Episode 23

Meaningful Activities for Dementia: Why Individualized Connection Restores Purpose & Joy

Published on: 25th October, 2021

In this inspiring rewind conversation, Laura welcomes Kari Rogenski, LMFT, Director of The Hummingbird Project, and her colleague Susan Martelino. They discuss Kari's groundbreaking program dedicated to bringing joy, meaning, and connection back to the lives of older adults living with dementia. They share why an individualized, strength-based approach is essential for quality of life, how they use the 7 Domains of Wellness as a guide, and how their therapeutic sessions successfully pivoted to a virtual model, reaching families across the nation.

This episode is a powerful reminder that every person, at every stage of their journey, still needs and deserves a sense of purpose and connection.

Meet Kari Rogenski & Susan Martelino:

Kari Rogenski, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and creative arts therapist specializing in eldercare. She is the Director of The Hummingbird Project and co-creator of Joyful Moments: Meaningful Activities to Engage Older Adults.

Susan Martelino is a highly experienced Therapeutic Activity Specialist and Hummingbird Project Manager, recognized for her creative expertise in facilitating successful virtual therapeutic sessions.

✔ Topics Discussed:

  • The core philosophy of The Hummingbird Project: individualized one-on-one therapeutic activity.
  • The one-on-one model is crucial for clients who might not identify as "joiners."
  • The Seven Domains of Wellness framework (Physical, Spiritual, Intellectual, Creative, Vocational, Emotional, and Environmental quality of life).
  • The role of the Therapeutic Activity Specialist (TAS) as a strength-based, "sacred therapeutic friend."
  • Using creativity, role-play, and a Legacy Project to overcome client resistance.
  • A powerful example of co-creating a published legacy book with a client with memory loss.
  • The successful pivot to virtual sessions (Zoom) and why they are sometimes easier and more accessible.
  • Adapting connected work for later stages of dementia (live music, family sing-alongs on Zoom).

Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 - Welcome & Laura's intro to Kari Rogenski

06:00 - The essence of The Hummingbird Project: individualized one-on-one activities

13:00 - Diving into the Seven Domains of Wellness framework

18:15 - Using creativity and the vocational domain to introduce the TAS role

23:45 - Legacy Project example: writing a book with a client

30:00 - Introducing Susan Martelino: Hummingbird Manager & virtual session "wizard"

33:00 - The successful pivot to virtual sessions (Zoom) and its unexpected benefits

40:15 - Adapting the work for later stages of dementia: live music, family sing-alongs on Zoom


Key Takeaways:

  • Individualized care is key. A customized one-on-one connection is a powerful antidote to apathy and withdrawal in dementia.
  • Purpose overcomes resistance. A vocational approach, like creating a family legacy project, helps people re-engage.
  • Creativity is essential. It's a flexible, adaptive lens for finding new ways to connect beyond simple arts and crafts.
  • Virtual connections work. Zoom allows for amazing resources and family connections that can be less overwhelming than in-person visits.
  • Quality of life is for every stage. Even in later stages, adapted creative experiences provide a rich quality of life.


Resources Mentioned:

The Hummingbird Project Website: https://hummingbirdproject.net/

Joyful Moments Activity Cards: https://hummingbirdproject.net/joyfulmoments/


Connect with Kari Rogenski & The Hummingbird Project:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%AB%B6-kari-rogenski-lmft-phd-candidate-9ab721106/

Website: https://hummingbirdproject.net/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLhTqQchoTUPk17w5oBEmjQ

Facebook & Instagram: Search "The Hummingbird Project"


Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram: @lifeonrepeatpodcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeonRepeatPodcast


If this episode gave you a breath of hope, please like, subscribe, and share it with a caregiver or clinician who needs it. You're not alone.

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode
Subscribe to Life on Repeat Podcast

Subscribe to Life on Repeat Podcast

A podcast for dementia caregivers
Thank you, you have been subscribed.

Listen for free

Show artwork for Life on Repeat: A Dementia Caregiver Podcast

About the Podcast

Life on Repeat: A Dementia Caregiver Podcast
A Podcast for Dementia Caregivers
Life on Repeat is the podcast for dementia caregivers who need a breath, a laugh, and a lifeline.

Hosted by eldercare consultant and dementia coach Laura Vaillancourt, each episode offers practical tools, expert insights, and honest conversations to help you navigate the caregiving journey with more clarity and less overwhelm.

Whether you're a spouse, adult child, or long-distance caregiver, this show is your companion through the complex world of dementia care—offering wisdom, validation, and encouragement every step of the way.

You’re not alone. You’re doing better than you think. And this podcast is here to walk beside you.

About your host

Profile picture for Laura Vaillancourt

Laura Vaillancourt

Laura has a unique perspective of dementia. She grew up spending time in the nursing home wing of the hospital her mother worked at in a rural community in the Pacific Northwest. She learned from a young age the importance and impact that connecting with those that have memory impairment can have. This early exposure shaped her perspective and fostered her passion and love of working with those who experience and live with dementia.

Laura is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Geriatric Mental Health Specialist and Eldercare Coach. She owns a group practice that specializes in serving the aging population and she has extensive experience as a consultant providing counseling, coaching and care management to families that are in the midst of making difficult decisions related to their loved one’s care and health transitions.

Laura's passion and professional experience has been working with individuals and family members that have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. She is a passionate speaker and educator on topics related to dementia and caregiving. She is the host of Life on Repeat: a Dementia Caregiver Podcast.