Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra was an American professional baseball catcher, manager, and coach who played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball.  One of his famous quotes "The Future Ain't What it Used to Be" couldn't be more appropriate as we look at the paradigm shifts taking place in our aging world.

Time is precious.  Staff is in short supply.  Family caregivers are stretched to the limit.  Just taking care of the basic needs  is hard enough, so five minutes a day seems - IMPOSSIBLE!

Neurological research substantiates that human beings appear to be "wired" to be empathetic.  In other words, we all have an innate ability to be empathetic.   Would empathy training in dementia care  provide a strong foundation tool for front line staff to help improve the quality of life for those living with dementia?

The number of older adults with dementia is forecast to more than double in the next 40 years.  Training people to care for these individuals - both professionals and families is paramount in improving the quality of life for the caregiver as well as the care receiver.  Is it time to get back to basics in our approach to education and training?

In my office there is a framed print of Nelson Mandela's famous quote "It always seems impossible until IT'S DONE".  I believe hospitals have procrastinated long enough in becoming dementia friendly and the urgency to GET IT DONE is now.