“This isn’t just about checking a training box,” Teffie emphasizes. “It’s about reshaping how we see and respond to people experiencing brain changes.”
At Landis Homes, a nonprofit, faith-based continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Lititz, Pennsylvania, dementia care is not just a program—it’s a culture. Since 2022, Landis Homes has been implementing the Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) methodology, developed by dementia care specialist Teepa Snow. What began as an innovation grant project, has quickly grown into a campus-wide initiative, positioning Landis Homes as a leader in dementia-friendly care within the MHS Association network.
The initiative started with a grant-funded pilot led by the Director of Risk and Compliance and the Director of HR, who recognized the need for greater dementia awareness across the organization. With a goal to reach more than 600 team members, they launched a two-hour dementia training grounded in PAC principles.
The results have been remarkable. Within the first cycle, over half of the staff voluntarily completed the course. Today, the training is a mandatory part of onboarding for every new employee, from nursing to dining services, and has reached an 87% completion rate across the organization.
For those eager to go deeper, Landis Homes also offers a 40-hour PAC certification program, equipping team members with advanced skills in dementia care. The addition of a dedicated Director of Dementia-Friendly Experience, Teffie Landmann, underscores the organization’s commitment to embedding dementia awareness into every aspect of campus life.
“This isn’t just about checking a training box,” Teffie emphasizes. “It’s about reshaping how we see and respond to people experiencing brain changes.”
The program’s impact is evident in the daily practices of staff and residents.
One former cook who had participated in the training, later used those skills outside of work to help a person with dementia eat with dignity at a wedding. That moment of compassion led her to transition into working in direct care, where she continues to use PAC strategies to support residents.
Landis Homes is now developing a five-year plan to expand the program’s reach beyond its own campus and other Landis Communities affiliates. Early partnerships with local organizations and first responders are already in motion, laying the groundwork for broader community impact.
The long-term vision is to create a ripple effect, equipping not only healthcare professionals but also community members, with the tools to better support individuals living with dementia.
Through this work, Landis Homes is showing that dementia care can move beyond clinical interactions to a holistic culture of dignity, respect, and hope, setting a standard for other organizations across the Association and beyond.
For more information about the dementia care program at Landis Homes, inquiries can be directed to Teffie Landmann.