Episode 45

The Dementia Connection Model with Dr Jennifer Stelter

Published on: 2nd February, 2024

The Dementia Connection Model: Non-Pharmacological Tools for Better Dementia Care

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Laura Vaillancourt talks to Clinical Psychologist Dr. Jennifer Stelter, who co-owns the Dementia Connection Institute. Dr. Stelter has created the Dementia Connection Model, aiming to improve dementia care through non-pharmacologic interventions.

Dr. Stelter discusses how she linked theoretical concepts, such as retrogenesis theory, to practical treatments like sensory stimulation for dementia patients, revealing the impact of these methods on their moods and behavior.

Dr. Stelter's model applies to all caregivers, both professional and family, and involves evaluating dementia patients' needs based on their developmental age, not their chronological age. The results are impactful and long-term, incorporating these methods into daily routines as a 'prescription' for dementia care.

Check out Dr. Stelter's book, 'The Busy Caregiver's Guide to Advanced Alzheimer's Disease', which details very helpful information and great insights related to caregiving. Learn more about the Dementia Connection Model and Dr Stelter's work in the world of dementia care.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation

01:23 Dr. Jennifer Stelter's Journey into Dementia Care

04:19 Introduction to the Dementia Connection Model

04:43 The Development and Pillars of the Dementia Connection Model

09:15 The Impact of Sensory Stimulation in Dementia Care

12:41 The Cognitive Behavioral Theory in Dementia Care

16:34 Practical Implementation of the Dementia Connection Model

21:15 The Power of Contrast in Food Presentation

21:34 The Benefits of a Mediterranean Diet for Dementia Patients

22:18 Impressive Results from the Three-Month Implementation

22:36 The Impact of the Study on Dementia Care Assisted Living

23:07 The Financial Benefits of the Study

25:08 The Role of the Book in Spreading the Knowledge

26:53 The Importance of Creativity in Dementia Care

29:59 The Concept of Prescriptive Engagement

36:46 The Future of Dementia Care and the Dementia Connection Institute

39:18 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

39:42 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

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About the Podcast

Life on Repeat: A Dementia Caregiver Podcast
A Podcast for Dementia Caregivers
Life on Repeat is a podcast for those caring for someone with dementia. Join Laura Vaillancourt, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Geriatric Mental Health Specialist and Eldercare Coach as she explores helpful caregiving tips, practical resources and most importantly, how to care for yourself through this journey.

About your host

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Laura Vaillancourt

Laura has a unique perspective of dementia. She grew up spending time in the nursing home wing of the hospital her mother worked at in a rural community in the Pacific Northwest. She learned from a young age the importance and impact that connecting with those that have memory impairment can have. This early exposure shaped her perspective and fostered her passion and love of working with those who experience and live with dementia.

Laura is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Geriatric Mental Health Specialist and Eldercare Coach. She owns a group practice that specializes in serving the aging population and she has extensive experience as a consultant providing counseling, coaching and care management to families that are in the midst of making difficult decisions related to their loved one’s care and health transitions.

Laura's passion and professional experience has been working with individuals and family members that have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. She is a passionate speaker and educator on topics related to dementia and caregiving. She is the host of Life on Repeat: a Dementia Caregiver Podcast.