the importance of knowing each individual when supporting them with purpose and engagement. To understand more ways our brain changes, check out Teepa’s book, Understanding the Changing Brain.

08-15
09:12

316: How Toasting Led to a 300% Increase in Hydration

Dementia care educator Teepa Snow reveals that most seniors live on the edge of dehydration and shares a surprisingly simple strategy that increased fluid intake by 300% in one study. Learn the importance of avoiding yes/no questions such as Are you thirsty? and discover creative ways to maintain hydration. To learn more about what questions to avoid, and what language to use, check out Teepa’s newest book: DementiaCare Partner Guide.

08-08
07:47

A Messy Topic: Incontinence and Dementia

Teepa and Greg tackle the uncomfortable but necessary topic of incontinence, explaining why common ‘solutions’ like reducing fluid intake and frequent bathroom trips can actually make the problem worse. Teepa shares practical insights on timing fluid intake, preventing and treating urinary tract infections, and the different types of incontinence commonly experienced in dementia.

08-04
14:24

315: The Fall Paradox: When Safety Measures Increase the Risk of Falling

Dementia care educator Teepa Snow explains why attempting to restrict movement for fall prevention often backfires and results in more injuries. She reveals some of the primary causes of falls and shares some practical ways to maintain mobility for as long as possible.For a deeper look into in-the-moment skills, check out Teepa’s newest book Dementia Care Partner Guide.

08-01
11:27

314: Typical versus Atypical Aging: What You Need to Know

In this week’s powerful episode, Teepa Snow and Greg dive into a conversation that every care partner, professional, and curious listener should hear: How can you tell the difference between typical aging and something more serious?Teepa breaks down what typical aging looks like, about a 1% change in ability per year, and how to recognize when something might need medical attention. You’ll also hear why understanding a person’s unique cognitive baseline is essential and how early insight can make all the difference.Don't miss this chance to boost your knowledge and confidence when navigating brain change. Tune in now, then take the next step: Visit www.teepasnow.com for more resources.For a deeper dive into brain change, grab your copy of Teepa’s book, the Understanding the Changing BrainLet’s turn uncertainty into clarity—together.

07-25
07:31

313: The Global Reality Check: Why No Country Has Cracked the Dementia Care Code

Dementia expert Teepa Snow has traveled around the world teaching her Positive Approach to Care, but what she discovered might surprise you - not one nation has truly figured out a comprehensive, person-centered dementia care plan. In this eye-opening episode, Teepa and Greg discuss why even the most promising programs fail to spread beyond small pilot projects, and share the uncomfortable truth about what's really happening in care facilities that claim to be doing everything rightTo learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

07-18
07:38

312: Drowning in Dementia Misinformation, How Can We Identify What's Real vs. What's Clickbait?

Join our email list today --> Click Here to JoinFeeling overwhelmed by conflicting dementia advice online? This week Teepa and Greg help cut through the noise to reveal what's actually helpful versus what's just clever marketing. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

07-11
08:16

Ga Be

I'm excited to start my journey with my mother in law (moving here) and hopefully lots of good insight from this podcast about helping and understanding people with dementia. Thank you for doing this podcast!

10-04 Reply

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