Randy L. Griffin, RN, MS, HNC, is an expert in the field of dementia care. With more than 30 years of experience ranging from nursing and nutritional services to program development and health care administration, Randy has pioneered the practice of “intentional care giving” for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Her approach centers on caring for the whole person by creating a culture rich with emotional nourishment as opposed to the traditional treatment approach that focuses on an individual’s symptoms.

Randy’s programs and models have set new standards in caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias while educating their families and caregivers. Her webinar THE TRUSTING TOUCH teaches the importance of intentional actions and verbal communications during  activities of daily living. Randy also is the author of “S.A.F.E. Response Techniques in Crisis Situations,” a four-step process to show staff how to understand the meaning behind behaviors and how to develop a safe environment for both resident and caregiver.    

Earlier in her career, Randy was the Director of Nutritional Services for the Connecticut Hospice, the first free-standing hospice in the U.S. While working for the hospice, she developed one of the first sensory-enhanced pureéd cuisine culinary programs for terminally ill individuals. She also authored the first published cookbook on the formation of sensory-enhanced pureés. Later, Randy was the Associate Director of the Alzheimer’s Resource Center and also served as its Director of Education, Training and Research. Her background in nursing and culinary training as a chef in Paris provided the impetus for her innovative approaches to nursing care, dining creations and culture change for long-term care facilities. “Dining with Grace” is one of the programs she created specifically to enhance the dining experience for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. 

Randy is a Certified Holistic Nurse, Reflexologist and Therapeutic Touch practitioner and instructor. Randy’s DVD “An Introduction to Therapeutic Touch” is available through Therapeutic Touch International . Her latest program, Bird Tales™, is a unique and interactive train the trainer program developed in conjunction with the National Audubon Society. This DVD and book, available through Health Professions Press, was developed to improve the quality of life for people with dementia through their interactions with birds and connecting with nature.  

 Randy also received certification in the field of robotic therapy in Denmark. Randy brought this information back to the United States and developed the first certification course and training video in robotic therapy using Paro. Paro is an interactive robotic seal developed by AIST, a leading Japanese automation pioneer. This approach, utilizing PARO, replicates the benefits of animal therapy. 

Randy has lectured nationally and internationally and currently provides consulting services to health care facilities in a variety of settings. She is perhaps best known for her creative and innovative program development that includes:

• Reflections at the Gallery: A program designed in partnership with the Yale Art Gallery in New Haven Ct for individuals with dementia.

• Dining with a Difference: A specialized dining program for individuals with dementia.

• Ambassador Program: A Train the Trainer program that is designed to promote and sustain holistic culture change in long term care facilities.

• Young Ambassador High School Program: A unique curriculum that teaches students, interested in Health Care careers, about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

• Bird Tales: as referenced above

• PARO: as referenced above

Randy has recently authored a book “Changing the Culture for Dementia Care“ which is available for purchase through her website.