Within Reach Care - Dementia Care Education & Consulting

07/28/2026

In dementia care, when someone expresses agitation or distress, the first questions SHOULDN'T be, "Can we get medication for their behavior?" or "Can we increase their medication dose for behaviors?"

The first question SHOULD be, "What is this person trying to communicate to us?"

When we start there, it allows us to approach the situation with curiosity from a skilled perspective, not a reactive one.

07/25/2026

Find support, community, and understanding in AGE's FREE support groups!
To see scheduling details about support groups visit https://ageofcentraltx.org/.../pathways-support-groups/
or email [email protected]
General Caregiving (In Person) Central Austin:
General Caregiving (Virtual):
General Caregiving (In Person) South Austin – ASL INTERPRETATION PROVIDED:
Dementia Caregiving (Virtual):
Adult Child Caring for Parent (Virtual):
Life After Caregiving (Virtual) – for individuals finding purpose after caregiving.
Early Stage Memory Loss (Virtual)
Registration is required. Please email us to register at [email protected]

07/25/2026

Family caregivers, join us for the 26th Annual Striking a Balance Caregiver Conference, on Saturday, August 15, 2026:

8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Austin Community College Eastview Campus, Building 8000 - Room 8500

This FREE conference includes practical caregiving sessions, expert guidance, local resources, complimentary lunch, and free on-site respite care for pre-registered guests.

Live translation in multiple languages!
Read translated captions on your cellphone or listen with your own headphones.

American Sign Language Interpretation Available
Register by August 7th and indicate your request.

Register today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/striking-a-balance-a-free-conference-for-family-caregivers-tickets-1986445984413

07/23/2026

For people living with dementia, dirty eyeglass lenses can create an often-overlooked barrier. When the brain is working hard to interpret information, it may not recognize that smudged or cloudy glasses are the reason things look “off.” Instead, the person may feel confused, frustrated, or disengage from interaction or activities.

A few easy ways to build this into a daily rhythm:

*Set a reminder alarm — Use a smartphone or dementia clock that has reminder alarm settings.

*Mark it on a calendar — Visual structure helps care partners stay consistent.

*Place a sticky note on the bathroom mirror — A simple environmental cue keeps the task front‑and‑center.

A TIP FOR HOME CARE & DEMENTIA CARE COMMUNITIES:

*For all clients or residents who wear eyeglasses, add "Clean Eyeglasses" to the daily care checklist and ensure staff have the proper spray and cloth to complete the task. We don't want scratchy paper towels or harsh chemicals to damage eyewear!

07/10/2026

Wow!

Check out Buck & Buck.

07/03/2026

I want to share a product I truly love — Lume’s Acidified Body Wash in Lavender Sage.

(This is NOT a paid advertisement, just something I genuinely use and believe in.)

The scent is oh so good — a soft, calming aromatherapy vibe that’s perfect for anyone who needs a little relaxation in their day. (Who doesn't 😜)

If you are caring for a person living with dementia, this is a great option to combine aromatherapy at bathtime and get the benefits of longer lasting odor control between wash-ups.

07/01/2026

Collaboration is powerful… and honestly, it’s also a lot more fun than trying to do everything solo.

I’m grateful for this group of people who jump in, back each other up, and make the hard days lighter for families and for each other.

Teamwork really is the closest thing we have to a superpower in this field, and I’m lucky to be surrounded by people who use it well.

Thank you, Ryan Callahan, for the thoughtful conversation yesterday. Your leadership brings people together in meaningful ways.

Yesterday, our founder, Ryan Callahan, had the honor of serving as the lead presenter for a gathering of healthcare leaders from across Central Texas.

The focus of the presentation was simple but powerful: when healthcare professionals work together, families receive better support.

Every organization brings unique expertise to the table, but true impact happens through collaboration. By building strong relationships, communicating openly, and connecting families with the right resources at the right time, we can provide more comprehensive, compassionate, and effective care.

We are grateful for the opportunity to share this message and for the many healthcare professionals who partner with us every day. Thank you for your dedication to serving older adults and their families with excellence.

https://lnkd.in/gRuzaUsb

06/24/2026

A colleague once shared one of her grandmother’s sayings with me: “If you constantly tell someone they are dead, eventually they will just lie down.”

This saying hits hard because it’s funny on the surface… and devastatingly true underneath. Our language shapes the lives of people with or without dementia. The words we choose can nurture confidence, or they can quietly strip away the joy and freedom we all seek, regardless of age or condition.

When we criticize, correct, or talk AT someone instead of WITH them, we limit their sense of autonomy and prevent them from seeing what is still possible.

06/24/2026

https://utmedicine.org/get-care/browse/clinics/mulva/comprehensive-memory-center -tab

The Comprehensive Memory Center diagnoses, treats and manages neurodegenerative conditions that affect memory, behavior and other cognitive functions.

06/22/2026

https://www.lifebio.org/

I’ve been thinking a lot about the power of knowing someone’s story. Years ago, when I worked in dementia care communities, we used a tool called LifeBio—and it was incredible. It helped us gather photos, memories, and meaningful moments from a person’s life and turn them into a beautiful storybook to share with others.

For people living with dementia, this wasn’t just a keepsake. It was a bridge. A way to spark connection, joy, and familiarity. A way for care partners and staff to understand who that person is, not just the changes they’re experiencing.

LifeBio gave us the information we needed to create healthy, fun, and truly personal interactions—and I’ve never forgotten the impact it made.

Family stories disappear when we don't capture them. LifeBio Memory makes it easy to record your memories or help a loved one preserve theirs.