Caring for People Affected by Dementia: Tech and Senior Living can Work Together

By: Kelly Papa and Matthew Wallace, originally published by McKnight’s Senior Living

Every family affected by dementia knows the slow heartbreak of watching a loved one change.  Memories fade, names become elusive and happy interactions become confusing and painful.

This is the reality for almost 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia — and the millions more who care for them. Dementia strikes entire families, not just those afflicted with it.

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are rising globally — research shows that the number of those with a dementia diagnosis is expected to double by the year 2060. As of 2022, 44% of assisted living residents had a dementia diagnosis, according to government statistics.

Loved ones are often forced into caregiving roles with little support and no training. As the condition progresses, so do the demands. The result is a heavy emotional and physical toll — exhaustion, burnout, grief and isolation are all too common.

And yet, dementia doesn’t erase what makes someone human. It changes how people experience the world and how others interact with them, but it doesn’t take away their capacity for love, joy or connection. As dementia advocate Wendy Mitchell said, “Life doesn’t end with a diagnosis. There is life, and love, and joy still to be found.” She is absolutely right.

Historically, families have relied on support groups, in-home care and medical guidance to navigate the challenges. But what if there’s another layer of support, one that blends innovation with empathy? As leaders in senior living and technology, we believe there is.

Imagine artificial intelligence helping families not only cope with a dementia diagnosis, but navigate it more effectively. Picture simple apps that preserve and share memories — tools that ease emotional strain and foster connection. Those resources can support both the person with dementia and those who love them.

Instead of learning how to respond in the moment — often under stress — families could use AI to practice communication in safe, judgment-free environments. They could explore tone, pacing and language to better connect. This kind of preparation builds empathy and confidence, two qualities often worn down by stress. And it matters: research shows that effective communication reduces confusion and aggression, easing caregiver strain.

Why stop there? Consider digital storytelling tools for reminiscence therapy or virtual reality to reduce social isolation and improve emotional well-being. The potential for meaningful support and connection should far outweigh hesitation rooted in fear or uncertainty about practical implementation.

This is precisely why deeper exploration between the senior living and tech sectors is so critical. Together, we can discover new ways to foster connection, preserve identity and bring more moments of joy to those living with dementia. By combining lived expertise with innovation, we can create tools that are not only functional but also deeply human.

To make this convergence possible, collaboration is essential. Emerging partnerships between the senior living and technology sectors are opening up the next chapter in how we support individuals and families living with dementia. The benefits can reach everyone involved: individuals with dementia, caregivers, nurses, certified nursing assistants and, most importantly, families.

Technology won’t cure dementia. But it can ease the burden and help people connect with the love that remains. When that happens, the impact is transformative.

Together, we can reshape what life with dementia looks like. Helplessness and despair can give way to connection, shared joy and deeper understanding.

Dementia changes many things. But it can never take away our humanity, or our ability to connect, love and enjoy one another. By bringing together senior care and technology, this vision can become a reality.

Kelly Papa is president and CEO of Duncaster, a continuing care retirement community in Bloomfield, CT. She has worked in senior living and care for more than 25 years.

Matthew Wallace is president and CEO of VRSim, an East Hartford, CT-based company that for more than 20 years has developed and manufactured virtual reality-based systems that train workers in the skilled trades, allied health and, with its most recent product offering, public safety.