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The Shift That Changes Dementia Care Forever with Beth Nolan, PhD

Advice From Your Advocates

Chapters
0:00
Welcome And Guest Introduction
0:40
What Positive Approach To Care Does
1:10
The Myth That Dementia Stops Learning
3:10
Bubble Wrapping And Family Cocooning
5:35
Validation Using The Wedding Ring Story
9:05
Why Being Heard Comes First
10:30
Brain Change Skills Beyond Dementia
13:15
How To Train New Interaction Habits
16:20
“Behaviors” And The Dementia Village Lesson
19:35
Building Friendly Functional Forgiving Spaces
22:15
Advocacy With Hospitals And Care Systems
26:10
Balancing Freedom Risk And Safety
29:20
Caregiver Stress And Box Breathing
33:00
Key Takeaways And Where To Learn More
Advice From Your Advocates
The Shift That Changes Dementia Care Forever with Beth Nolan, PhD
Mar 25, 2026 Season 1 Episode 81
Attorney Bob Mannor / Mannor Law Group

Dementia care is evolving, and understanding the brain is the key.

In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates, elder law attorney Bob Mannor sits down with Beth Nolan, PhD, Chief Public Health Officer for Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care, to explore a powerful new way to support people living with dementia.

The Positive Approach to Care (PAC) is a brain-based dementia care model developed by internationally recognized dementia educator Teepa Snow. Instead of focusing on behaviors or limitations, this method helps caregivers understand what the brain is experiencing and how to respond with empathy, validation, and skill.

Beth shares how caregivers, families, and professionals can transform everyday interactions with people living with dementia, reduce frustration, and create moments of connection and joy.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The core principles of Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care
• Why dementia does not mean the end of learning or living
• How brain science explains common dementia behaviors
• The difference between protective care vs empowering care
• Why communication must focus on verification and connection
• How environmental design can improve safety, dignity, and independence
• Why caregiver well-being is critical in dementia support

You’ll also hear practical insights on balancing risk, independence, and safety, including why the goal of “zero falls” may not always be realistic or beneficial in dementia care.

Whether you’re a family caregiver, healthcare professional, social worker, or dementia advocate, this conversation will give you tools to better understand the brain, meet human needs, and create more meaningful moments with those living with dementia.

Guest:
Beth Nolan, PhD
Chief Public Health Officer – Positive Approach to Care

Teepa Snow Official Website
https://teepasnow.com

Positive Approach to Care Training
https://teepasnow.com/positive-approach-to-care/

Teepa Snow YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/user/teepasnow

Connect with Beth
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethnolan

If you care for someone living with dementia, or support those

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ABOUT US:
Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.

We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...