101. Wall-less Dementia Care with Sue Verdegem and Evon Bergey

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:

• The Eden Alternative
• Positive Approach to Care (Teepa Snow)
• DEER (Dementia Engagement, Education, and Research Program – University of Nevada, Reno)
• Alzheimer’s Association
• Dementia Friendly America
• LeadingAge National

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