Episode Description
The Measurable Power of Connection in Dementia Care
Dementia care is often framed as a medical problem. Kila Acey argues the deeper crisis is isolation, and her work is showing communities how to turn connection into real quality of life for adults living with dementia. Bruce Leyton sits down with Kila Acey, founder of Ember and Grace LLC and director of Beyond Dementia Coalition's isolation reduction efforts, to unpack how programs like Reading to Adults with Dementia, Grandfriends, and Pet Therapy are transforming care in churches, schools, and senior living communities. You’ll discover how structured reading programs create conversation and comfort, why intergenerational partnerships help students and residents learn from each other, and how certified therapy dog teams bring moments of calm and joy when words fall short. Kila also shares how her team measures success through engagement, mood, social interaction, caregiver feedback, and volunteer retention - not just attendance. This conversation goes beyond awareness and into action, showing what it looks like to honor dignity, purpose, and meaningful connection at every stage of the dementia journey.
Resources:
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Dementia Coalition
01:57 - Understanding Dementia
02:50 - Isolation Reduction for Adults with Dementia (IRAD)
03:44 - Innovative Programs: Reading, Grandfriends, and Pet Therapy
09:45 - Measuring Success
For episode transcripts and more about Grace Episcopal Church, visit online at gracechurchgainesville.org/podcast.