Learning, Listening, Leading: A Day Dedicated to the Future of Dementia Care

A meaningful step forward in dementia care often begins not in a single breakthrough, but in a room filled with shared experiences, thoughtful dialogue, and a collective desire to do better.

That spirit defined CaringKind’s 1st Annual Dementia Education Conference, held at the New York Academy of Medicine — an inspiring gathering designed to bring together people living with dementia, care partners, clinicians, researchers, and senior living professionals. Through open conversation and expert-led discussion, the event created space not only for learning, but for reflection, connection, and renewed purpose.

A Shared Mission of Compassionate Support

For more than 40 years, CaringKind has been a leading authority on Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving. Their mission, to create, deliver, and promote comprehensive, compassionate support for individuals and families affected by dementia, closely aligns with our own approach at The Bristal.

Through services such as a dedicated helpline staffed by dementia specialists, support groups, educational programs, and early-stage resources, CaringKind works to ensure that no one living with dementia or supporting someone with dementia does so alone. This philosophy resonates deeply with us, as we strive to support not only our residents, but also their families and care partners along the way.

Learning, Listening, and Leading

Moderated by actor and activist David Hyde Pierce, the conference featured insightful discussions and engaging presentations focused on best practices in dementia care, innovations that support well-being, and the latest research shaping the field.

For our team, the experience was both educational and deeply human. Together, they engaged in meaningful conversations, participated in breakout sessions, and gained valuable insights that will directly enhance the way we care for residents across our communities.

Mark Paretti, Vice President of Resident Experience, reflected on the significance of the day:

“This conference — CaringKind’s first of its kind — brought together professionals, caregivers, and people living with dementia alike and was an excellent chance for our team to strengthen their skills and deepen their empathy and understanding when supporting the residents and families we care for and help each day…”

In attendance from The Bristal communities, alongside Mark, were Executive Director Shaina Schwartzberg, Director of Wellness Wislysa Noel, and Directors of Reflections Bernadette Gonzalez, Careena Regan, and Gifty Ackah. Additionally, Trish Valenzuela, Director of Reflections from our sister community 305 West End, was also in attendance.

Turning Knowledge into Meaningful Care

Education in dementia care is an ongoing responsibility. Conferences like this one allow our team to strengthen both their clinical understanding and their empathetic awareness, ensuring that every interaction with residents is thoughtful, informed, and person-driven.

Bernadette Gonzalez, Director of Reflections at The Bristal at Somerset, was especially struck by sessions focused on creative expression and communication:

“The best part of the CaringKind conference for me was the art… I real enjoyed seeing and hearing how well residents respond to art and how they see it differently than we do.”

She also highlighted practical communication strategies that reinforce person-driven care:

“One session I went to talked about the way we could respond to residents… They suggested the ‘5 Rs’, Reassure, Reorient, Repeat, Redirect, Respect… and the ‘3 Cs’, Calm, Consistent, and Concise.”

These approaches reinforce the importance of meeting residents where they are, responding with empathy, preserving dignity, and creating meaningful moments of connection.

The Power of Perspective in Memory Care

Beyond clinical insights and practical strategies, some of the most meaningful moments of the conference came from simply listening, especially to those living with dementia themselves. In this setting, their voices offered a powerful reminder that behind every diagnosis is a deeply personal and unique experience, one that calls for empathy as much as expertise.

Shaina Schwartzberg, Executive Director at The Bristal at Lake Success, the only community of The Bristal exclusively dedicated to memory care, shared:

“As the only all-memory care community within the collection, I feel honored and proud to lead alongside such a compassionate team in caring for those living with dementia… Attending the conference served as a meaningful reminder of the trust families place in us to care for their loved ones… hearing directly from individuals living with dementia reinforced that by the time residents come to us, families are often already overwhelmed and in need of deep support.”

She also emphasized the essential role that continued professional development plays in shaping meaningful care:

“I am a huge advocate for continuing education. The reality is that in a field like this, we are learning every day. No two individuals experience dementia in the same way… I feel strongly about education because it can be the difference between simply having an interaction and creating a lasting, meaningful moment with a resident…”

Bringing Insights Back

For Trish Valenzuela, Director of Reflections at sister community 305 West End Assisted Living, the value of attending extends well beyond the conference itself:

“Attending events like this is an important part of my role… as it allows me to stay informed on best practices and innovative approaches in dementia care… and bring back meaningful insights that I can share with my team and incorporate into our daily work with residents… By applying what I’ve learned, we can continue to create a more compassionate, supportive, and enriching environment for everyone in our community.”

Advancing the Industry Together

Our participation in this conference is just one example of our broader commitment to leadership in dementia care. The Bristal is also an active member of the Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Provider Roundtable, where we collaborate with fellow industry leaders to advance care practices, support caregivers, and improve quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

By engaging in these important conversations and initiatives, we help ensure that our communities, and the industry as a whole, continue to evolve in ways that are compassionate, innovative, and deeply responsive to the needs of those we serve.

A Bright Look Ahead

As CaringKind’s conference emphasized, the future of dementia care is shaped by connection, collaboration, and a willingness to keep learning.

We are proud of our team for representing The Bristal at this important event, and even prouder to bring that knowledge back to our communities, where it translates into meaningful, everyday moments of care, dignity, and understanding. At The Bristal, no one journeys alone.