As part of our 10th Anniversary reflections, we’re revisiting a powerful and deeply human conversation with Joyce Stankiewicz, formerly of New Hamburg and now a resident of The Village at University Gates in Waterloo.

Hosts Doug Robinson and Erin Davis welcomed Joyce to the Green Bench to share her experience caring for her husband Bill through dementia, her insights on compassion, and the meaningful buddy system that helps new residents feel at home at University Gates.

With wisdom shaped over 70 years of marriage, Joyce speaks candidly about the difficult moments — including the conversation about giving up driving — and the importance of forgiveness, humour, and memories that sustain connection through change.

She also helps listeners understand Nonfluent Variant Primary Progressive Aphasia (nfvPPA), the form of dementia her husband lived with, and gives heartfelt advice to anyone caring for a loved one.

“If you have a problem and cannot find out how to solve it, then get someone to help you solve it.” – Joyce Stankiewicz

“The buddy system connects someone who knows the Village with someone who is just moving in.” – Joyce Stankiewicz

“A comfort to be able to talk about it and to know others share your pain.” – Joyce Stankiewicz

Joyce reminds us that wisdom often comes from empathy, shared experience, and community — values at the core of #ElderWisdom.

🎧 Listen back to Joyce’s moving episode and let her words bring comfort, perspective, and hope.
Learn more at elderwisdom.ca