Embracing dementia inclusion: breaking down barriers through person-centered care and non-pharmacological approaches

Session 1: 11 AM - 12 PM ET / 8 - 9 AM PT

This interactive session explores how to create inclusive, respectful environments for people living with dementia. Participants will gain an understanding of dementia inclusion and how to implement person-centered care practices by integrating non-pharmacological approaches to support individuals with dignity, empathy, and creativity. By honoring the unique lived experiences of those with dementia, we can foster deeper human connections, break down barriers, and improve overall quality of care.

The session will blend practical tools, real-world examples, and education to empower caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community members.

Learning objectives: 

1. Describe the principles of dementia inclusion and person-centered care.
2. Identify key non-pharmacological strategies to support individuals with dementia.
3. Apply inclusive communication and education techniques to better connect with people living with dementia.
4. Reflect on how to promote dignity, autonomy, and joy in senior living.

C-level leadership & the journey to dementia inclusion

Session 2: 12 - 1 PM ET / 9 - 10 AM PT

Dementia inclusion is no longer optional—it's a leadership imperative. This session will explore how C-level leaders in senior living are driving ethical, financial, operational, and legal change to create environments where people living with dementia are fully included, respected, and empowered. Participants will learn how leading operators are rethinking resident engagement, not just as a set of activities, but as a holistic, resident-driven experience that embraces the unique needs and rights of those living with dementia.

Panelists will share real-world insights on navigating shifting customer expectations, workforce demands, and regulatory landscapes while building inclusive, sustainable communities. The discussion will also highlight how dementia inclusion enhances quality of life, strengthens market position, and aligns with emerging legal and ethical standards. 

Learning objectives: 

1. Understand the ethical, financial, operational, and legal dimensions of dementia inclusion in senior living communities.
2. Identify leadership strategies that promote inclusive, resident-driven experiences for individuals living with dementia.
3. Explore the C-Level return on investment (ROI) of dementia inclusion through improved quality of life, regulatory alignment, and competitive advantage.

The right to be free: Dementia, due process, and protection from unjust placement

Session 3: 1:30 - 2:30 PM ET / 10:30 - 11:30 AM PT

What legal protections exist to prevent people living with dementia from being placed in locked memory care against their will, and why are these safeguards so often overlooked? This timely panel brings together leading legal and advocacy experts to explore the rights of people living with dementia to live freely, with dignity, and in the least restrictive environment.

Together, we will examine the laws and regulations that govern placement decisions, including due process requirements and clinical justifications, and shine a light on the systemic biases that contribute to the overuse of locked and segregated settings, despite the lack of evidence for better outcomes.

Through real-world insights and a call for ethical reform, this session challenges us to reimagine dementia care grounded in personhood, autonomy, rights, and the rule of law.

Learning objectives: 

1. Identify the key legal protections that uphold the rights of people living with dementia to avoid unjust or involuntary placement in locked and segregated memory care settings.
2. Describe the ethical and clinical criteria that should guide decisions about memory care placement, including due process safeguards.
3. Evaluate systemic practices that contribute to the overuse of involuntary placement, and explore actionable strategies to uphold autonomy, dignity, and human rights in dementia care.

Speaking for ourselves: people living with dementia weigh in on dementia care

Session 4: 2:30 - 3:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM PT

Additional speakers coming soon!

In this powerful panel discussion, people living with dementia will share personal reflections, lived truths, and critical insights about dementia care and what it means to be supported with dignity, freedom, and respect. Rather than speaking about people living with dementia, this panel session will center their voices—challenging assumptions, naming harms, and illuminating what true support could and should look like.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the human impact of current care models and be inspired to reimagine support through the lens of inclusion, rights, and personhood.

Learning objectives: 

1. Hear directly from people living with dementia to understand their experiences, needs, and priorities related to dignity, autonomy, and person-centered support.
2. Examine the emotional and systemic impacts of current dementia care models through the lens of those most affected, challenging common assumptions and practices.
3. Identify key principles for creating inclusive, rights-based care environments that elevate the voices, agency, and humanity of individuals living with dementia.

Building dementia inclusive senior living communities

Session 5: 4 - 5 PM ET / 1 - 2 PM PT

This forward-thinking session will explore how senior living providers can design and deliver programs that are dementia-inclusive, resident-driven, and rooted in dignity, purpose, and engagement. Led by Dr. Al Power, a pioneer and innovator in dementia care, this panel features leaders from top senior living organizations who are reshaping dementia support across their communities. Together, they’ll share real-world strategies for building environments and experiences that elevate the voices of residents, promote autonomy, and ensure everyone feels seen and heard.

Attendees will walk away with actionable insights to transform outdated care models and create communities where people living with dementia are empowered—not sidelined. Attendees can earn up to 1 free CEU credit.

Learning objectives: 

1. Identify key strategies for developing dementia-inclusive programs that promote autonomy, engagement, and purpose for all residents in senior living communities.
2. Explore the role of resident voice in shaping meaningful experiences and inclusive environments for individuals living with dementia.
3. Learn from dementia care leaders how innovative practices and technologies—such as AI and adaptive engagement tools—can drive wellness outcomes and organizational success.

AI in senior living: Transforming care, preserving dignity, and preparing for the future

Session 6: 5 - 6 PM ET / 2 - 3 PM PT

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a concept of the future—it’s already reshaping the senior living experience today. In this session, we’ll explore how AI is currently being used in communities, and the transformative potential it holds for enhancing resident care, operational efficiency, and staff support.

We’ll go beyond the buzzwords to examine which AI tools deliver real value—and how organizations can responsibly implement them while upholding residents’ dignity, autonomy, and privacy. Through real-world examples, a forward-looking perspective, and a practical call to action, we’ll help leaders in the senior living sector chart a path toward a more compassionate, data-driven future.

Join us to uncover how AI can not only help communities do more with less, but also elevate the sense of home, belonging, and purpose for every resident.

Learning objectives: 

1. Understand current impact: Gain insight into how AI is currently being used in senior living communities and the measurable outcomes these tools have delivered in resident care, safety, and staffing support.
2. Evaluate with confidence: Learn how to distinguish AI solutions that provide proven value from those driven by hype, using case studies, ROI metrics, and a checklist of critical concerns including privacy, ethics, and implementation readiness.
3. Prepare for what’s next: Explore a future vision for AI in senior living and identify the steps providers and caregivers can take today to responsibly adopt and prepare for AI-integrated care environments that center on dignity, autonomy, and human connection.