Why Dementia Care Needs More Heart (and Less Efficiency) (with James Lee)

What if dementia care wasn’t about managing decline — but about nurturing connection, learning, and joy?

In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with James Lee, co-founder and CEO of Bella Groves, a dementia care community in Bulverde, Texas, that’s redefining what person-centered care can look like.

For nearly 20 years, James has been reshaping senior living from the inside out — from his early days as a caregiver to his work as an industry leader, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Senior Living Think Tank. His journey reveals why the heart of dementia care isn’t efficiency or systems — it’s people.

Together, Andrew and James explore what it means to lead with head and heart, the trade-offs of private versus public funding models, and how small communities can spark big change through empathy, education, and design. James also shares how Bella Groves is building a “learning community” that empowers families and professionals alike — and why joy should be measured as carefully as outcomes.

In this episode:
• The “accident” that led James from finance to dementia care
• How Bella Groves redefines success through Unconditional Joy™
• Why time is the caregiver’s most precious resource
• The myth of operational efficiency in care settings
• How the Senior Living Think Tank is creating global collaboration
• Lessons from dementia communities in Amsterdam and Okinawa
• Why joy doesn’t need to be remembered to be meaningful

Whether you’re a caregiver, a leader, or simply curious about what’s next for dementia care, this conversation will challenge how you see the future — and remind you that good care begins and ends with connection.


Learn more at:⁠
https://www.bluebellvillage.ca⁠
⁠https://www.bellagroves.com⁠
⁠https://www.thinktankleadership.com⁠

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd., or any of its employees, contractors, or team members.