Mary Chiu is a research scientist at the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences and Adjunct Professor at Ontario Tech University whose key research areas are communication, resilience and skills training in the context of caregiving and dementia. Mary and I discuss the life-affirming role conversation has for people living with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia and how these diseases affect their ability to communicate and can contribute to painful isolation. The good news is that while dementia is an irreversible disease there are a whole host of strategies to help caregivers, at every stage of progression, to foster dignity, connection and community. We go beyond the "Dos and Donts" to really understand the emotions underlying communication needs for this population so to be better able to meet them where they are. We also explore universally inclusive programs in our cities and creative tools for our living rooms that can help reinforce personhood and sustain relationships, even long-distance ones. Like who has heard of photovoicing before? Not me!If, after the show, you are wanting to learn more, Id start with Marys LinkedIn and check out your local Alzheimers Society of Canada.Mary recommends... the illustrated book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, in which the boy is guided through his walk through the forest, both literally and figuratively; and the YouTube channel @twosetviolin, the journey of two non-soloists, finding their strengths through sharing their passion for music.

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