What ‘Familiar Touch’ Can Teach Us About Dementia and Aging

It’s not surprising that one of the most compelling discussions I heard at the 2025 NIC Fall Conference followed the screening of the award-winning film, “Familiar Touch.”

Familiar Touch is the rare film that portrays aging and dementia with honesty, nuance and care, and we were fortunate to have a session that featured three panelists and a moderator who provided real insights and actionable takeaways.

Here are what I thought were the key points from the session, moderated by Front Porch Communities & Services CEO Sean Kelly:

💡“Familiar Touch” is attuned to who Ruth, the lead character played by Kathleen Chalfant, is now and what she wants and needs — not just what she has lost through dementia.

The film doesn’t deny nor sugarcoat the realities of dementia. But as writer-director Sarah Friedland said, we carry the human spirit with us as we age. We don’t lose it at a certain age or because of a given ailment.

Chalfant’s Ruth is still looking to experience joy. It doesn’t help when many of those around react as if her life is over, fixating on what she has lost.

💡Panelist Kris Engskov, co-founder and CEO of Rippl, challenged our industry and the country to address what we’re facing: an epidemic of older adults with dementia.

That epidemic isn’t coming — it’s here. An increasing percentage of our residents have some form of dementia at some stage.

There are evidence-based best practices available, Kris said, which give operators the chance to do much more than simply warehousing residents. We can help staff connect with them, delay the onset of outward symptoms in some cases, and, most importantly, help individuals regain a sense of joy and human connection.

💡Changes in dementia diagnosis, care and treatment have been coming quickly, and it’s not likely to slow down soon. Monica Moreno, senior director for dementia care navigation for the Alzheimer’s Association®, urged operators to keep up.

There now are person-centered care training guidelines, for instance, and other avenues of support for residents and caregivers. Senior housing and care organizations must ensure their staff is up to speed, with the necessary training and the resource support of experts in the field.

Monica’s points led to a discussion about partnerships. Operators may not feel like experts in this rapidly evolving field, but the Alzheimer’s Association, Rippl and other organizations can offer help in the form of tools, training and the latest expertise.

💡“Familiar Touch” is a unique film which has enabled many needed discussions. Sean said it well:

“(The movie) really provides the rare, honest view of what it may be to be older. I think too often we see one or the other — it’s totally awesome, and we know it’s not, or it’s completely terrible, and we know it’s not just that. It’s both.”