Intergenerational living initiative advances dementia education and care

HealthEducation

Dec 10

Written By Staff

Photo courtesy of Dementia Institute and the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

The Dementia Institute and the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine have partnered to launch a first-in-the-nation Intergenerational Living Initiative, bringing a medical student to live onsite at Holland Home’s Raybrook campus to deepen dementia education, advance best practices in care, and strengthen meaningful connections with residents.

As part of the program, first-year medical student at MSU College of Human Medicine Kaylin Burton resides at the facility while completing her studies. This unique living-learning experience allows Burton to engage daily with residents living with dementia, deepening her understanding of dementia, enhancing the quality of patient care, and fulfilling her educational requirements.

“Living alongside residents has transformed my understanding of dementia in ways no textbook ever could,” said Burton. “Every day brings moments of connection and learning, and those moments reinforce why I’m committed to becoming a physician who sees the whole person. It’s a privilege to be part of their lives and to grow through these relationships.”

The Intergenerational Living Initiative is the culmination of more than two years of research and collaborative development between the Dementia Institute and MSU College of Human Medicine. Leaders say the partnership embodies their shared mission to elevate standards of excellence in dementia care and education.

“By the end of Kaylin’s first week, we knew this program was something special; residents lit up around her,” said Curt Gritters, Director of the Dementia Institute. “It was smiles, stories, and an instant sense of family. That response affirmed that this initiative is exactly the kind of excellence we strive for: doing the right thing for our residents while investing in the next generation of dementia-capable physicians.”

Dr. Irving Vega, a Red Cedar Distinguished Associate Professor at MSU College of Human Medicine, worked with other medical students to develop and launch the program.

“This partnership reflects the mission of MSU College of Human Medicine to provide community-based medical education that prepares physicians to serve with compassion and humility,” Dr. Vega said. “Programs like this expand students’ clinical perspective by providing real-world exposure to the care of older adults. I also want to recognize fourth-year medical student Christine ‘Chris’ Skovira, whose leadership helped advance this idea and bring it to life for our students.”

The Dementia Institute, which is already engaged with families and partner organizations in 22 states, sees this program as an important step toward establishing a national standard for dementia care and education.

“The Dementia Institute offers deep expertise in person-centered dementia care, and MSU College of Human Medicine brings academic excellence,” Gritters added. “Together, we are building something that can transform how future physicians understand dementia and how we support those living with it.”

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