Where Are the Old People?

What does “old” mean today? We usually do not perceive the changes in our environment that are lengthening life and the dramatic effects of increased longevity. If we look around for what, in loose talk, we call “old people” who fit the outdated stereotype, we will see a few. If…
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In Memoriam: Virginia Bell (1922-2023)

Virginia Marsh Bell, M.S.W. (Lexington, KY / 1922–2023) It is with gratitude and pride that we recognize the long and productive life of a great friend and colleague, Virginia Bell, who recently left us—but not without leaving an enduring mark on the world, both through the…
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Moving to the Care Home: Entering a New Life

Dagmardsminde is a small innovative nursing home in Denmark with a remarkable and life-affirming approach to dementia care. Here, founder of the home (and author of Living Normally with Dementia: One Care Home’s Story and How to Make it Yours), May Eiby, shares how they welcome new residents to…
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Starting with the Person: The Life Story and Human Rights

By Virginia Bell and David Troxel Rebecca Riley The Best Friends™ approach has been shaped by real people—people with dementia we have been privileged to meet and work with over the years. One of our earliest and most important “teachers” was a college friend of Virginia Bell. Rebecca Riley was…
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“You Have to Be a Rebel Sometimes”

On a hot summer morning in Baltimore in 2014, Virginia Bell, then 92, led a training on her groundbreaking approach to dementia care—one that stresses human dignity, gives the caregiver ideas for success, and inspires more hopeful, life-affirming attitudes. Standing in front of a packed class of attentive caregivers from…
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How Friendship Works in the Context of Dementia Care

If you are new to the field of dementia care, it might be confusing to think that an in-home client, day center participant, or resident can be a friend. Maybe you’ve been taught to address someone as Mrs. Smith instead of Anne. Maybe you are worried about boundaries. Why is…
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