Engaging Dementia Effectively

Meet Cindy Keehn, Founder of Engaging Dementia Effectively

Empowering Care Through Connection

I help healthcare professionals and caregivers interact more effectively with individuals living with dementia. My passion is especially focused on supporting therapists in delivering meaningful rehab to patients facing the unique challenges of dementia.

About Cindy Keehn

My name is Cindy Keehn, and I’ve been practicing physical therapy for over 30 years, with the last 15 dedicated to geriatrics in skilled nursing settings. I’ve seen firsthand how much individuals living with dementia need our expertise to improve their quality of life—yet, the barriers to effective care are real and complex.

Through the Positive Approach to Care® model, I’ve discovered strategies that truly make a difference. That’s why I created Engaging Dementia Effectively: to empower rehab and healthcare professionals with these tools and to also guide families and caregivers in the home setting.

Engaging Dementia Effectively

For Care Providers

Engaging Dementia Effectively is a training and teaching resource created by a physical therapist to support rehabilitation and healthcare professionals. Our goal is to help care teams effectively engage with individuals living with dementia. By improving how we connect and communicate, we can achieve better treatment outcomes and enhance quality of life.

We offer online and in-person workshops, individual consultations, and hands-on training in one-on-one or small group settings.

For Families

Engaging Dementia Effectively also serves as a trusted consulting resource for families. We provide guidance and support to help you navigate your loved one’s dementia journey, addressing concerns and helping you plan each step with confidence and care.

Current Course Options

In-Person Trainings

Courses offered through the Positive Approach® to Care:

• Normal Aging vs. Not Normal Aging
• Teepa’s GEMS®
• Positive Physical Approach™ (PPA™) and Hand-under-Hand® (HUH™) Techniques

EDE-Specific Workshops

• Signs and Solutions for Dementia
• Keeping Your Brain Healthy
• Making Connections Despite Dementia
• Falls in Dementia
• Handling Challenging Behaviors
• De-escalating Situations
• Creating a Safer Environment
• Exercise for Brain Health – Active Class!
• Spirituality in Dementia
• What EMTs/Police Need to Know
• Rehab Success Despite Dementia