Nan Yu, My Dementia Companion: When the Drive to Help is Real!

Nan Yu’s mission began with his own family’s experience. When his grandmother was diagnosed with dementia, his mother used ⁠My Dementia Companion⁠ to guide their family through the challenges of care.

That journey became proof of why the world needs tools and communities that support carers and loved ones living with dementia.

In this episode, Nan shares how his upbringing, values of giving back, and the power of understanding his “why” have shaped his work. From his experience as a first-generation migrant to volunteering and starting a social enterprise, Nan offers unique insights into what’s needed to create a dementia-friendly future. 

Key Insights:

• Family as Proof of Impact: Nan’s own grandmother’s journey showed him firsthand the importance of accessible, meaningful dementia support. Her story inspires his work today.
• The Power of Your ‘Why’: Nan explains why reconnecting with your purpose—your “why”—is critical for overcoming challenges, whether you’re a carer, a professional, or building something to help others.
• Volunteering and Giving Back: Raised with a strong sense of responsibility, Nan reflects on how his early experiences shaped his commitment to helping others and the importance of fostering kindness in communities.
• Building a Dementia-Friendly World: Nan discusses the practical steps needed to make dementia care more compassionate and effective, from supporting carers to addressing workforce challenges.
• Recognition of Impact: My Dementia Companion has been endorsed by the Department of Health, but Nan’s true reward is the difference it makes in people’s lives every day.

Why Listen:

If someone you love has been diagnosed with dementia, or you’re a professional supporting families through this journey, this episode will arm you with the tools and knowledge to move forward with confidence. Discover how My Dementia Companion highlights what’s out there to guide and support carers, families, and professionals, offering a compassionate hand to hold.

You’ll also meet Nan Yu, a man who turned his personal family experience into a mission to make life easier for others. Through his volunteer work and dedication, he’s proof of the incredible impact one person can make in creating a more dementia-friendly world.

Upcoming Episodes

This marks our final episode for the year, and it’s been an incredible journey bringing these conversations to you. While we don’t have a timeline for future episodes just yet, we’re so grateful for your support and hope you’ll revisit past episodes whenever you need inspiration or guidance. Thank you for being part of The Guardian Network community—stay tuned for what’s next!

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