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Beyond the Diagnosis: Betsy Kurtz, LCSW-C, CCM, CDP, CMDCP on Bringing Compassion Back to Dementia Care

Updated: 7 hours ago


Interview and Blog By Mare Ruland, Simon Health


Betsy (Right) Mom (Middle) Daughter (Left)


“At Eye on Elders, our mission is to provide compassionate and expert guidance to care partners navigating the complexities of dementia care.”

For many families, a dementia diagnosis is only the beginning. The real challenge comes afterward: navigating appointments, medications, behavior changes, and difficult decisions with little guidance on what daily life will actually look like.


That’s where Betsy Kurtz has spent more than 30 years helping families find clarity. As founder of Eye on Elders and former Dementia Care Coordinator for the Maryland Veterans Health Administration, she combines clinical expertise with a deeply human approach to dementia care.


Betsy's work was deeply influenced by the love for her Mom, Susan Rugemer Kurtz. She lived for her family and to make our house a home. She could talk on the phone for hours, wear out the carpet dancing in our living room after dinner or sit in awe of her grandchildren at any of their events. Even through dementia she never lost her sense of humor or her manners. My mom was my best friend. I carry on this mission, to change the face of dementia care, every day in her honor. 


A Lifelong Calling


Betsy’s connection to older adults began in childhood, visiting her great-grandmother in assisted living and spending time talking, singing, and simply sitting with residents.


“I never saw patients,” she says. “I saw people who were hungry for connection.”


That perspective followed her through adult day programs, nursing homes, hospitals, and the VA, where she became especially drawn to people living with cognitive impairment—the very individuals who often require the most patience and understanding.



Behavior Is Communication


One of Betsy’s core beliefs is that dementia-related behaviors are rarely “bad behavior.”


“They’re not giving us a hard time. They’re having a hard time.”

Instead of asking how to make someone comply, she encourages families and professionals to ask: What is this person trying to communicate?


Validation Before Redirection


Betsy’s approach is heavily influenced by Naomi Feil’s Validation Theory.

If someone believes their wallet has been stolen, immediately correcting them often increases distress. Instead, she suggests acknowledging the emotion first:


“That must be scary.”


“I’d be upset too.”


Only after a person feels heard can gentle redirection begin.


People Feel Your Energy


One of the most practical lessons she teaches care partners is surprisingly simple:


“Take a breath before walking into the room.”

People living with dementia may not understand why someone is stressed, but they often sense the tension in tone, body language, and pacing.


“Your emotional state is one of your most important caregiving tools,” she says.


Why She Founded Eye on Elders


After years in the VA system, Betsy realized that many of the biggest challenges weren’t happening in clinics—they were happening at home.

Through Eye on Elders, she works directly with families to reduce behavioral distress, prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, and help care partners feel more confident navigating day-to-day life. She also supports caregiver education through practical guidance, structured learning resources, and digital tools that help families build sustainable routines at home.


The Biggest Gap in Dementia Care


When asked what concerns her most, Betsy doesn’t hesitate:


“The lack of support for care partners.”


Dementia care is often a 24/7 responsibility, yet many families receive little respite, financial support, or practical coaching until a crisis occurs.


Her Advice for Families


“Don’t wait.”


The best time to learn about dementia resources, legal planning, home care, and support options is before an emergency. Earlier planning creates more choices, less stress, and a stronger foundation for the road ahead.


About Betsy Kurtz

Betsy Kurtz, LCSW-C, CCM, CDP, CMDCP is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Case Manager, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional with more than three decades of experience helping families navigate the complexities of dementia care with clarity, compassion, and dignity.


Where to find Betsy:



 
 
 
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