Walking in Their Shoes: Elevating Memory Care

A New Era of Dementia Care

Choosing a senior living community is one of the most important decisions families make, especially as it relates to memory care. Beyond beautiful residences and amenities, the true measure of a community lies in its commitment to understanding and meeting the unique needs of residents. For families facing Alzheimer’s or dementia, that commitment must go even deeper—rooted in empathy, patience, and specialized training.

At The Aspenwood Company, we are proud to invest in Dementia Live®, an immersive training experience designed to help caregivers and families truly understand what it feels like to live with dementia. By “walking in their shoes,” associates gain powerful insight that transforms care. This investment isn’t just a training program—it’s a reflection of our core promise: to help every resident and family Live Life Well®.

In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Day, we’re sharing why Dementia Live® matters, the science behind it, and how this commitment benefits not only our residents but also their families who walk this journey alongside them.

The Global and National Urgency of Dementia Awareness

Dementia is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. Consider these sobering statistics:

• More than 55 million people worldwide live with dementia.

• In the United States, over 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease—a number projected to rise to nearly 13 million by 2050.

• Every 3 seconds, someone in the world develops dementia.

• Alzheimer’s is the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only top-10 cause of death with no cure or treatment that slows progression.

Behind each statistic is a family—spouses, children, and grandchildren—searching for support, understanding, and reassurance. For them, choosing a senior living community means finding a partner who not only provides excellent care but also empathy, dignity, and compassion.

What is Dementia Live®?

Dementia Live® is a groundbreaking, evidence-informed training created by AGE-u-cate® Training Institute. It’s not a classroom lecture or textbook—it’s an immersive simulation designed to replicate the cognitive and sensory changes people living with dementia face every day.

Participants temporarily experience:

• Tunnel vision (mimicking loss of peripheral vision)

• Altered touch (affecting how they perceive objects and space)

• Impaired processing (slowing reaction times and decision-making)

• Overstimulation (simulating how everyday environments can overwhelm someone with dementia)

The result? A powerful, emotional “aha” moment that shifts how associates and families perceive dementia—moving from sympathy to deep empathy.

Why Aspenwood Invests in Dementia Live®

At The Aspenwood Company, we know that great dementia care is rooted in understanding. While medical training teaches the “what” of dementia, Dementia Live® teaches the “why.” It equips caregivers with an emotional connection to residents’ experiences, resulting in:

• More compassionate, person-centered care

• Better communication with residents and families

• Reduced agitation and stress for residents

• Deeper trust between caregivers and families

This isn’t just training—it’s culture building. When associates experience Dementia Live®, they bring empathy into every interaction, from helping a resident with daily activities to answering a worried family member’s questions.

Benefits for Families: Why This Training Matters When Choosing a Community

For families searching for the right senior living community, the decision often comes down to one question: “Will my loved one be understood and cared for with dignity?”

By investing in Dementia Live®, Aspenwood offers families reassurance on multiple levels:

1. Confidence in Care Quality

Families gain peace of mind knowing that associates aren’t just trained in clinical best practices—they’ve experienced what it’s like to live with dementia. This ensures care is not only competent but also compassionate.

2. Stronger Communication

One of the hardest parts of dementia is the feeling of disconnection. Dementia Live® teaches associates—and families who participate—how to bridge those gaps through clear, patient, and empathetic communication. Families often find new ways to connect with loved ones after participating themselves.

3. Shared Understanding Between Families and Care Teams

When families join the Dementia Live® experience, they gain a better understanding of what their loved one is experiencing. This shared perspective strengthens trust and fosters a true partnership between families and caregivers.

4. Reduced Guilt and Anxiety

Many families wrestle with guilt when moving a loved one into a senior living community. Knowing that associates are trained to “walk in their loved one’s shoes” eases that burden, reassuring families they’ve made the right choice.

5. A Culture of Empathy and Dignity

For residents with dementia, small acts of compassion—gentle touch, patience in communication, sensitivity to overstimulation—make all the difference. Families quickly recognize when a community’s culture prioritizes empathy. Dementia Live® helps make this culture visible.

Benefits for Residents: Living with Greater Dignity and Joy

For residents, the impact of Dementia Live®-trained caregivers is life-changing. They experience:

• Improved daily interactions with caregivers who understand their perspective.

• Reduced stress and agitation, thanks to calmer, more compassionate communication.

• More autonomy, as caregivers are better equipped to foster independence while providing support.

• Enhanced quality of life, with care rooted in dignity, respect, and emotional understanding.

Ultimately, residents benefit from a community that sees them as whole people—not just diagnoses.

Beyond Training: Aspenwood’s Ongoing Commitment to Alzheimer’s Awareness

Our investment in Dementia Live® is part of a broader commitment to supporting the fight against Alzheimer’s and dementia. The Aspenwood Company proudly supports the Alzheimer’s Association, its research, and its mission to advance care, support, and a cure.

We join thousands worldwide in marking World Alzheimer’s Day as a reminder of the urgency to act—and the hope that comes when communities, families, and caregivers work together.

Choosing the Right Community: What Families Should Look For

When exploring senior living options, families should ask:

• Does the community provide specialized dementia training beyond basic care requirements?

• Are there opportunities for families to participate in training and learn how to better connect with their loved one?

• How does the community create a culture of empathy in addition to offering clinical support?

• What partnerships does the community have with organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association?

At Aspenwood, we are proud to answer “yes” to these questions. Our investment in Dementia Live® is one example of how we go beyond expectations to build communities where residents and families feel supported, understood, and valued.

Walking Forward, Together

Dementia challenges families and residents in profound ways—but no one has to walk this journey alone. At The Aspenwood Company, we believe empathy is the foundation of extraordinary care. By investing in Dementia Live®, we empower our associates, residents, and families to see dementia through new eyes—and to approach every day with more patience, compassion, and hope.

On World Alzheimer’s Day, and every day, we reaffirm our commitment: to lead with kindness, to put people first, and to help everyone in our communities truly Live Life Well®.

Written by - Christina O’Leary