Joyce Simard

Joyce Simard, M.S.W., has worked in the long-term care industry for more than 40 years. Now retired, she continues to offer online educational presentations throughout the world. She is also involved in research projects investigating the effects of Namaste Care™ in Australia and the United Kingdom. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in sociology and social work from Ithaca College in New York and her master of social work degree from the University of Minnesota.

In addition to Namaste Care, Simard has developed other programs for people with memory loss. The Memory Enhancement Program (MEP) is for people experiencing memory loss beyond what is normal for their age and education. Residents in independent living and assisted living communities, as well as those who participate in adult day programs, benefit from this unique program. The Club is a program for residents in nursing facilities and assisted living communities who have moderate memory loss. Its implementation has resulted in a decrease in use of antipsychotic medications, and in resident falls as well as improved staff and resident satisfaction.

Simard is an internationally recognized speaker to healthcare professionals in the United States, Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia. Whether speaking to families of people with dementia or as a keynote or featured speaker at professional conferences, Simard is known for bringing humor and a light touch to serious subjects, teaching through stories of real experiences from her years in healthcare. She also has provided in-service training on a variety of subjects, including hospice, bereavement, comfort care, and activity programs for people with all stages of dementia. Simard is the author of a children’s book about aging and dementia, The Magic Tape Recorder, which was published in several languages.

More information on any of the programs Joyce has developed may be found by emailing the author at joycesimard@earthlink.com.