DementiaNation

Building Meaningful Relationships

Meet Joy and Chris and experience their touching journey of love and resilience in the face of dementia. From the moment of Chris’s diagnosis, he embraced living fully in the present, while Joy balanced her grief with the challenge of meeting him there. Hear their inspiring story as they find new ways to create and cherish meaningful moments together.

Credits:
Dementia Nation is funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons Grant for Seniors and is produced by Kristin Bartlett and Kristine White, edited by Matthew Pencer and developed by the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. The music is produced by Matthew Pencer and Robin Dann. DementiaNation is hosted by Kristin Bartlett and Tracey Adams Thibaudeau,  Active Living Program Coordinators for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. A Special thanks to Joy Kirchner and Chris Ruck for sharing their story.

Photo: Joy & Chris’ Wedding

 

The Unexpected Heroes of Dementia Care

Time and time again, we've heard incredible stories of neighbors, local businesses, and even total strangers stepping up in unexpected ways to support people living with dementia. These small yet powerful acts of kindness are what keep our dementia community thriving—helping individuals and their care partners live fuller, more connected lives.

In this episode, we’re sharing heartfelt stories that showcase the beauty of community and the profound impact of human connection. Because sometimes, it’s the people you least expect who make a huge difference. 

Credits:
DementiaNation is funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons Grant for Seniors and is produced by Kristin Bartlett and Kristine White, edited by Matthew Pencer and developed by the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. The music is produced by Matthew Pencer and Robin Dann. DementiaNation is hosted by Kristin Bartlett and Tracey Adams Thibaudeau, Active Living Program Coordinators for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. Special thanks to Kathy Lee Morren, Tracy Lee Fawcett, Michelle Lee, Sue Lee, Chris Ruck and Joy Kirchner, Eriko Miyazawa and Larry Webb and Kim Babcock.

We also want to shout out to Bellona's Restaurant and The Jason George Pub mentioned in this podcast, thank you for being a part of our community! 

https://thejasongeorge.ca/ 
https://bellonakitchen.ca/bellona-cantina/ 

 

AST’s Dementia Friendly Community:

A Dementia Friendly Community is a place where individuals living with dementia and their care partners and families feel welcomed, included, and supported. With over 51,000 people living with dementia in Toronto, they are your customers, clients, and neighbors who may face challenges accessing goods or services. The Alzheimer Society of Toronto offers Dementia Friendly Communities (DFC) training to help organizations and groups create safe, accessible, and inclusive environments. The training covers recognizing signs of dementia, creating inclusive spaces, and effective communication strategies to empower and support those living with dementia. This training is available at no cost to you or your organization. You can find more information on www.alz.to under the Learn tab

Photo by: Sarah Faulkner, Riverside Photographers

Finding Joy Through Play: Laughter, Improv & Music in Caregiving

What if laughter and play could help you navigate some of the toughest moments of caregiving? In this episode, we sit down with Gavin Crawford — actor, comedian, CBC radio personality, and creator of the podcast Let’s Not Be Kidding—as he shares how improv and games brought joy, connection, and lightness to his family’s journey with dementia. Plus, we chat with Kim Babcock, who discovered the power of dance and music to create meaningful moments with her mom, Ruth.

Listen in for heartwarming stories, some helpful tips, and a reminder that even in difficult times, there’s always room for laughter, creativity, play and creating moments of joy.

Credits:

Dementia Nation is funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons Grant for Seniors and is produced by Kristin Bartlett and Kristine White, edited by Matthew Pencer and developed by the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. The music is produced by Matthew Pencer, Robin Dann and Lindsay Owen Pierre. DementiaNation is hosted by Kristin Bartlett and Tracey Adams Thibaudeau,  Active Living Program Coordinators for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. A Special thanks to Gavin Crawford for sharing stories of his family's journey with dementia and Kim Babcock for sharing your story with us, we love you Ruth may you rest in peace.

Gavin Crawford - Let’s Not Be Kidding CBC Podcast
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/1387-let-s-not-be-kidding-with-gavin-crawford 

Photo of Kim Babcock

The Power of Music and Memory

Music has a unique way of taking us back in time, unlocking memories, and deepening our connections with others. In this episode, meet Rick — a talented, quick-witted musician living with dementia — and Robin Dann, a professional musician who uses her training to engage meaningfully with those experiencing cognitive changes. Together, they’ll share heartwarming stories and insights on how music can bridge the gaps created by dementia. Whether you’re a caregiver, a music lover, or just curious about the magic of melody, you’ll walk away with practical ways to bring the power of music into your caregiving journey. 

Credits:
Dementia Nation is funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons Grant for Seniors and is produced by Kristin Bartlett and Kristine White, edited by Matthew Pencer and developed by the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. The music is produced by Matthew Pencer and Robin Dann. DementiaNation is hosted by Kristin Bartlett and Tracey Adams Thibaudeau,  Active Living Program Coordinators for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. Special thanks to Rick Levine and Robin Dann for sharing the power of music especially for those living with dementia. We also want to acknowledge Peyton Brien, Elizabeth Hodby, and Rita Osovetsky who created songs in the Find Your Inner SongBird program.

If you are interested in how you can bring more music into the lives of people living with dementia check out our Music Project at the Alzheimer Society of Toronto.

Musical memories are tied with emotional memories and the brain makes associations between important life events and music. Music memories are stored in different parts of the brain, collectively known as the music and memory network. As the brain deteriorates with the progression of dementia, musical memories can still be accessed through these networks which are typically not affected by dementia.  Music Project aims to bring the benefits of personalized music to people living with dementia and their care partners by providing the tools and support to implement this form of music therapy at no cost to the participant. To be eligible the music recipient must have a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of dementia or cognitive impairment and must reside in the participating regions.  To apply simply visit our website www.musicproject.ca, click apply and then select the region in which you live.  Fill out the application and submit and we will ship a package to you with a mp3 player filled with your personalized music.” 

Link to Music Project - https://www./musicproject.ca

If I Was You
Co-created by Rick Levine and Robin Dann 

Every Lake 
Co-created by Elizabeth Hodby and Robin Dann
Additional percussion and keyboard by Philippe Melanson and Thom Gill

What Is Vital To You
Co-created by Peyton Brien and Robin Dann

Beautiful Seagulls
Co-created by Rita Osovetsky and Robin Dann

Photo by Sarah Faulkner, Riverside Photographers

Beyond Words: Connecting When Language Fades

How do you stay connected when words start to slip away? In this episode, we explore the power of non-verbal, intuitive, and heartfelt communication with someone living with dementia. We sit down with Kim Babcock—a devoted caregiver and fierce advocate for her mom, Ruth — as she shares the creative and deeply meaningful ways she connects beyond traditional language.

Whether you're a caregiver, a family member, or just curious about new ways to communicate, this episode will inspire you to listen, engage, and find connection in unexpected ways.

Credit:

Dementia Nation is funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons Grant for Seniors and is produced by Kristin Bartlett and Kristine White, edited by Matthew Pencer and developed by the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. The music is produced by Matthew Pencer and Robin Dann. DementiaNation is hosted by Kristin Bartlett and Tracey Adams Thibaudeau,  Active Living Program Coordinators for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. A Special thanks to Kim Babcock for sharing your story about your beautiful relationship with Ruth.

If you are wondering how I can learn more about how to communicate more meaningfully with someone living with dementia, at AST we offer workshops, group and one-on-one counselling to support our clients to learn new communication skills. One example of where clients can learn these skills is our CARERS group, which is part of our Enhancing Care program. In CARERS the participants get to role-play recent real-life communication challenges they have encountered as a caregiver and try out different ways of engaging more meaningfully. If you want to learn more please visit our website www.alz.to and click on the learn tab to find our upcoming workshops.

Photo: Kim and Ruth Babcock

 

The Power of Curiosity in Caregiving

“I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious,” said Albert Einstein. But what if curiosity was the key to deeper connection — especially in the face of dementia?

In this episode, we explore how staying open and inquisitive can transform the caregiving experience. Meet Rebecca Ballen — a quirky, cat-loving, all-around amazing human — who cares for her father, Stanley. She shares how curiosity has helped her rediscover her dad in new and unexpected ways throughout his dementia journey.
Join us for a heartfelt conversation about embracing the unknown, finding joy in small moments, and seeing loved ones through a fresh lens.

Credits:
Dementia Nation is funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons Grant for Seniors and is produced by Kristin Bartlett and Kristine White, edited by Matthew Pencer and developed by the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. The music is produced by Matthew Pencer, Robin Dann and Lindsay Owen Pierre. DementiaNation is hosted by Kristin Bartlett and Tracey Adams Thibaudeau,  Active Living Program Coordinators for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. Special thanks to Rebecca Ballen for sharing her story about her father Stanley Ballen.

Photo Credit: Pradeepto Roy picture of Rebecca and Stanley Ballen

Check out First Capture Studios and the Alzheimer Society of Toronto’s Visual Storytelling Installation