Reframing the Future of Dementia Care: A Roadmap to Cognitive Wellness

When the statistics look bleak, a new roadmap offers hope—and a way forward—for residents and caregivers alike. 

(L-R) Deke Cateau, John Reinhart, and John Zeisel, PhD

A recent McKnight’s Long-Term Care News article opens with a sobering truth: many nursing home residents face sharp cognitive decline shortly after moving in. But where others see inevitability, the I’m Still Here Foundation sees opportunity.

In the article, Enhancing Cognitive Wellness – A Roadmap, ISH Founder Dr. John Zeisel joins industry leaders Deke Cateau, CEO of A.G. Rhodes, and John Reinhart, President of Academic Platforms, to offer a hopeful, research-backed response to the JAMA study data cited in the piece. The trio presents a proactive framework for long-term care that protects and enhances cognitive health, starting from day one of residency.

What the Data Tell Us—And What We Can Do About It

While many residents enter long-term care in the early stages of dementia, this is not a reason to accept rapid decline as a foregone conclusion. The article emphasizes that with the right environment, tools, and training, facilities can help residents maintain cognitive function longer and live fuller lives.

The roadmap to achieving this centers around three core strategies:

1. Design environments that promote movement, connection, and joy.  

2. Train staff in behavioral health approaches and meaningful communication.  

3. Provide evidence-based, non-pharmaceutical engagement tools.  

Real-World Application at A.G. Rhodes

A standout example of this philosophy in action is the newly opened A.G. Rhodes Cobb County location in Georgia, where a household model encourages social connection. With regular horticultural and music therapy and a commitment to person-directed care, it embodies the roadmap’s vision.

The Power of “Day One” Engagement

Hans Jenkins, Chief Medical Officer at TapestryHealth, is also featured in the article, offering actionable suggestions for how facilities can promote engagement from the moment a resident arrives. His recommendations—from baseline cognitive assessments to integrating behavioral health specialists—underscore a key belief shared by all three authors: we already have the tools; now we need the will to use them.

A Call to Commit

At the I’m Still Here Foundation, we believe cognitive decline is not an unavoidable slide, it’s a challenge to meet with creativity, compassion, and proven strategies. This roadmap serves as both inspiration and instruction for providers committed to changing the dementia care narrative.

Read the full article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News.