Addressing the Unique Needs of Rural Dementia Caregivers with Pam Brandon, Founder and CEO of AGE-u-cate® Training Institute & Matthew Zuraw, Co-Founder of CareVirtue
How do rural caregivers navigate caregiving challenges with limited resources and support? For many caregivers in these settings, the isolation can be overwhelming. Today, we’re talking about the unique challenges faced by rural dementia caregivers—individuals who often carry the weight of caregiving with little outside help. Research is beginning to shine a light on their needs, and new solutions are emerging that offer hope and much-needed support.
Our guests today, Matthew Zuraw and Pam Brandon, each bring a deeply personal and professional perspective to this topic. Matthew’s journey began after losing his grandmother to dementia and, more recently, his father to Alzheimer’s. He has since become a fierce advocate for those impacted by the disease and co-founded CareVirtue, an innovative platform designed to support caregivers. Pam, with over 25 years of experience in caregiver education, is the founder of AGE-u-cate Training Institute. She’s been a driving force behind programs like Dementia Live® and Compassionate Touch®, which are transforming how we care for those living with dementia.
In today’s episode, we’ll explore the distinct barriers faced by caregivers in rural communities and how Matthew and Pam are working to bridge those gaps. We’ll discuss the emotional toll on these caregivers, the resources they desperately need, and the emerging solutions that are finally beginning to make a difference. So, whether you’re a caregiver yourself or simply want to understand how we can better support caregivers, this conversation is for you. Thank you, Matthew and Pam!
Learn more at https://carevirtue.com/ & https://ageucate.com/
Listen to our episode HERE.
About Pam Brandon & Matthew Zuraw
Pam Brandon is the Founder and CEO of AGE-u-cate® Training Institute, headquartered in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With over 25 years of experience in caregiver education, Pam is a leading advocate for transformative change in aging and dementia care. She is the creator of Dementia Live®, a pioneering sensitivity awareness training program, and co-partnered in the development of the Compassionate Touch® program, a person-centered approach designed to help caregivers connect with and respond to individuals living with dementia. Under Pam’s leadership, AGE-u-cate® has become a recognized leader in creating evidence-informed, outcome-driven programs that are rapidly expanding both nationally and internationally. Pam’s dedication to improving the lives of older adults and their caregivers continues to drive her work in advancing education and training in the aging services field.
AGE-u-cate® Training Institute is a leading organization based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, dedicated to transforming the landscape of aging and dementia care through innovative, research-based education and training programs. Founded by Pam Brandon, AGE-u-cate® has rapidly gained national and international recognition for its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for older adults and empowering those who care for them.
The institute is known for developing cutting-edge programs such as Dementia Live®, a sensitivity awareness training that offers participants a powerful, immersive experience into the world of dementia, and Compassionate Touch®, a unique approach designed to help caregivers effectively engage with individuals living with dementia through comforting touch and interaction.
AGE-u-cate's programs have made a profound impact, reaching over 2.5 million people through an extensive international network of 820+ program partners and thousands of trained coaches. These program partners include senior living communities, home care agencies, hospice organizations, community-based entities, hospitals, universities, and government organizations, all working together to deliver outcome-driven solutions that address the complex needs of aging populations.
With a focus on empathy, education, and empowerment, AGE-u-cate® Training Institute continues to lead the way in creating positive change in the fields of aging and dementia care, making a lasting impact on communities worldwide.
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*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co., a boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!