Navigating Dementia Diagnoses: The Gem States of Brain Change Explained

Receiving a dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, leaving families with more questions than answers. In this episode of Advice from Your Advocates, host Bob Mannor sits down with Alejandro DeJesus, Chief of Mentor Services at Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care (PAC). 

Discover how PAC is radically transforming the dementia experience by shifting the focus away from what a person has lost and toward what they can still do. Alejandro breaks down Teepa Snow’s innovative Gem States model, explaining how understanding these unique brain states (from Sapphire and Diamond to Emerald and beyond) can completely change your approach to caregiving. Tune in to learn practical, person-centered communication strategies, explore the benefits of professional mentorship and coaching, and find out how to bring more positive, meaningful moments into everyday life. 

Key Takeaways:

• Beyond the Diagnosis: Why standard medical stages often fall short and how the Gem States model offers a more practical, human-centered way to understand brain change. 
• The Power of "What’s Left": Actionable strategies for focusing on remaining abilities rather than deficits. 
• Practical Care Partner Tips: Simple ways to adjust your approach, reduce daily friction, and build empathy when communicating with a loved one. 
• Resources for Families: How to tap into complimentary 30-minute consultations, online Champion courses, and Teepa Snow’s vast library of educational tools. 

🎧 Subscribe & Listen: Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to Advice from Your Advocates on your favorite podcast platform, visit us online at mannorlawgroup.com, or watch the full video interview on the Mannor Law Group YouTube channel. 

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ABOUT US:
Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.

We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...