When Design Becomes a Silent Caregiver

On August 18, 2025, I had the privilege of presenting at ASID Gather in Atlanta, sharing how design becomes a silent caregiver, my session Taming the Chaos of Dementia: Creating Memory Care Environments. What made this experience so meaningful was not only the opportunity to speak about dementia care design, but also the warmth and openness of the audience. Many were personal friends and colleagues, and throughout the session they shared touching—and often heart-wrenching—stories of their own family members and friends navigating the dementia journey. Their honesty and vulnerability reminded me how deeply this disease touches all of us.

During our time together, we explored how design can make daily life more manageable, comforting, and even joyful. We discussed sensory-friendly spaces, biophilic elements that connect us to nature, and thoughtful spatial cues that reduce confusion and foster calm. Through storytelling, empathy-building exercises, and hands-on design challenges, participants discovered how design can speak quietly but powerfully to human needs.

Following the lecture, I was honored to host a book signing for The Caregiver’s Compass and Taming the Chaos of Dementia. Meeting caregivers and design professionals eager to bring compassion into their work was a highlight of my time in Atlanta.

While we don’t yet have a cure for dementia and related diseases, there is hope. The power of design as a “silent caregiver” offers dignity, meaning, and comfort. Thoughtful environments can ease suffering, support caregivers, and help those living with dementia hold onto joy in the midst of challenge.

🤝 Let’s ConnectBarbara Huelat, FASID – Author • Designer • Dementia Care Advocate📧 Email: bhuelat@healingdesign.com🌐 Website: www.BarbaraHuelat.com  www.tamingthechaosofdementia.org📱 Phone: 703-795-1743