Welcome to Living Well With Dementia®, LLC
My work focuses on understanding what’s happening before that point, when small signals can still be noticed and responded to with clarity and care.
Behavior Has Meaning
Dementia behaviors are often misunderstood as intentional, stubborn, or unpredictable. In reality, they are frequently expressions of distress, confusion, discomfort, fear, or unmet needs.
When a person’s ability to communicate and cope narrows, behavior becomes the message.
Escalation is rarely sudden. It often reflects a buildup of stress that went unnoticed or was misunderstood. When we learn to recognize those early signals, responses can shift — and crisis becomes less likely.
I help people understand what the person living with dementia is expressing — before distress becomes a crisis.
Why Early Understanding Changes Everything
When behavior is understood early:
- Care feels calmer and less reactive
- People living with dementia experience less distress
- Families and staff feel more confident
- Risk and burnout decrease
Understanding doesn’t eliminate challenges — but it changes how they’re experienced.
Engagement Is Not Optional
Meaningful activity supports identity, reduces stress, and helps people remain connected to who they are — even as abilities change.