In this episode, I sit down with my friend Mary Gauldin, an absolute powerhouse in the world of memory care, dementia support, and sensory-based learning. With over 20 years of experience in senior living, Mary has dedicated her life to improving the way we engage, support, and care for those living with neurodegenerative diseases.

Mary shares her incredible journey—from starting out as a youth minister to becoming a leading advocate for sensory engagement in dementia care. We talk about how her experiences, including personal connections to Alzheimer’s, have shaped her approach to care, and what led her to launch Mary & Bright, a groundbreaking program designed to bring sensory learning into senior living communities and home care settings.

We dive into some BIG topics, like:
✅ How sensory engagement can activate neuroplasticity and improve quality of life for people with dementia
✅ Why intentional programming matters more than just filling up a calendar
✅ The state of memory care today—where it’s heading and what needs to change
✅ Why Mary believes in revolutionizing care models instead of accepting "the way things have always been"

Plus, Mary drops some powerful stories—like the time a nonverbal resident spontaneously spoke French after a sensory-rich experience. Yeah, this episode is packed with insights, passion, and real talk about the future of dementia care.

If you’re in senior living, caregiving, or just care about better support for older adults, this one is a must-listen! 🎧

🌐 Website: marybrightliving.com
📱 LinkedIn: Mary Gauldin