Episode 41

Addressing Dementia Behavior Challenges Without Medication | SLP Tips from Adria Thompson

Published on: 12th October, 2022

In this insightful episode, Laura welcomes Adria Thompson, a speech-language pathologist, dementia educator, and the founder of Be Light Care. Laura and Adria dive deep into how speech, occupational, and physical therapists can support individuals living with dementia — from communication and cognition to mobility and daily living activities. Adria shares her expert tips for navigating challenging behaviors, advocating for therapy services, and creating a dignified care environment. Whether you’re a caregiver, family member, or healthcare professional, this episode is packed with practical strategies and encouragement.

👤 Meet Adria Thompson: Adria Thompson is a speech-language pathologist, dementia educator, and creator behind the popular social media platform Be Light Care. Through her relatable videos and educational content, Adria empowers caregivers and professionals to better understand and support people living with dementia. She offers consultations, caregiver resources, and upcoming courses to help ease the caregiving journey.

📌 Topics Discussed:

The unique roles of physical, occupational, and speech therapists in dementia care
How therapists can prevent falls, address challenging behaviors, and support daily activities
Understanding communication changes and how to “listen” to behaviors
Practical strategies for accessing therapy services (at home, outpatient, or facility settings)
Advocating for therapy over medication when addressing behavior concerns
Creative success stories, including a transformative intervention using visual cues
The importance of teamwork and supporting caregivers, not just care receivers

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Welcome and introduction of Adria Thompson

02:30 – What physical, occupational, and speech therapists do

10:00 – How therapists support people living with dementia

15:30 – Common challenges: falls, showering, resistance to care

20:00 – Advocating for therapy services vs. jumping to medications

27:30 – How to access therapy services: home health vs. outpatient

35:00 – Working around resistance from loved ones during therapy

40:00 – Creative success stories from real caregiving situations

53:00 – Empowering caregivers with tools, support, and hope

58:00 – How to connect with Adria and upcoming caregiver resources

💡 Key Takeaways:

Physical, occupational, and speech therapists play crucial, often overlooked roles in dementia care.
Behavior is communication — and understanding it leads to better outcomes.
Therapists can offer creative, practical interventions that restore dignity and independence.
Advocacy is key: caregivers should feel empowered to request therapy services.
Supporting caregivers with training and encouragement is just as important as supporting care receivers.

📚 Resources Mentioned: