))
101. Wall-less Dementia Care with Sue Verdegem and Evon Bergey
Manage episode 496243456 series 3366578
Content provided by Amber Bardon, Matt Reiners, Amber Bardon, and Matt Reiners. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Amber Bardon, Matt Reiners, Amber Bardon, and Matt Reiners or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
Host Amber Bardon welcomes two incredible leaders in senior living innovation: Sue Verdegem, CEO of United Zion Retirement Community, and Evon Bergey, COO of Landis Communities. Together, they explore the groundbreaking concept of Wall-less Dementia Care: a care model that eliminates traditional locked dementia units in favor of inclusive, autonomy-driven dementia care.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- What Wall-less Dementia Care means – Why United Zion never adopted locked dementia units and how Landis is transitioning away from them.
- Balancing autonomy & safety – How to address elopement and safety concerns without restricting movement.
- The role of staff training – Why every team member, from maintenance to leadership, receives dementia training through Eden Alternative and Positive Approach to Care.
- Family & resident education – How to build trust and involve families in this shift toward more dignified dementia care.
- Technology in dementia care – Tools used to monitor safety while supporting independence.
- Advice for senior living leaders – Where to start if your organization wants to move toward this model.
Why This Matters:
This episode challenges long-held beliefs about dementia care, emphasizing dignity, autonomy, and person-centered living over institutional security measures. Both Sue and Evon share real-life success stories and offer actionable advice for organizations ready to reimagine dementia care.
📌 Mentioned Resources:
105 episodes
Share
