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Their Reality Comes First (with Rachael Wonderlin)
What if better dementia communication didn’t start with correcting someone — but by stepping into their world?
In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Rachael Wonderlin, internationally recognized dementia care expert and founder of Dementia By Day, to explore a transformative idea reshaping how caregivers connect with loved ones: their reality comes first.
Rachael shares how her early experiences as a dementia care director pushed her beyond traditional guidance like “redirect and distract” and toward a more compassionate approach built on understanding a person’s lived reality. From her concepts of embracing their reality and timeline confusion to her improv-based communication workshop, she offers caregivers practical tools that actually work in everyday moments.
Together, Andrew and Rachael unpack why care inconsistency happens in communities, how families can advocate respectfully, and what meaningful engagement really looks like. They also explore the cultural differences she’s observed across care environments, the importance of proper staff training, and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful teaching tools in dementia care.
In this episode:
• Why embracing a person’s reality leads to calmer, more meaningful interactions
• How timeline confusion explains “recognition” challenges
• Common blind spots in care communities — and how families can navigate them
• The role of improv in dementia communication
• Why proper caregiver training changes everything
• Practical signs of a strong dementia care community
• What motivated Rachael to build Dementia By Day School
Whether you are a caregiver searching for better communication strategies, a professional working in memory care, or someone looking for clarity on what truly helps, Rachael’s insights are a reminder that connection is still possible — especially when we meet people where they are.
Learn more at:https://www.bluebellvillage.ca
https://rachaelwonderlin.com
https://dementiabyday.com
https://dementiabydayschool.comDisclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd., or any of its employees, contractors, or team members.
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By blueBell VillageWhat if better dementia communication didn’t start with correcting someone — but by stepping into their world?
In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Rachael Wonderlin, internationally recognized dementia care expert and founder of Dementia By Day, to explore a transformative idea reshaping how caregivers connect with loved ones: their reality comes first.
Rachael shares how her early experiences as a dementia care director pushed her beyond traditional guidance like “redirect and distract” and toward a more compassionate approach built on understanding a person’s lived reality. From her concepts of embracing their reality and timeline confusion to her improv-based communication workshop, she offers caregivers practical tools that actually work in everyday moments.
Together, Andrew and Rachael unpack why care inconsistency happens in communities, how families can advocate respectfully, and what meaningful engagement really looks like. They also explore the cultural differences she’s observed across care environments, the importance of proper staff training, and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful teaching tools in dementia care.
In this episode:
• Why embracing a person’s reality leads to calmer, more meaningful interactions
• How timeline confusion explains “recognition” challenges
• Common blind spots in care communities — and how families can navigate them
• The role of improv in dementia communication
• Why proper caregiver training changes everything
• Practical signs of a strong dementia care community
• What motivated Rachael to build Dementia By Day School
Whether you are a caregiver searching for better communication strategies, a professional working in memory care, or someone looking for clarity on what truly helps, Rachael’s insights are a reminder that connection is still possible — especially when we meet people where they are.
Learn more at:https://www.bluebellvillage.ca
https://rachaelwonderlin.com
https://dementiabyday.com
https://dementiabydayschool.comDisclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd., or any of its employees, contractors, or team members.