Events
A New Vision for Dementia Care: Empowering Normalcy & Belonging
The Maryland Gerontological Association Annual Conference brought together professionals, caregivers, advocates, and leaders committed to improving the lives of older adults, and we were honored to be part of this important event.
Barbara Huelat and Ruth Shea presented an inspiring and thought-provoking session titled A New Vision to Dementia Care: Empowering Normalcy & Belonging to an enthusiastic and deeply engaged audience. The presentation explored a growing movement in dementia care that shifts away from custodial models and instead focuses on dignity, purpose, belonging, and meaningful daily life for people living with dementia.
Drawing from real-world caregiving experiences, evidence-based design, and innovative care models from around the world, the presentation challenged attendees to rethink what dementia care can become. Rather than asking only how to keep people safe, the discussion focused on how we can help individuals continue to experience joy, identity, connection, and normalcy throughout their dementia journey.
Topics included:
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Human-centered approaches to dementia care
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The role of environment as a “silent caregiver”
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Small-scale and dementia village models
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Communication and behavioral interventions
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Meaningful engagement and purposeful activities
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Supporting caregivers while reducing stress and burnout
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reating environments that foster belonging and dignity
The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing personal caregiving stories and expressing hope for a more compassionate and empowering future for dementia care.
In addition to the presentation, the Taming the Chaos of Dementia Institute hosted an exhibit table featuring resources, conversations with caregivers and professionals, and signed copies of Barbara and Ruth’s books The Caregiver’s Compass, Caring Through Chaos, This is Me and, Taming the Chaos of Dementia. The table became a wonderful gathering place for meaningful dialogue, shared experiences, and new connections within the dementia care community.
We were also delighted to offer special door prizes featuring gift sets of our books and caregiver resources, which added excitement and engagement throughout the conference experience.
Events like the MGA Conference remind us that there is a growing desire for a more humane and hopeful approach to dementia care—one that recognizes that people living with dementia still need purpose, beauty, connection, and a sense of belonging.
We are grateful to everyone who attended our session, visited our table, shared their stories, and joined us in imagining a new vision for dementia care.
To learn more about our work, speaking engagements, caregiver resources, and upcoming programs,
Barbara Huelat Presents at ASID Gather 2025 in Atlanta
At ASID Gather 2025 in Atlanta, Barbara Huelat presented Taming the Chaos of Dementia: Creating Memory Care Environments. Her interactive session explored how design can improve quality of life for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Attendees discovered how sensory-friendly features, biophilic elements, and spatial cues can reduce stress, ease confusion, and foster dignity. Through storytelling and design challenges, Barbara highlighted the importance of empathy and person-centered solutions in both residential and professional care settings. The lecture was followed by a popular book signing, featuring two of Barbara’s books—The Caregiver’s Compass and the widely acclaimed Taming the Chaos of Dementia. The session underscored a vital message: design has the power to bring calm, connection, and meaning to life with dementia.
The Spirituality of Caregiving
Exploring Deeper Meaning in the Caregiving Journey
On February 17, Ruth Shea spoke to four Sodalities in Anne Arundel County, sharing reflections on the profound and often unspoken spiritual dimension of caregiving.
She began by acknowledging the visible reality of caregiving—the daily tasks that fill a caregiver’s life: assisting with bathing, dressing, toileting, preparing meals, managing medications, attending medical appointments, and maintaining the home. These responsibilities are often carried alongside the demands of family life, careers, and personal commitments.
But caregiving, as Ruth shared, is far more than a series of tasks.
Beneath the surface lies something deeper—something transformative.
At its heart, caregiving is a relationship. It is a connection between two people navigating vulnerability together. In this space, roles begin to shift. The one who appears strong becomes the student, and the one who is fragile becomes the teacher.
Through caregiving, we are invited into experiences we might otherwise never fully understand—moments of isolation, confusion, grief, and longing. We learn to sit with discomfort, to witness loss, and to offer presence when words are no longer enough.
And in these quiet, often difficult moments, many caregivers begin to sense something more.
Something unseen.
Something beyond language.
Something sacred.
It is in this space that caregiving becomes not just an act of service, but a journey of the soul.
Ruth Shea is available to speak to groups on The Spirituality of Caregiving, offering heartfelt insights that resonate with caregivers, families, and professionals alike. Her presentations inspire reflection, connection, and a deeper understanding of the meaning found within the caregiving experience.
If this message speaks to you—or to your organization—we invite you to connect with us. Whether you are supporting caregivers, building community programs, or seeking meaningful dialogue around dementia care, we would be honored to be part of your journey.
Reach out to explore speaking engagements, workshops, or caregiver resources designed to support and inspire.Contact Ruth at admin@tamingthechaosofdementia.org or check out our website at www.tamingthechaosofdementia.org.
Barbara Huelat and Ruth Shea exhibitors at the DCHCA 2025 Annual Convention
