In this episode of the I Love Neuro podcast, hosts Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS and Claire McLean, PT, DPT, NCS sat down with Rachel Wiley, MS, OTR/L, CDP, an innovative occupational therapist who is transforming dementia care through her Dementia Collaborative. With over a decade of experience, Rachel has dedicated her career to supporting individuals living with dementia, their families, and healthcare professionals.

Rachel's journey began with a personal connection - her practice, originally named Day by Day Home Therapy, was inspired by her grandmother and aunts who lived with dementia. Recognizing the isolation in dementia care, she created the Dementia Collaborative, a membership-based community that brings together occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to share knowledge and support.

After transitioning from direct clinical care to a consulting model, Rachel now focuses on family coaching, innovative research and education for healthcare professionals. She uses evidence-based approaches like the the Skills2Care framework, CARE checklist and framework, and the Green Activity Program study. The CARE checklist and framework is a tool she helped co-create that uses non-verbal cues to assess consent, protecting residents' dignity and right to human connection. She has a ton of resources for you to check out!

Skills2care framework - training for OTs

www.dementiacollaborative.com

www.daybydaydementiaconsulting.com

www.rachelwileyot.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-wiley-ms-otrl-cdp-80521079/