Ask the Doctor…

Have a question about dementia for Dr. Jennifer Stelter? Click and submit your question(s). It’s that easy! Answers will be delivered directly to your email.

PODCASTS

PODCASTS

Sensory Tools for Dementia Care

Brain Shaman

Date: 09/04/2024

Dr. Stelter discusses how engaging the senses can create positive experiences. By incorporating tools like essential oils, music, color, and hands-on tactile experiences, we can enhance mood, attention, memory, language, neuroplasticity, food intake, independence, and connection. Likewise, reducing or eliminating negative stimuli, such as distressing news, violent media, or disruptive lights and sounds, helps diminish negative emotions and behaviors, fostering a more positive environment and overall experience.

International Care Givers Association (ICA): The crisis and Future of Dementia care

Brain Shaman

Date: 03/06/2024

Dr. Stelter engages in a discussion with the ICA about potential risks and causes, the various types (e.g. Alzheimer's, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, etc.), detection, symptoms, prevention, and the good, bad, and future of dementia care, along with the ICA's revolutionary new systems-based approach.

We discuss the use of various tools such as: sleep, exercise / movement, nutrition, supplements, drugs, aromatherapy, music & sound, color, VR/AR, AI, psychedelics, communication, coaching, teamwork, and more.

The Dementia Connection Model with Dr. Jennifer Stelter

Life on Repeat: A Dementia Caregiver Podcast

Date: 02/02/2024

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Laura Vaillancourt and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Jennifer Stelter discuss how she linked theoretical concepts, such as retrogenesis theory, to practical treatments like sensory stimulation for dementia patients, revealing the impact of these methods on their moods and behavior.

Dr. Stelter's model applies to all caregivers, both professional and family, and involves evaluating dementia patients' needs based on their developmental age, not their chronological age. The results are impactful and long-term, incorporating these methods into daily routines as a 'prescription' for dementia care.

Taking Care of Mom & Dad

BEE Amazing

Date: 01/23/2024

Dr. Jennifer Stelter discusses her story and how she got started in psychology, and mental health, and further into working with seniors and memory care. She dives into the power of olfactory stimulation and how it can be used as a non-pharmacological approach to care. She explains how things like essential oils and touch can help caregivers modify unwanted behaviors and create a supportive environment for their loved ones.

Unlocking the Power of Your Senses

Dementia Untanged by Banner Health

Date: 07/26/2023

Dr. Jennifer Stelter discusses the power of olfactory stimulation and how it can be used as a non-pharmacological approach to care. She explains how things like essential oils and touch can help caregivers modify unwanted behaviors and create a supportive environment for their loved ones.

Dr. Stelter & Janice Shokrian / Tausi Brands

Connecting Caregivers Radio

Date: 06/30/2023

Dr. Jennifer Stelter discusses how she became the Oil Doctor, and how to utilize non-pharmacological approaches and sensory-based tools. She explains how things like essential oils and touch can help caregivers modify unwanted behaviors and create a supportive environment for their loved ones.

Suicide Was Not The Solution for Dr. Stelter: Her Amazing Journey

Unarmored Talk

Date: 06/11/2023

Sergeant Major Mario P. Fields is joined by the incredible Dr. Jennifer Stelter, who shares her unique path into mental health support and dementia care, her own experiences with mental health challenges, and her immensely helpful book, The Busy Caregiver's Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease. Together, we deep dive into the importance of having a toolbox filled with knowledge and resources to confidently care for those struggling with mental health challenges or living with dementia - whether you're a family caregiver or a professional in senior living.

The Busy Caregiver’s Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease

Positive Aging Community

Date: 05/12/2023

Join us for a live & interactive discussion with Jennifer R. Stelter, PsyD author of The Busy Caregiver's Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease, is a psychologist working in memory care, shares a new model designed to help caregivers understand, cope with, and handle some of the most challenging behaviors associated with the disease while encouraging and reinforcing independence and quality of life for their loved ones. Her Dementia Connection Model, which is based on current scientific research, will aid you in forging a positive bond with your loved one with less frustration.

Be Healthy, Be You: The Use of Essential Oils

Connecting Caregivers Radio

Date: 4/18/2023

Dr. Jennifer Stelter discusses with host Linda Burhans in a candid conversation the use of essential oils and Alzheimer’s disease.

Mental Health Wealth

Global TV & Radio Podcast

Date: 11/30/2022

Dr. Jennifer Stelter talks about her own mental health journey and how that steared her towards helping others.

Be Health, Be You: The Use of Essential Oils

Connecting Caregivers Radio with Linda Burhans

Date: 10/20/2022

Jennifer R. Stelter, PsyD author of The Busy Caregiver's Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease, is a psychologist working in memory care, shares a new model designed to help caregivers understand, cope with, and handle some of the most challenging behaviors associated with the disease while encouraging and reinforcing independence and quality of life for their loved ones. Her Dementia Connection Model, which is based on current scientific research, will aid you in forging a positive bond with your loved one with less frustration.

Aging Gracefully: Brain Health

Global TV & Radio Podcast

Date: 10/6/2022

Dr. Stelter discusses brain health strategies and how to lower your risk for developing dementia.

Dementia Connection Model©

Caregiver Magazine/Podcast

Date: 9/30/2022

Dr. Jennifer Stelter and Editor in Chief at Caregiver Magazine, Gary Barg, talk about Dr. Stelter’s Dementia Connection Model© that was published in her Johns Hopkins Press book titled “The Busy Caregiver’s Guide to Advanced Alzhiemer Disease.”

The Dementia Connection Model©

Peace with Dementia Podcast

Date: 9/27/2022

Matt Estrada, Peace with Dementia Podcaster, and Dr. Stelter talk about her model of care called the Dementia Connection Model©, and she goes through an example of how to apply the model from start to finish.

What’s Trending: Alzheimer’s

Global TV & Radio Podcast

Date: 9/1/2022

Dr. Jennifer Stelter chats about what is Alzheimer disease and her new model of care, the Dementia Connection Model©, that was published in her Johns Hopkins Press book titled “The Busy Caregiver’s Guide to Advanced Alzhiemer Disease.”

Meets Author & Dementia Care Expert

In Pursuit of Wellness

Date: 8/31/2022

Marisa Payne, Creator of Pursuit of Wellness, and Dr. Stelter talk about her model of care called the Dementia Connection Model©, and discusses why caregivers needs to read “The Busy Caregiver’s Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease”.

Dementia Education; Why?

The Nursing Home Podcast

Date: 7/25/2022

Dr. Jennifer Stelter and Jessica Ryan talk with Shmuel Septimus, The Nursing Home Podcaster, chat about why dementia education is necessary when caring for those living with dementia.

Part 2: Understanding Dementia in a Loved One with Dr. Jennifer Stelter

The Caregiver’s Toolbox

Date: 07/4/2022

Ryan talks with Dr. Jennifer Stelter, the author of "The Busy Caregiver's Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease"

4 Points to Address Resident Engagement & Staff Education

Bridge the Gap Podcast

Date: 6/13/2022

Dr. Stelter discusses how to best connect with residents using engagement and how education can enhance staff’s skills to do so.

Part 2: Understanding Dementia in a Loved One with Dr. Jennifer Stelter

Caregiver Life with Dignity Podcast

Date: 03/14/2022

This is the second part of our Dementia conversation. Caring for someone living with advanced Alzheimer disease is a challenge. It can make you feel like you're on a hamster wheel—running in circles, trying the same things over and over with no effect on your loved one. You may also find it difficult to connect with your loved one and to understand what those living with Alzheimer disease are going through. In The Busy Caregiver's Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease, Dr. Jennifer Stelter, a psychologist working in memory care, shares a new model designed to help caregivers.

Understanding the Dementia Connection Model

Caregiver Life with Dignity Podcast

Date: 02/26/2022

In this episode, Fran and Sue welcome back Dr. Jennifer Stelter (Clinical Psychologist) and Jessica Ryan (Biologist and Educator) to the podcast. All four discuss the "dementia connection model" and how it explains what's going on with dementia in a loved one and practical advice on how to intervene.

Part 1: Understanding Dementia in a Loved One with Dr. Jennifer Stelter

Caregiver Life with Dignity Podcast

Date: 02/17/2022

This is the first part of our Dementia conversation. Caring for someone living with advanced Alzheimer disease is a challenge. It can make you feel like you're on a hamster wheel—running in circles, trying the same things over and over with no effect on your loved one. You may also find it difficult to connect with your loved one and to understand what those living with Alzheimer disease are going through. In The Busy Caregiver's Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease, Dr. Jennifer Stelter, a psychologist working in memory care, shares a new model designed to help caregivers.

BLOGS & ARTICLES

BLOGS & ARTICLES

  • The GUIDE Model: A Needed Solution

    To date, when an individual has been told they have dementia, all too often practitioners tell the

    person, “There’s not much that can be done,” leaving the family and the person feeling hopeless

    and helpless. What should be said is, “There is no cure yet. However, there are several things that

    can be done…”

    Date: 8/1/2023

  • In Conversation with Dr. Jennifer Stelter to Bring Her Insights on Dementia Care

    Caring at home for someone with dementia isn’t always an easy task- it involves a lot of complexities and ever-changing care needs. Caregiving often falls on the shoulders of family members until a professional in-home caregiver takes charge of the health and well-being of the elderly with dementia.

    Source: CareSmartz 360

    Date: 5/1/2023

  • Gift Giving to Those with Dementia

    The holidays are right around the corner. What do you get mom who is living with dementia? Or perhaps grandpa, sister, or the resident you adopted?

    Source: Pedal for Alzheimer’s

    Date: 12/2022

  • I am Thankful for...

    Wouldn’t it be amazing if those living with dementia could just articulate what they are thankful for or what makes them happy and calm?… Well, they don’t need to. We need to.

    Source: Pedal for Alzheimer’s

    Date: 11/2022

  • The Scent of Happiness: Why Happy People Smell Differently

    You’re walking down the street and pass someone who’s smiling and looks happy. You can’t help but inhale their scent — it’s warm and inviting, like you imagine the person to be. Do happy people smell differently, you wonder?

    Source: The Zoe Report

    Date: 10/30/2022

  • In Their World at Halloween Time

    Halloween can be a fun time of year for children and teenagers to dress up as their favorite characters, attend parties, go trick or treating, and eat lots of candy. Heck, even adults may partake as well. However, for those with progressing dementia, Halloween time can be quite scary, increasing unproductive and negative behavioral expressions. But why?

    Source: Pedal for Alzheimer’s

    Date: 10/2022

  • Something smells…and I like it

    Aromatherapy is a relatively safe, all-natural use of essential oils to support one’s health.

    Although research has shown that a person’s sense of smell may decrease as Alzheimer’s disease progresses, the nose is still an entryway for the sensory stimuli of essential oils…

    Source: McKnight’s Long Term Care News

    Date: 9/26/2022

  • Are You Ready for the Holidays?

    Spending time together as family, especially around the holidays, is priceless. However, sometimes this can be a challenging season for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease…

    Source: Pedal for Alzheimer’s

    Date: 9/2022

  • Older Adults And Pets

    Pets can serve as a source of love and happiness for pretty much anyone—but this is particularly true for older adults. Why?

    Source: Aging in Place

    Date: 8/5/2022

  • Is It Ok for People With Dementia to Primarily Drink Supplements?

    Ponder this question…if you could only drink your meals for the rest of your life, would you want to? I think hardly not. It’s not a way of life…

    Source: Pedal for Alzhimer’s

    Date: 8/2022

  • Boosting Staff Retention and Clinical Outcome with Dementia Training

    Dementia training indicates integrity, credibility, empathy, and investment, all reasons that staff want to work for you. Then, retained and trained staff boost your clinical outcome.

    Source: Bridge the Gap Magazine

    Date: Summer/2022

Presentations

Presentations

Using Aromatherapy Effectively in Dementia Care

Linked Senior

11/14/23

In dementia care, positive sensory stimuli, like using aromatherapy, can ignite positive feelings, memories, and response behaviors for those we care for, as shown when using the Dementia Connection Model©. Jennifer Stelter, Psy.D., DCS, DCST and Jessica Ryan, BS, DCS, DCSCT, the executive team at the Dementia Connection Institute by NeuroEssence, LLC, dive into why olfactory stimulation using essential oils is one of the most powerful, person-centered approaches in dementia care. Learn how to use essential oils effectively, and walk away with an aromatherapy toolbox that you can implement right away. Also, hear the experiences of using essential oils with the aging population from an Activity Director and caregiver!

National Family Caregivers Conference 2023

Global Caregivers Network

11/10/23

For the National Family Caregivers Conference, Dr. Jennifer Stelter discusses the Dementia Connection Model and the use of essential oils.

The Perfect Day in Dementia Care

Linked Senior

10/25/2022

Individuals living with dementia thrive best when their day is structured. Implementing non-pharmacological interventions throughout the day can help minimize and even prevent some of the common behavioral symptoms that occur as their dementia progresses. Dr. Jennifer Stelter, Clinical Psychologist, and Jessica Ryan, Biologist, will review a handful of non-pharmacological tools that can be used in the morning, afternoon, and evening to improve the quality of life for those living with dementia.

Publications

Publications

  • Role of Activity Professionals in Applying APIE Model to Enhance Residents’ Activity and Engagement in Long-Term Care Settings

    Residents’ activity is a strong contributor to the quality of life in long-term care facilities. Hence, activity professionals have an essential role to play in enhancing residents’ activity engagement.

    OBM Geriatrics

    Date: 6/2023

  • Supporting resident engagement via web-based assessment system: experience of activity professionals from long-term care settings

    Loneliness, depression, and social isolation are observed among residents in long-term care settings. Activity professionals can help prevent this by encouraging residents and providing them with opportunities to be more active during daily life. Questionnaires measuring the extent to which activity professionals design and implement activities among residents are lacking.

    Educational Gerontology

    Date: 2/2023