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Memory matters

At Concordia, we see it every day. A patient who no longer recognizes their surroundings. A spouse trying to comfort someone who no longer remembers their name. A family overwhelmed—navigating fear, confusion, and loss.

Dementia does not just affect memory—it affects dignity, connection, and the ability to feel safe in the world.

A Growing Crisis in Manitoba

Dementia is no longer a future issue—it is here, now, in our community.

  • Over 20,000 Manitobans are currently living with dementia
  • That number is expected to double within a generation
  • Nine Manitobans are diagnosed every day
  • Nearly half of Manitobans have been personally impacted by dementia
  • The cost to our healthcare system is approaching $1 billion annually

Source: Alzheimer Society of Manitoba

The need for specialized, compassionate care has never been greater.

When leadership at Concordia Hospital presented this program to the Concordia Classic Golf Committee, the committee unanimously adopted it as the focus of this year’s tournament in less than an hour. Co-Chair Ernie Goetz, a Concordia Foundation Board member, was on hand for a hands-on demonstration that brought the impact to life. Our goal is to purchase two of these innovative units while also supporting holistic dementia care programs at Concordia Hospital and Concordia Place.

The Challenge

Hospital environments can be overwhelming for patients living with dementia:

  • Bright lights, noise, and unfamiliar settings increase anxiety
  • Communication barriers lead to frustration and distress
  • Families often feel unsupported and unsure how to help

Without targeted tools and training, even the most dedicated care teams face real limitations. We can—and will—do better.

Caregivers are struggling to support loved ones with dementia

We are bringing world-class training fromTeepa Snow to our community.

Who is Teepa Snow?

Teepa Snow is a globally recognized leader in dementia care education, with more than 40 years of clinical and teaching experience. As an American occupational therapist, she has trained thousands of healthcare providers and family caregivers around the world, transforming how dementia is understood and supported.

Educated at Duke University and the University of North Carolina, Teepa has worked across neuro-rehabilitation, geriatrics, long-term care, and academic medicine. Today, she is widely regarded as one of the most influential educators in dementia care internationally.

Her Approach

Positive Approach to Care® (PAC)

Teepa founded Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) in 2007—an internationally adopted training model that helps caregivers respond to dementia with skill and compassion.

Her approach focuses on:

  • Recognizing remaining abilities rather than losses
  • Adapting communication and the environment
  • Reducing distress and responsive behaviours

At its core is a powerful idea: what may appear as “challenging behaviour” is often a person communicating an unmet need.

The GEMS® Model

One of Teepa Snow’s most widely used tools, the GEMS® Model, compares stages of dementia to gemstones—such as Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Amber, Ruby, and Pearl. This strengths-based framework helps caregivers:

  • Understand changing brain function
  • Adjust expectations
  • Provide appropriate, supportive care

A Practical, Hands-On Teaching Style

Teepa Snow is known for her highly engaging and experiential training methods. She often demonstrates dementia-related behaviours herself, helping caregivers better understand what individuals are experiencing.

Her teaching emphasizes:

  • Entering the person’s reality rather than correcting it
  • Using effective non-verbal communication
  • Reducing confrontation while building trust and connection