A New Chapter in the Dementia Journey: Introducing the Taming Chaos of Dementia Institute

Dear Friends,

I want to share something deeply personal—and exciting. After years of walking the dementia caregiving journey myself, learning through heartbreak, discovery, exhaustion, and grace, I’ve taken a leap of faith to create something new: a place of hope, support, and guidance for those walking the same path. Today we are introducing a new chapter in the dementia journey, we are introducing the Taming Chaos of Dementia Institute.

Barbara Huelat, Ruth Shea Co-founders of Taming the Chas of Dementia Institute

Together with my dear friend and fellow caregiver Ruth Shea, we’ve founded the Taming the Chaos of Dementia Institute—a nonprofit organization born from lived experience, professional insight, and a shared calling to make things better for dementia caregivers.

Ruth and I have walked this road not only as professionals, but as daughters, spouses, and advocates. Ruth cared for her mother at home for ten years while raising her own seven children—yes, seven! In addition to her personal journey, she’s a seasoned clinical social worker who has spent over two decades supporting other caregivers. Ruth has counseled hundreds of families, led support groups, and helped caregivers navigate the complex emotional terrain of dementia. Her deep compassion, faith, and fierce dedication are at the heart of everything we do at the Institute.

Why We Created the Institute

This Institute wasn’t brainstormed in a conference room. It was born in the real-life moments of caregiving—the confusion, the exhaustion, the small victories that make your heart swell, and the quiet heartbreaks that bring you to your knees.

For me, the journey began when my late husband Joe was diagnosed with dementia. My world shifted. As a designer, I had spent decades shaping healing environments—but now I was living in one of the most challenging ones imaginable. I quickly realized how much caregivers are overlooked and under-supported. We’re handed clinical instructions when what we need is compassion, connection, and practical wisdom for the chaos of everyday life.

Ruth and I found ourselves asking: Where is the place that truly sees caregivers?When we couldn’t find it, we decided to build it.

Our Mission

The mission of the Taming the Chaos of Dementia Institute is simple but profound:

To empower caregivers and spark innovation.We are here to reimagine how the world responds to dementia—not just as a medical condition, but as a deeply human experience.

We believe in a future where those affected by dementia are met with dignity, compassion, and meaningful support—where caregivers are no longer invisible but embraced by a community that understands their journey.

What We Offer

The Institute is built to serve caregivers, professionals, and communities with resources grounded in empathy, experience, and evidence. Here’s what we’re excited to offer:

• Books and Journals: Including Taming the Chaos of Dementia, The Caregiver’s Compass, and our newest release This Is Me: The Guide to Person-Centered Care. These are tools we wish we’d had when we were caregiving.

• Workshops and Trainings: Real-world, actionable sessions for family caregivers, care facilities, and healthcare professionals—focused on what really works.

• Consulting and Coaching: Personalized support for families and organizations who want to create more compassionate, effective dementia care environments.

• Monthly Newsletters & Free Resources: Including our Dementia Caregiver Starter Toolkit, a downloadable guide filled with practical insights and encouragement for caregivers at any stage.

  
  

Why It Matters

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure in your caregiving role—this Institute is for you. We created it so that no one has to navigate this journey alone. We’ve been there, and we know how powerful it is to have someone walk beside you.

We believe that caring is a superpower. And together, we can tame the chaos—one heart, one home, one story at a time.

With love and gratitude,Barbara Huelat Co-Founder, Taming the Chaos of Dementia Institute