Avandell: Reimagining the Dementia Experience

Book Synopsis: Avandell is for anyone who is involved in caring for a person with dementia. Larry Carlson, retired CEO of United Methodist Communities, shares his new approach to memory and dementia care in the USA. The innovative De Hogewey dementia village, a model based in the Netherlands, served as the catalyst that inspired Avandell's embrace of memory care. Larry offers his unique, personal process of discovering how to optimize day-to-day living for people and their families' who experience challenges around the growing dementia care crisis. Larry is resolved to bring new elements of joyful and humane dementia care to eldercare communities. Through compelling stories of families touched by dementia, Larry describes how caring for a loved one at home can become an impossible and poignant challenge, even for families with abundant financial resources. Larry begins with the premise that there is a better way to do things and explains how he has called upon his decades of experience and faith to bring the Avandell concept to life. The evolution of this new way contrasts with our traditional institutional idea of elder care models, what we all agree is an outdated hospital-based approach. Avandell embraces people with dementia, allowing them the dignity and joy to live the life they love. As they go through their day, residents hear the word yes more than no. This kinder, more humane approach is superior in terms of quality of life, leading to a more authentic and normal experience for the individual with a dementia diagnosis, their family, and caregivers. This furthers the need for Avandell's vision in the now.