>>Major funding provided by Robert E. Pogue.

>>People who are living with dementia should not be excluded from the rest of the society.

That's just not right.

>>We have just been taken down a road in this particular family of conditions that the person doesn't have anything to offer.

People are proving that wrong.

>>That person isn't dementia.

>>It's having the hope that you can make a difference in the lives of people with dementia because we really know now that that person is still there >>In a person centered model of care.

We try to cater everything that we do to that individual resident's likes and wants.

>>When you're a great care partner, you're always anticipating that other persons need.

>>When you can find a place where your loved one can be and are treated with the kindness that you want and that you extend, then that gives you this big relief.

>>A lot of mentoring is helping people to understand, no, you can't do all the things you did do, but you still can do a lot.

You still have a lot to be thankful for.

(Insipring Music) >>Yeah.

We can grab a cup of coffee.

Would you like a snack too?

>>Not too much though.

Yeah.

>>Good >>Morning >>Ladies.

Good morning.

There's a lot of doom and gloom.

Doctors are often very uncomfortable making the diagnosis.

Some of the research that's come out says that they feel that there's nothing they can do.

>>The paradigm for doctors after giving a diagnosis has been to hand people a couple of cognitive enhancing drugs and saying, here are your prescriptions.

That's all I can do for you.

Come back when you have more problems.

>>They say words to you like, go home, get your affairs in order and see an elderly care attorney.

You have no support.

Absolutely none.

You have no hope.

You feel as though within a year I'm not gonna know anybody.

>>It's hard.

Your whole life changes in an instant when you hear those words that you know you have Alzheimer's disease.

I knew of Alzheimer's.

I just didn't know that people younger than 65 could get it.

>>I was going through periods of depression, paranoia, those kind of things.

I put together a treatment team after I got diagnosed.

My neurologist, my general practitioner, I had a speech therapist.

I have a life coach who I see weekly.

So all those people were involved in terms of my treatment.

>>I realized after a period of time that there is a diagnosis and that diagnosis will lead to death.

But there's this big life in between.

What are we going to do with that in the most effective and positive way?

For not only self, but for those who are caring for us, enabling us.

>>In 2017, the World Health Organization released a global action plan regarding the human rights of people living with dementia.

It recognized that people with dementia should be empowered, engaged, and included in keeping consistent with the United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities.

>>The United Nations describes what the responsibilities of governments are for people with different disabilities.

And so all of the accommodations need to be made.

And these include people with dementia now, and this is new, understanding that we still have something to give society.

>>I've learned so much from the voices of people I've met living with a condition who have shown me what can be possible when you fully engage a person and respect their rights and act in solidarity with them to create a better life.

>>Over 50 million people in the world are living with dementia, with an estimate of 10 million diagnosed every year according to the Alzheimer's Association, 5.7 million people in the United States are diagnosed with some form of dementia, and as baby boomers reach 85 years of age, the numbers will double.

>>I see the public narrative of despair circling dementia.

That is the prominent public narrative around this condition today.

That's what's changing.

We're changing from despair to hope.

I know I can make a difference.

Once you do that, the result, which is the goal of it all, is we have a relationship with that person.

>>Oh, >>Your nickname is Kathleen, is your The understanding that people living with dementia are still here, is creating a cultural transformation that is desperately needed.

This film shows examples of how people living with dementia can still be empowered and engaged in long-term care communities by using the fundamental philosophy of person-centered care.

Our hope is this philosophy will be commonplace in the near future (calm music) >>Mr.

Emmett, let's go to the bathroom and brush your teeth and let's start the day.

All right.

Okay.

Hold my hand, just walk with me.

That's it.

I'll sit right next to you.

Have your toothbrush here.

Have a toothpaste on.

Just step a little bit closer to the sink so you can brush your teeth.

For me, >>Wellbeing is beyond physical care.

It's social and emotional and spiritual.

And it's like, you know, let me be who I am and know me.

That whole relationship based kind of care and culture can make a tremendous difference in the person's journey and in the whole family's journey.

>>I thought we were really special since we had a picture made in the studio.

I think I was five years old there in that picture.

>>My mother's a, she's a very big jokester and so she has running jokes with some of them.

She can't remember their names, but she remembers the way they make her feel.

>>You want to get up here.

Oh, that's the sweetest one.

Gimme kisses.

>>She looks younger and looks healthier than she has in years.

It's amazing the difference.

Amazing.

The difference.

Her mind is sharper.

They make her feel special by treating her with respect.

And I love the fact that she realizes that she matters.

Her life matters.

That's huge.

>>When people feel they belong and they're part of a group, they have a sense of comfort and will feel more confident and secure in their >>Surroundings.

I appreciate you guys helping me out.

How do you define being successful?

>>The five things we know work for people with dementia that affect the way our brains work are diet, exercise, the amount of sleep we get, reducing stress.

>>and the last one is meaning and purpose in life ... more Than money.

Would you agree with that?

Absolutely.

>>Reduce stress and purpose work because they also reduce inflammation in our bodies.

And the key to really stopping dementia from progressing to more severe stages is stopping inflammation in our bodies.

Using dance, using theater, using all of these artistic methods is a way to help people's brains continue to function, be engaged to enjoy themselves, which is a really important thing to reduce their depression, to overcome their physical disabilities.

It seems like magic, but it should be just normal.

It's the way we do things.

>>It's not broke after all, ha ha.

>>The mid-stage group, we have what we call music and movement every morning.

We do it seven days a week.

Procedurally it's very, engaging and energizing and the music is lively and it gets people going in the morning.

The residents find comfort in having a routine of the day.

So every morning starts with that morning gathering and then we break off into our various groups throughout the day.

>>Masterson, Dorothy.

Oh, there she is.

I usually look for you over there.

>>If you have a strength, if you have something that you're special at, we wanna have you be able to do that.

'cause that's what makes you feel like I'm important, right?

And, and I still matter.

And so being able to give people that individualization is really a key principle of, of I'm Still Here.

Three fours, cup >>Of confection.

>>Supporting the individual choices of the resident can create a strong relationship with the staff.

Consistent and familiar care partners who really know the person can help ease anxieties and creates a bond based on trust.

>>And roll it.

>>And roll it there.

Good job, Jo.

The relationship that you have with the people that you live with and the people that work there, it's extremely important.

And with every good relationship, you need to take time to nurture that relationship.

As caregivers, our staff spend a lot of time providing for the personal care needs of our residents.

And you get an opportunity, you know, to talk with people some, but let's face it, it's hard to build a connection with people when you're busy helping them getting dressed or helping them with their bathing and those kinds of things.

So I felt it was important to intentionally plan time to just get to know each other and to just spend time together.

>>But then what happens when they, >>Our care partners eat meals with our residents?

>>We'll just shut >>The door.

>>The socialization is amazing.

It's yours.

Come on.

The place just bubbles with conversation and laughter.

When people are gathered for mealtimes, >>Why would you not sit down and have a meal with the people that you're taking care of?

We're asking these people to let us into the most private areas of their lives.

So to let them get to know us is amazing.

Yep.

Amen.

Right?

Yeah.

Amen.

Alright.

Good thing for all of us to remember.

Right?

That's true.

Every day >>When you know the person, when you're familiar with the person, when you're doing the same things with the same people every day, it actually makes your job easier.

So by learning new approaches and by doing operational things like having dedicated assignments, we find that we actually can do much more for the person.

We have time freed up in our day and we can still get the tasks done as we call them.

And yet the relationship deepens and the results deepen as well.

This has been a key to people removing antipsychotic drugs.

Not just cutting down the rate, but right down to zero in in different homes that can be done when you do things like this.

>>And we know we're going to get some things that just are really going to grow and it will be three of yours.

Yeah.

{knocking sound) >>Good morning, Ms.

Roach.

>>Yes.

>>Are you ready to go to the cooking club?

>>Whatever y'all say, I, I don't know what I'm doing.

>>We're gonna be on their schedule of when they want to do stuff.

If they wanna bathe whenever they want, letting them keep that freedom of having charge over their own life.

The elders seem to be more happy.

A lot of 'em get out a little more than what they used to.

And I mean, I like to help people.

I always have.

So it's just more pleasant to come to work when you interact with your elders, you know, now you can have more time to talk to the elders and you know, develop a relationship with the elders.

'cause sometimes they're lonely, depressed, you know that more interaction sometimes can make it where they're not so depressed.

Okay, well next time I'm gonna to tell 'em Let you bake a cake.

Okay ha ha.

>>We so often see care through our lens, not through the eyes of the receiver.

>>Right.

>>So we want to create care partnerships with our staff where we break down some of the silos of of CNA versus the LPN versus a a registered nurse.

We want to empower staff at every level of care to really make decisions for the best for our residents.

Thank you.

Right on by your forehead.

There that's it, Okay.

Yeah.

Let's go to your bedroom here.

>>The philosophy is it's about meeting people where they are and you can have the best laid plans, but every day people change.

And so you've gotta be prepared to change with them every day because it's about them.

>>On this Side.

Hold my hand, hold my hand.

Step this way.

>>Allowing time for people to do what they can, reinforces their sense of autonomy and empowers them.

Hold >>Hold onto the arm of the chair.

That's it.

Have a seat.

>>Using virtual reality training, staff and family members try to complete a task as their vision is impaired, their sense of touch is inhibited and their hearing is altered.

The goal is to give them an experience that's similar to a form of dementia.

>>You're doing a task and all these background loud noises coming through and then you have to go back to your task and it wasn't easy.

That was difficult for me.

>>So what'd you think about your impairments?

How, how did that make you feel?

>>Yeah, I did the >>Mumbling.

When we have someone that's actually diagnosed with dementia, we, we think something's wrong 'cause we're measuring them according to us.

And it's perfectly normal to be frustrated, to mumble, to ask for help, but just reassuring them and let 'em know it's okay, I'm here to help.

What will you do differently?

>>I'll speak clear and precisely looking at them, I would make certain that their hearing aids have batteries, they have on their eyeglasses, you know?

Exactly.

And things like that.

Just make sure that they're overall comfortable.

Yeah, definitely.

When I'm with a person with dementia, all of that will play back in my mind.

What's frustrating them?

>>Sharon, do you want me to bring your drinks back here?

>>There are many ways of looking at the emotions that people express who are living with dementia.

And I think to a certain extent, we all express emotions, but I think we hold people with dementia to a higher standard.

When you have dementia, all of a sudden it becomes a behavior and we need to do something about it.

When if you or I did it, it wouldn't be seen as a problem.

People should have the right to express a full range of emotions without being judged or silenced.

That's part of the human right to, to be fully human and this is how they're living and we have to understand this and support them every way we can.

>>To be able to sustain culture change in a community, it has to come from the very top because if they don't really understand and support it, it's not going to trickle throughout the community.

>>It was interesting.

I went into this business and I, in some ways I thought it was about caring for the elderly and in, in a very interesting way, it's also about caring for your staff.

Because when your staff is happy and they feel content and they feel appreciated and valued, then they can be free to give of themselves to the residents that they touch every day.

>>Right.

>>When you're a great care partner, you're always anticipating that other persons need.

I think that at the core of everything, it's about relationship.

You have to give people permission to love >>Who we take care of.

>>We hire people for heart and you have to be passionate and then we can train them.

So you have to really focus on education and training for people.

That's a huge piece.

And you can't make someone want to love residents.

It's not expensive to give your staff permission to give residents hugs.

>>Training is training.

You need to train your staff on person-centered care.

We need to train the staff on how you engage with residents that might have some behaviors you need to do all of those things.

We trained our staff on how to go into the kitchen and, you know, make a waffle in the morning so that we could be flexible.

When a resident comes in and wants breakfast.

Part of this model has helped with retention and that's costly.

You could pay for the model just in keeping your employees happy and engaged.

>>Go ahead Ms.

Anne.

>>So if you're supporting staff and helping them increase their skills and grow, you're making it a pleasant place to live.

It's good for family to come and visit.

You don't have the staff turnover.

In the long run the return on investment is really good.

>>That's your favorite color blue, >>I'm telling you.

And if someone matches their shirt, got all the different colors.

(sounds of cars) (TV sound of suspenseful music) >>I've learned that you really have to look for a community that fits to the individual as opposed to the individual fitting to the community.

>>Here's looking at you kid.

>>He was an author, he's not gonna sit there and do crafts.

He needed more stimulation.

They don't fit him into a program.

They fit the programs around him.

And that's been really quite special.

>>What's the name of the city in North Africa that this took place?

Casablanca.

Casablanca.

That's the city.

>>Being able to relate to the person and understand who they are is imperative to finding ways to connect, utilizing familiar subjects can evoke discussions and add to their personal growth as an individual.

Rocks, >>They're rocks.

Okay.

>>I really believe the philosophy that you can be engaged with someone and give them the ability to still negotiate the world without putting lots of drugs in them.

>>So the green is nature too.

Nature.

>>I itemize every single piece of art that he's done.

There's over 500 pieces of art before, during, and after his dementia sort of took hold.

>>Which one are you gonna have your coffee and your coffee >>Coming here?

You know, my mom can be who she is.

You know, she, and she's a mover and she's very friendly and she's very outgoing and she's very touchy and you know, and wants a hug and all that stuff.

Everybody who's come to visit her say she looks so happy.

You know, your mom looks so great.

Hey, >>The >>Next page.

Doing good.

I don't believe it.

>>Yeah.

The second one's a, >>Making connections can be simple but may need to be accessed in various ways.

Even as a person's brain is changing.

Personalized music and different experiences can still provide meaningful moments emotionally and spiritually among >>Women.

And blessed is the fruit of thy wound.

Jesus.

Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace.

The Lord is with thee.

>>Even where my mom is now in her journey, the nodding of the head.

The fact that I can see her enjoying the breeze on her face when I'm able to get her outside, those little small things mean that she's still there.

When I do her clothes and match them up so that she's still looking like the lady that she is.

That's joy.

When I bring her her favorite foods that she's enjoyed all her life, that's joy.

They're different things that you want for your loved one so that even in the advanced stages of their dementia or their diagnosis, you're playing to their strengths and not to that which has disappeared.

You find out from individuals who've gone through it that you do need to take time for yourself.

And when you can find a place where your loved one can be and not judged and are treated with the kindness that you want and that you extend, then that gives you this big relief.

I'm not going to let my loved one go down the drain and experience its challenges.

They don't have to if I can't, if I'm not there.

So if anything that strives or makes us move ahead, it's the love of someone else (piano music) I'm not that bad.

Okay.

It's all about education and supporting each other.

It's a pretty unforgiving disease.

A lot of things you can fix.

And right now we just can't fix this.

And so it's just trying to do it and give as much support along the way as we can.

And for the care partners, surround yourself with support.

Because caregiver burnout, it happens and it's not good for either person.

So they need to really ask what's going to happen when my loved one ages in place?

What do they want at the end of the day?

What do they want at end of life?

How does the family wanna be supported by us?

(piano music) >>We really look at how can we help a person holistically.

We look at how are we engaging them?

Are they getting enough exercise?

Each resident has their own tailored aromatherapy plan, which means that they get oils applied to them a couple of times throughout the day, sometimes more if they need it.

That helps to maintain that calmness for everybody.

It reduces stress.

We use oils to help people sleep better at night.

And if you sleep better, you have a better day during the day.

I didn't mean to trip on your toes, can you smell the lemon?

So it's holistic, it's natural, it's not gonna hurt you.

It's not gonna leave you hungover in the morning.

You're still gonna be able to wake up and feel good, but you're gonna sleep well.

We're using natural a hundred percent pure essential oils and I think that that's the big difference.

There's a lavender, it's just pure lavender.

>>I'm now at this about 16 and a half years, but I made it a protocol.

That's right.

Part of their care plan.

It's not an ancillary to think about, it's an expectation in the care plan.

It's how it benefits the resident.

And I've turned it around where, how does it benefit the staff?

When you're doing it on the resident, you're gonna get the direct benefit on your person.

It's both directions.

Okay.

And put it on my lap so I can, >>These oils that we're working with are amazing because I use them at home too now and I would've never thought of anything like that with this disease.

It's okay not to have to do everything because life's more important than getting your chores done.

>>I came 'cause they're gonna do a presentation on China today.

My mom said to me when she was first diagnosed, she did not want her care to take over my life.

That's given me a lot of comfort in the decisions that we've had to make.

We go >>Back way >>Back, right >>Way back.

You >>And I were classmates.

Does he have taught secret stories about you that he can share?

I don't know.

>>We're supposed to go to her, not bring her to us.

I think that's the biggest thing I've learned.

And so that's what I've seen this crew do so effectively is going to where my mom's needs are and tapping into her life story to help, you know, maximize moments of joy and minimize moments of anxiety and fear.

>>It is amazing because he was put on hospice a year ago, last Thanksgiving and we thought we were losing him.

I believe this care has extended his life.

He's comfortable.

He doesn't ask to go home.

He'll ask me if I'm sleeping over.

He wants us all to be here >>When we go visit him.

It's nice to be in a relaxed environment that feels like home.

I think we as a result, stay longer and visit longer and it kind of turned into a place for my family to meet and socialize >>Once he moved to a place where he could get the care he needed.

My mom was then able to be a wife again and give love and affection without all of the stress of daily care.

>>I think it's important he's at the table.

He picks up on what people are saying and sometimes he'll laugh appropriately with everybody else.

He seems more relaxed here.

>>I feel like some of our best times are around the table.

You know, having just those little discussions and the little chronicles and the different things, the weather report in the morning.

You know, people just really respond to just that general chatter.

This generation, that's what they did.

And so I think it's a big part of our day and then 70 and sunny every day.

>>Well I think there's a level of respect among the staff.

They respect one another and they respect the residents.

Where my dad was, it's very institutional.

My dad fell in an assisted living and was on the floor for an hour and a half before anybody came to find him.

He broke his hip and passed away from pneumonia.

We were very distressed about the way my dad was taken care of.

My mom was transferred here.

They're very compassionate.

That caring is from the leadership down.

>>All right.

Alright honey.

Ready?

There we go.

Get your pillow.

I love you Carol.

I love you too and I appreciate We appreciate you too sweetheart.

>>Creating a healthy and comfortable environment is much more than the physical building.

The commitment to person-centered care practices must be embraced by everyone.

>>Your glasses, can you see me?

>>Yeah.

>>Okay, let's go downstairs for breakfast.

Alright, just push yourself up for me.

>>I think it's me here.

>>Oh, >>I like it.

I just enjoy music.

This is me right here.

Clarinet.

>>That's your favorite.

>>That's my favorite musician.

>>You want to go downstairs for breakfast now?

>>Okay.

>>Okay.

Alright, hold ahead.

You got everything we need?

>>Okay.

I think so.

>>Okay.

>>Daily routines are very important in helping the person feel at ease.

The actions become a natural part of what they do and the repetition makes it easier to remember.

New experiences can add a feeling of excitement and can have long lasting positive effects.

You know where she >>Really loves to, there is an amazing body of knowledge about equine assisted therapy.

It can decrease aggression and we certainly see with the horses that someone who is anxious, we could get a two or three hour improvement in that or we could get a two or three day improvement in that.

It just depends on the person.

When Emmett first came to us, his wife had been passed away probably six months or so.

Okay.

He seemed fine.

He had transitioned and everything else.

And the first day we took him out to the horses, we found him rubbing the horse like this and he was saying, it's gonna be okay Ann.

It's all gonna be okay.

And Ann was his wife and that was the only way we ever knew that he was struggling with coping with her death.

If it had not been for the horse, we probably would've never known.

We always have to find other ways to understand what people are thinking and give them an opportunity to connect and then share.

It's amazing >>Like nothing else day by day, like ghosts by night that swarm.

>>A lot of people with dementia don't rest well at night.

So getting them engaged and involved is so important because then you can get them to sleep, which then makes them less agitated the next day.

So it's like a cycle that you're trying to break.

Yeah.

Dance with a daffodils, getting them involved in the day to day out of the rooms, off the television.

Interacting with people.

We kind of go through the gamut 'cause they all have different tastes, >>Staying engaged in utilizing technology to explore and communicate can help people feel more connected.

>>Okie doke.

I'm gonna put this just right on top of your head and we're gonna look at some dolphins.

Okay.

Okay.

>>Can I take my walker with me?

>>Nope.

We're just gonna stay seated.

How's that feel?

>>Oh, it's a big fish.

Oh a big fish.

Oh, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Oh my gosh.

Six.

There's too many of them.

And there's a baby baby underneath her, isn't there?

Where's my hand?

I can't see.

>>So do you know what?

>>That's amazing.

>>Do you like it?

>>Yes.

>>I've never seen anything like it.

>>At first our staff were a little reluctant.

They thought a person with dementia or Alzheimer's and you put the goggles on them that maybe they'd get more confused.

But after actually putting the goggles on themselves and then putting it on some of our Alzheimer's and related dementia residents and seeing the expression on their faces really sold the staff.

And so that's part of what we do now in our technology.

>>I do.

You have to have special glasses for them.

>>This shows you that.

Like you're in their swimming with 'em.

>>Oh, oh, oh, >>Oh wow.

Because I've never been that close to a dolphin.

Really?

It was very nice out there on ha ha ha.

It almost took my breath away.

'cause it all seems like it's right at you.

You know, I think it's very relaxing.

>>We began with technology and having our birdsong tablet that every resident has in their room.

Staying engaged with their family, engaging with the staff who are interacting along the process.

Since we started our lighthouse engagement model, we looked at measures before we started the model and after.

And we found that there was a difference in reporting pain in the use of antipsychotic medication.

And there was a difference in depression.

The employee is more engaged.

In fact, our retention rate and our employee engagement rate has improved to 35% from before we started our model >>Maybe >>That you haven't been to.

Okay, let's look at that.

>>24 Nepali Coast, Hawaii.

How >>I went to the university there, I was a freshman, I took English.

English, oh regular.

>>This Glacial Valley is a popular spot for photographers and >>Tourists.

Technology is just an incredible opportunity to just enhance the quality of people's life.

If somebody's agitated and oftentimes the first reaction to calm that person down is give them antipsychotic drugs.

If before you go that route, get them the music that they want.

Get 'em a priest, say in the rosary, get 'em their grandkids singing happy birthday.

Your staff feels better about it, the families feel better about it.

So all these practical realities that people running senior living communities are having to deal with from a regulatory standpoint.

There really is a way to, to benefit those regulations with having the technology there.

But only if it's designed for that person.

It can oftentimes be, let's throw something in there and expect it to happen.

It's, it's really about making that connection between what makes that person tick.

And then what would be the technology that would support that.

You're just so >>Beautiful.

You're so beautiful.

Okay.

Oh, (water bubbling) >>Let's take in one >>Deep breath >>And let it go.

>>Loneliness and depression.

The statistics on it have not changed in over 50 years.

And that's despite these social calendars filled with light social events, that's exactly what I did.

The research shows that people who engage in peer support on a regular basis, so people who are actively contributing, giving back to their community, reaching out and helping others.

Loneliness and depression does this so people who engage in peer support are healthier, they're happier, they live longer.

So there's a lot of evidence that's showing us that peer support groups are so effective.

So that's why having peer support as a model within a home is really exciting because it means that we are mobilizing this unused resource that we have, which is the residents themselves.

Not only are they capable of it, they're probably the best resource we could possibly ask for because peers can help each other the way that nobody else can.

>>1, 2, 3, 4.

>>Woo.

Physical exercise is important but often much more effective when doing something meaningful.

Having a personal relationship between staff and residents can be essential to keep people active and engaging in purposeful activities.

>>Here you go.

Alright.

>>Hey Larry.

How you doing?

>>Good.

>>All right.

You mind if I come in and sit down?

So I know we were talking earlier in the week about the certain keys not playing that well.

Sometimes they just get gummed up and >>This is the one that you worked on before, >>Right?

>>Key E.

>>E, right.

We used to call it clean E 'cause it was all clean.

>>How long you been doing this?

>>About four years.

About four years?

>>Yeah.

>>When we get together, the group really loves Harmonicas.

Alright, Larry, taking away, >>We're together two days a week, so that takes up a good bit of my time, which is good because I have trouble getting out of bed every now and then.

John sees that I get up as he did today.

Yes, it means a lot to me.

These people here have made this badge, which I value very, very much because it keeps me occupied and something that I'm able to do, >>Especially with the harmonica playing that helps you breathing, you know?

'cause you're taking these deep breaths, you know?

So your lung strength is remarkably different from before you were playing harmonica as much as you are now.

>>Yeah, - And and like I said, people depend on you.

You know, they look forward to you being there.

That's, it's a great thing for you to be there and to share your talent with the group.

>>Music I've always loved.

So I'm hoping that I can continue with it for some time.

Yet (upbeat music) >>When we are surrounded by plant material green, it allows us to relax, recover from stress.

It allows us to heal.

Good morning.

>>It's extremely important that you continue to do things with your hands, whether it be minimal things or whether it be something complicated.

They encourage you to, to do different things with looking down at at the plants.

And if you do want to talk to somebody, you know you can do that.

And so that's one of the things that that encourages us here.

>>Do what?

How do you remove When I come in and bring plants in or we come out to the greenhouse or the therapeutic gardens, you see that increase in their level of socialization.

You see an improvement of their mood.

It helps you to get sunlight that helps with your circadian rhythm.

So that translates into better sleep.

Getting that sunshine helps us to absorb vitamin D. So that helps us to not become depressed.

So there's all of that, but also going out and seeing what you planted, seeing how it developed, that boosts your self-esteem, that boosts your sense of self-worth.

That looks good.

>>You see, that's good.

He said it's good >>When you start allocating some resources to garden spaces, the natural environment, it helps staff, it helps family members.

But first and foremost it improves care.

(singing of Amazing Grace with piano) ( continued singing of Amazing Grace with piano) >>Good job mom.

You want to do something like >>Silent night?

It's warm, it's inviting.

I don't call it a nursing facility, it's a home.

It's their house.

We're helping them live.

They're still living.

So we're just helping guide them.

>>We get the washer started.

>>They're supposed to be doing still a lot for themselves because I mean that gives them purpose.

>>Put it in here.

>>It's important that people are engaged, that they're not just sitting, staring out the window all day.

But we needed to look carefully at what that engagement really was.

So we have the routine throughout the day that is very similar to probably the routine that you and I and most people have.

We get up in the morning and have breakfast and have some sort of morning coffee time, some social time or engagement time, whatever that might be.

We have a few residents that these ladies were avid housekeepers.

I'm sure their homes were immaculate and, and they will help us with those things around our house because they want to and it's meaningful and important to them.

So we just tailor our engagement activities around what it is people did at home, the way they want to spend their time now.

>>Well, I can't find, there it is.

>>Did >>You find it?

>>What they want is for us to know them and know them well and we do tend to catch things a little quicker because we're with them.

>>Oh shoot.

We kind of have to just remind each other, Hey, don't do it for them.

Let them do it.

You learn to slow down and go at their pace.

You read their body language.

Residents are happier, family members are happier, decreases behavior, improves sleep and falls go way down.

And then this is mom >>And then >>Daddy.

That person isn't dementia, it's not Joanne with dementia.

It's Joanne.

Joanne still is in there.

Joanne still loves to clean.

She loves to cook, she loves to interact.

She loves to sit down and chat.

What do we have to lose?

Letting her dust and vacuum and helping make the bed.

It's giving her joy.

It's giving her reason to be herself again.

Is that it?

That's it.

>>Indiana We're all for you.

They have their own relationships also with the other residents.

You know, they go to each other's apartments and it's kind of like just a little community.

>>We won.

Yeah >>I am the healthiest person in the world.

>>Yes, - I love all of the children at Jills house Inter generation of preschool.

Yes, all good.

>>And of course with the preschool, that's great.

The way life is, their faces light up when they see the kids and the kids learn from them.

This is the way it should be Children and the elderly just connect in a special way and boy they can take our residents and get them to do anything.

>>Would you like to color today Miss Honey?

>>And our residents So appreciate having those children around.

And when we talk about making real change in our society, we must start with educating the kids and giving them opportunities to bridge those generations.

>>We'll see you... bye.

>>Relationships outside of the family and staff are important to feel needed and to have real purpose.

We all have a need to help others which can encourage, motivate, and empower us.

And two, testing elbow function >>And three, working every angle of the elbow.

And four.

>>It's all evidence-based practices that can not only delay the onset of Alzheimer's and dementias, but it can delay the progression.

And what's so exciting about it to me is that it's really a healthy lifestyle program.

Research has been done that food actually is affecting our mind.

It's really based around healthy foods and Mediterranean diet incorporates a lot of those practices.

We've always tracked our outcomes.

Falls are one of them and we have very low falls compared to the rest of the industry.

It's giving them that respect and dignity.

Take the time and allow them to get up and walk if they can.

Or maybe they do things a little bit slower, but that's okay.

We'll we'll take the time to do that.

But how it makes them feel right to be able to stand up or walk or move and encouraging them to do all that they can do.

>>There it is.

Found it.

The baking.

Come on Mr.

Moss Okay.

One is enough no?

Look at how big that, oh you said 15 cents.

>>Yeah I did.

I thought it says 15.

How >>Many cup Brian?

>>It's two cups per four cups of flour and then a half a cup of peanut butter.

So one cup of peanut butter.

>>Uh huh, That's your Job ha ha.

It's a lot of fun to make biscuits and bring 'em to the dogs versus bringing, you know, packaged dog biscuits.

>>Yes.

>>And then two cups of oatmeal.

We prefer shaken, not stirred ha ha.

>>We're gonna get the taste it.

>>Everything with meaning has long lasting memories Everything Here is edible.

Looking good, huh?

(Sounds of driving) >>The the dogs >>Gonna love this biscuit.

Right?

Make with love.

Made with love.

That's right.

>>There's a lot more emotional connection.

Nothing is shallow.

There's, they're very, it's a very deep experience and so we can carry those with us for a lifetime.

>>Let it go.

Okay.

Come on ladies.

We love dogs.

They're literally dog biscuits and so we're we.

Were bringing them to the dogs.

>>Does anybody want one?

Ha ha ha!

Miss Jody's gonna join you.

She's gonna get a massage too.

Oh good.

>>Today we've been going around the city of Azusa and in visiting businesses specifically that have have gone through the dementia friendly training, we wanted to make a community that is informed, safe and respectful of all individuals in an effort to try to break down the stigmas that a lot of people have based around this diagnosis.

And that's what we're trying to do with the dementia friendly initiative.

>>It was really enlightening, really opened up our eyes to all the needs for the community.

Sometimes we get a misconception when we see somebody that's out on the floor perhaps eating or just looking lost.

Sometimes we think that they could be drunk or on drugs and in fact, a lot of times they're not.

>>It's an everyday training process with every case of dementia.

It's different.

The statistics of how many people actually have it was very shocking.

And then with an aging population, it's only gonna keep increasing.

So it's definitely something businesses need to be more sensitive towards.

That to me was something I can take with me anywhere, not just for business, I mean for life.

>>It's not hard.

It's a simple couple hour training for one person is the way I did it, and then have that person responsible for training others.

It's actually kind of exciting.

It's another way of building their morale and building their skillset and it makes them feel more confident in serving whoever walks through that door.

>>The thing that resonated with me the most was how they said, they may not remember even a particular instance, but they'll remember a feeling that they have about a place.

I personally like to get a little bit more level when I'm taking their orders as to not intimidate them so you're not towering over them.

Make it a little bit more friendly like we're hanging out.

I was really excited to further my community outreach and, and what I could do.

And so I really enjoy it.

Yeah... Oh, you're welcome.

Yeah.

You have a great rest of your day.

Love this.

Bye Miss Dorothy.

Bye.

Thank you.

Yes, so much.

(piano music) >>Communities all over the country are creating more awareness by forming training sessions to educate businesses and individuals.

There's so much to do as people living with dementia will need support and accommodations to live a life they choose.

>>It's really not so much about mitigating disease as it is about supporting wellbeing.

And I use a framework that came from a grant that Eden alternative sponsor.

They has seven domains which are identity connectedness, security autonomy, meaning growth and joy.

You can work on these seven domains of wellbeing today with yourself and with your loved one.

And there's so many ways you can do that without spending money, without changing the building the person lives in.

I think we can have dramatic effects on people's lives with or without a new pill.

>>We can create a better society.

Dementia should be treated like any other disability, and that means we need to provide accommodations and opportunities for them to be included, to be a part of their community.

They're the only ones who really are the experts.

>>There are five and a half million people that are living with this in the US right now.

They need opportunities to live life more fully.

>>To me, I'd like to see the doctors give people a list of chat groups and forums where people could get help, get guidance and support.

There's dementia mentors.org, which people like me can one-on-one deal with people and help them through the transition.

>>We go to a support group, we get empowerment.

We hear the stories of what they can do and cannot do, but when they leave there, they have hope.

>>I tell people, I'm gonna be the first one to beat this with dementia, and I know I'm gonna let food be my medicine.

And we exercise.

They said, I'm doing all the right stuff.

>>People wait until there's a crisis.

Somebody's in the hospital, then they need a placement.

Oh, we have 24 hours.

'cause hospitals don't keep you very long.

There was this memory care community that was opening near our home, and so we went up and we took our granddaughter, our grandsons, our daughters, their spouses all together.

We went to this assisted living community.

You know, the challenge is seeing a beautiful building and recognizing quality care.

>>I went around with my grandkids and we were looking at it at all the different rooms and stuff, but it's all about wildlife.

My granddaughter comes, I found your room.

It's the rainbow >>Trout.

>>Trout, >>The trout room.

So you know, she's already picked out where she wants me to go.

So it was really nice.

>>So what we're doing now from a distance is watching to see if it gives the quality of care that that we want Mark to have is if he needs that, right?

But that's the biggest thing is preparing in advance all the, all the way around.

>>Normalcy is a very powerful word.

I was on tv, I was on radio, I made videos and I did all this stuff.

So when I get to do that, that is my normalcy.

That's me, your narrator.

I wish I could and I'm living with Alzheimer's disease.

It doesn't keep me from doing things meaningful, like being an international dementia advocate or advocating for the rights of other individuals who have a dementia related illness or speaking on behalf of those who are no longer with us.

I do have bad days at times, since my diagnosis four years ago, I've progressed to bit.

What I've found is with the right support and accommodations, I'm still living well and can continue to do most of the things I like to do.

Like narrating a documentary, (upbeat music) >>There's this very fine line between, I not want your pity, but I do need your understanding.

Help me work with the way my brain be go, which means you need to get to know me.

That's care.

It helps me remain the person I would want to be.

I know what LOVE means, but I don't feel that.

So I lean into other words like dragonfly, the sound of birds, the ripple of the sun on the water.

People that come to my house with a smile on their face and say, hi, it's great to see you.

How could you not feel good with that?

Ha ha.

>>By truly connecting with people living with dementia and seeing their strengths, we empower them.

It enriches their lives.

We've seen that people are more likely to feel joy and comfort when treated with dignity, respect and love.

This is the true meaning of person-centered care and it's what we should expect for our loved ones and for ourselves.

(dramatic music) (dramatic music continues) (dramatic music continues) >>Major funding provided by Robert E Pogue.

(music tag)