About Karen Tyrell
CPCA, CDCP
Dementia Consultant – Educator – Speaker – Author
Karen Tyrell is a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging (CPCA) and a Certified Dementia Care Provider (CDCP) with a passion for improving dementia care.
She is the founder and CEO of Personalized Dementia Solutions Inc. She’s been in the dementia care industry since 1995. She is the author of the book, Cracking the Dementia Code – Creative Solutions to Cope with Changed Behaviours.
Karen’s drive to assist families, caregivers, care homes, and everyone in between ignited while she provided therapeutic recreation activities to seniors in long-term care. While doing a placement as part of her schooling in the mid 90’s. Karen observed many inappropriate care practices and approaches towards the residents on the dementia care unit. It was the opposite from what she had been learning in class. She then attributes these disturbing experiences to the reason why her passion ignited.
Her mission is to empower all caregivers—both frontline professionals and families—helping them recognize their incredible potential. She believes they can create harmony and effectively manage dementia-related behaviours using creative approaches. Since 2010, Karen facilitates monthly support groups for families and incorporates her skills of using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
Creating The Opportunity
Over the years, Karen continued to find ways to support those affected by dementia. While she is working in the recreation department in a few care homes in Ontario and BC. She always enjoyed the opportunity to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with symptoms of dementia. By making them smile and feel safe all while using person-centred care practices.
While working in Ontario as an Executive Director (2006 – 2009) for the Alzheimer Society in her community, she worked tirelessly to enhance community services for both the caregivers and their loved ones. Karen gained valuable experience for what family caregivers go through in all stages of the journey.
The Dogwood Pavilion supported Karen as she provided education and support to family caregivers in the Tri-Cities, BC between 2012- 2015 through a United Way of the Lower Mainland funded program.
Karen now supports families across Canada through her company, Personalized Dementia Solutions Inc. Offering 1-1 support and group support. She offers personalized recommendations (including creative ways to manage dementia related behaviours), emotional support, guidance to other helpful services. And also dementia education on specific topics when and as needed.
Karen is also very proud of her involvement in major projects such as being a part of the development team for the first true Canadian Dementia Village in Langley, BC. and also consulting and supporting the opening of the new Adult Cognitive Wellness Centre in Langley BC.
Karen continues to provide talks and workshops relating to dementia; including speaking on her book, “Cracking the Dementia Code – Creative Solutions to Cope with Changed Behaviours” to a variety of organizations/groups and to staff in care homes. She also enjoys delivering her talk “How to Maintain a Healthy Brain?!” to community groups and assisted living homes. Karen provides a variety of other talks, including tailoring talks to match your needs. Please reach out to learn more.
Launching CDCP™ Dementia Designation Program Course
With the launch of the CDCP™ designation course, finally there is a way for those who share Karen’s passion. In providing superior care to obtain the skills and support needed to make the greatest impact for dementia patients and their families.
Karen was proud to be invited to provide Dementia Consulting (Dementia Designs™ service) for the new specialized memory care village The Village Langley that opened in September 2019.
In March 2015, Karen helped to co-create a “Dementia Caregiver Solutions” App.
To seek out Karen’s expertise, feel free to contact us at [email protected]. She would be more than happy to speak with you about your dementia care needs.
If you would like to print a Bio about Karen to read at your event click here. Karen’s Bio
» Click here to view a list of some community talks Karen has given.
Education:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Certificate
- Solutions-Focused Brief Therapy Certificate
- Certified Professional Consultant on Aging from The Certified Professional Consultant on Aging (CPCA)® Designation Program
- Dementia Studies and related workshops
- Social Service Worker/Gerontology
- Activation Coordinator/Gerontology
- Long-term Care Management
- Business Management Skills
- Me & U-First! Dementia Training
- The Challenging Behaviours Program
- GPA – Gentle Persuasive Approaches
(Responding to Persons with Challenging Behaviours)
Awards:
- Finalist for Woman’s Collaborative Hub Influencer Awards:
“Exceptional Educator Award” – November 2019
- Nominated for Girls Inc. Brockville for:
“Strong, Smart, Bold Woman of the Year Award” – March 2006
- Recipient of the Central Care Corporation for:
“Compassion Award of Excellence” – November 2004
- Recipient of the George Brown College Seniors’ Association Annual Scholarship for:
“High Academic Standing, Creative Performance and Compassionate Understanding”
– October 1996
- Recipient of the Neill-Wycik for:
“Most Promising Newcomer Award” – December 1996
Volunteer Experience:
- President of C.A.R.P. North Fraser:
November 2013 – November 2022
- Co-Chair of Seniors Fair Committee:
Burnaby Seniors Inter-agency Society,
Burnaby, BC – January 2012
- Support Group Facilitator:
Coquitlam Caregivers Support Group,
Coquitlam, BC – January 2010 – Sept 2012
- Board Member:
Abbeyfield House
Burnaby Burnaby, BC – December 2011 – December 2012 (One term)
- Chair of the Advisory Committee:
Adult Day Services for Community Primary Health Care
Brockville, ON – June 2003 – June 2009
- President:
Alzheimer Society of Leeds-Grenville:
Brockville, ON – June 2002 – June 2006
- Board Member:
Alzheimer Society of Leeds-Grenville:
Brockville, ON – June 2000 – December 2006