Wandering is one of the most common and distressing behaviors among individuals living with dementia. Research estimates that six out of ten people with dementia will wander at some point during their journey. While it’s often perceived as aimless or dangerous, wandering is rarely random. It’s an expression of need — a physical manifestation of confusion, anxiety, or the search for familiarity. A person may be looking for a loved one, trying to return to a past home, or simpl

For many families, dementia isn’t defined by a single diagnosis, but by a thousand small changes. At first, it’s forgetting a word or repeating a story. Later, it’s struggling to brush hair, choose an outfit, or understand the steps of getting ready for bed. As dementia progresses, the most familiar routines — bathing, dressing, eating, brushing teeth — can become confusing or distressing. Tasks that once felt automatic may suddenly seem foreign, leading to frustration, resis

This Bold Journey feature profiles Los Angeles–based creator Angela Fairhurst, tracing how her path from travel journalism to caregiving reshaped her purpose and identity. The article explores the life lessons she gained while caring for her mother with dementia and how those experiences inspired her to build a more compassionate legacy through her work and storytelling.

Agitation and anxiety are among the most common and distressing challenges faced by individuals living with dementia. These symptoms often appear as restlessness, irritability, or even sudden bursts of aggression — behaviors that can feel unpredictable or overwhelming to caregivers. Behind these reactions is usually fear or confusion. A loud noise, an unfamiliar environment, or even a change in routine can feel disorienting when memory and reasoning fade. Over time, this heig

Society tells women to fade as they age. Angela Fairhurst chose to build. After a successful career in television production and travel journalism, Angela’s life shifted when she became a caregiver for her mother during her dementia journey. What she witnessed wasn’t just memory loss — it was a profound lack of dignity. 🧠 No safe sensory tools designed for aging adults. 🧸 Plenty for children. 🏥 Clinical equipment for institutions. 💔 Nothing humane, calming, or respectful

When Jessica began caring for her father, George, she expected the hardest part would be managing his memory loss.It wasn’t.It was dinner. She’d make his favorites — tomato soup, grilled cheese, scrambled eggs with dill — only to find them untouched. “Not hungry,” he’d mumble, setting the fork aside.Sometimes he forgot he hadn’t eaten; other times he’d frown at the plate and say, “This doesn’t taste right.” Jessica tried everything — new recipes, smaller portions, soft jazz

Host Diane Carbo, RN, speaks with Angela Fairhurst, CEO and founder of Geri-Gadgets , about the profound and often undervalued role of meaningful activities in dementia care. Angela shares the personal caregiving journey with her mother that led to the creation of Geri-Gadgets—innovative, safe, and durable sensory and engagement kits. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to reduce stress, manage challenging behaviors, and create joyful, meaningful connections with

When John first began showing signs of dementia, his daughter, Julie, told herself it was typical aging. Everyone forgets things now and then, she reasoned. But when her father started insisting he could still drive safely despite getting lost twice in one week, she realized something deeper was happening. Still, whenever she gently brought it up, he laughed it off. “I’ve been driving longer than you’ve been alive,” he’d say. “I’m fine.” At first, Julie tried explaining the f

Caring for a loved one with dementia is one of the most meaningful commitments a family can undertake, but it’s also one of the most financially demanding. In the United States alone, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that dementia-related care costs exceed $340 billion annually , with families shouldering much of that burden through out-of-pocket expenses. These costs go far beyond medical bills. They include personal-care support, respite services, home-safety modificat

Marco Aurélio Gomes Veado This article from MCI and Beyond offers an important viewpoint. Behind every case of dementia lies not only a neurological challenge but also a social divide . Around the world, the ability to access proper diagnosis, treatment, and long-term support still depends largely on income . Families with financial stability can pay for memory specialists, occupational therapy, or private caregivers. In contrast,  millions of low-income households face demen

Marco Aurélio Gomes Veado Highlighting MCI and Beyond’s take on this issue. As memory fades and reality becomes uncertain, individuals with dementia may experience a profound sense of spiritual confusion . Familiar prayers are forgotten. Sacred rituals lose meaning. And in some cases, the presence of God that once felt so close now feels painfully distant. This spiritual disorientation can lead to fear, anxiety, and even a crisis of faith , both for those living with dementia

How Geri-Gadgets® Provide a Practical Solution At Geri-Gadgets®, we’ve seen how engagement through touch and motion can shift the entire atmosphere of any care environment. Our patented SafeTouch™ silicone sensory tools  are designed to deliver exactly that — safe, washable, and soothing ways to occupy the hands and calm the mind. Here’s how they work: 1. Redirecting Restless Behaviors Restlessness is one of the most common challenges in dementia care. People may fidget, wand

Marco Aurélio Gomes Veado Passing along this meaningful insight from MCI and Beyond. The origins of dementia remain one of the greatest mysteries in neuroscience. For decades, researchers have focused on beta-amyloid plaques  as the main culprit in Alzheimer’s disease. Yet, emerging perspectives suggest that the real problem may lie in the immune system itself,  a case of “friendly fire,” where the brain’s own defense mechanisms mistakenly damage healthy neurons. This   MCI a

When Mark lost his wife of fifty-three years, the world went quiet. He stopped going to his woodworking club. His daily phone calls with friends trailed off. Family dinners became shorter. His daughter, Lily, noticed the silence first — not just in the house, but in his voice. “He’s there,” she told a friend, “but he’s not really with  us anymore.” When early signs of cognitive decline followed, the loneliness deepened. Conversations confused him; visits exhausted him. He beg

Marco Aurélio Gomes Veado Sharing this thoughtful perspective from MCI and Beyond. Every year, billions of dollars are poured into the development of dementia drugs. These medications, from cholinesterase inhibitors to memantine, aim to improve memory, focus, and daily functioning for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. While some patients see modest benefits, these drugs are not a cure. What’s often missing from the conversation is the potential of na

A true story about how safe sensory engagement reawakens connection in dementia care through touch, color, and calm. Kensington Redondo Beach is one of those rare communities that feels more like a country club than a care home. It’s bright, beautifully maintained, and genuinely warm. The air smells clean, sunlight filters softly through the windows, and there’s a quiet rhythm to the halls — the kind that makes you exhale as soon as you enter. Residents chat gently with careg

In this episode of Keep It Dirty, Leslie Dowling interviews Angela Fairhurst, founder of Geri-Gadgets ® , a company dedicated to creating safe, engaging tools for aging adults and neurodivergent individuals. Angela shares her personal journey from a successful career in television to becoming a caregiver for her mother, who suffered from Lewy body dementia. This experience inspired her to develop innovative products that enhance communication and engagement for those with cog

Unscripted conversation with Christine A. Smith and Angela Fairhurst of Geri-Gadgets®.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucCUGjE2Jqk Welcome to this amazing interview with Ms. Angela Fairhurst - Founder & CEO @ Geri-Gadget s®, designer of Therapeutic Products for Dementia, Career TV Producer, Executive in Charge of Production, and Journalist as she takes a firm grip on Dementia in helping bridge the gaps between the affected person, their Caregivers, and families! With her creativity, ingenuity, and sheer practicality, she shares with you and me the inspiration

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