Dementia Caring with Kerry — A Better Way
It Starts with a Belief

What do you believe is still possible after a dementia diagnosis?

Your beliefs shape what you notice, how you interpret what is happening, and how you respond to the person you love. Those responses can determine whether daily life becomes primarily about loss and limitation—or whether there is still room for purpose, dignity, participation, and connection.

In this first episode, dementia-care expert Kerry Mills explores the relationship between belief, perspective, and quality of life.

When a person repeats the same question, tries to leave the house, or struggles with something once familiar, it is easy to see only the problem. But the diagnosis has not erased the person.

The person walking away can still walk.
The person repeating a question can still communicate.
The person who needs assistance may still participate, contribute, connect, and experience purpose.

Seeing the ability does not erase the problem. It keeps the problem from erasing the person.

Kerry explains how focusing on remaining abilities can change the way families approach safety, independence, behavior, and everyday decisions. This is not about pretending dementia is easy or denying its real losses. It is about becoming curious enough to ask what else may be happening—and what might still be possible.

At the heart of this episode is an important question:

How can both of your lives continue to have meaning?

The person living with dementia should not disappear behind the diagnosis. And the person providing care should not disappear behind the role.

Your perspective may not change the diagnosis, but it can change your response. Your response can change the moment—and days are made up of a collection of moments.

00:00 Introduction to the power of beliefs in dementia care
01:05 How beliefs influence our thoughts and actions
02:02 What do you believe is possible after a dementia diagnosis?
03:18 How beliefs affect the way we see and treat loved ones
04:04 Challenging negative beliefs and noticing abilities
05:30 Balancing safety with quality of life
07:19 Seeing the person beyond the disease
09:39 Using curiosity to understand behaviors
11:30 Living each day with purpose
14:02 Creating shared purpose and mutual respect
17:13 The importance of perspective in caregiving

Dementia Caring with Kerry — A Better Way offers practical guidance, meaningful perspective, and hope for families navigating dementia.

Each episode explores one question, situation, or belief to help you better understand dementia, respond with greater confidence, and remain connected to the person you love.

Hope is not the result of dementia improving. Hope is discovering what remains possible despite dementia.

Learn more about Kerry Mills and Dementia Caring with Kerry:
https://kerrymills.com

I Care: A Handbook for Care Partners of People With Dementia
https://www.amazon.com/Care-Handbook-Partners-People-Dementia/dp/1452590737

Subscribe for practical dementia-care guidance and a more hopeful way of navigating life together.