StrengthsSHIFT™ Framework

Seeing Strengths, Expanding Possibilities

Developed by Mary Beth Wighton & Jessica Luh Kim

Diagram of the StrengthsSHIFT™ Framework showing five key shifts: See Differently, Highlight Strengths, Integrate Well-Being, Foster Connection, and Transform Action, with the central label 'StrengthsSHIFT™ Framework' and a quote at the bottom.

StrengthsSHIFT™ is a free, open-access framework developed by Mary Beth Wighton and Jessica Luh Kim to help individuals, care partners, and organizations shift from a deficit view of dementia to one grounded in strengths, well-being, and possibility.

At its heart is a simple but profound belief - that people living with dementia deserve to live with dignity, meaning, and connection. When we change the lens from decline and inability to strengths and possibility, we see the whole person. We begin to honour choice, support well-being, and create new opportunities for living well.

The Five Shifts

  1. See Differently - shift the mindset from deficit to strengths and possibility

  2. Highlight Strengths - notice, name, and build on what's strong

  3. Integrate Well-Being - connect strengths to what matters most

  4. Foster Connection - move from doing for to doing with

  5. Transform Action - turn insight into small, sustainable steps

About the Framework

StrengthsSHIFT™ grew out of the lived and professional experiences of Mary Beth Wighton and Jessica Luh Kim, whose partnership began through the Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program.

Our original five-shift approach is specifically designed for the dementia community. It is rooted in the wisdom of people living with dementia, the insights of culture-change leaders like Dr. Allen Power and The Eden Alternative®, and the By Us For Us© Guides. Our work is also inspired by the pioneering evidence-based research of Gallup® CliftonStrengths® and the VIA Institute on Character Strengths®. We have adapted these global concepts into a practical, relationship-centered framework that moves beyond theory into daily practice.

StrengthsSHIFT™ Framework © 2025 J. Luh Kim & M. Wighton. All rights reserved.

Download the Framework

Download the full StrengthsSHIFT™ Framework to explore all five shifts, reflective questions, and practical strategies for everyday application.

Access the framework and begin applying a strengths-based approach in your everyday practice.

Download the StrengthsSHIFT™ Framework

Hear How Focusing on Strengths Can Change Lives

Meet Mario Gregorio, dementia advocate, mentor, and person living with dementia. He shares how adopting a strengths-based view has helped him find new possibilities.

You can learn more about Mario by reaching out to him at:

Legal & Trademark Notices

StrengthsSHIFT™ is an original framework © 2025 J. Luh Kim & M. Wighton. All rights reserved.

This work is informed by and adapted from the following evidence-based models:

  • Gallup® CliftonStrengths® and the 34 theme names are registered trademarks of Gallup, Inc.

  • VIA Character Strengths® is a registered trademark of the VIA Institute on Character.

  • The Eden Alternative® Domains of Well-Being™ is a protected framework of The Eden Alternative.

  • By Us For Us© Guides are developed by people living with dementia and care partners, and produced by the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA).

StrengthsSHIFT™ is an independent methodology and is not affiliated with, or officially endorsed by, any of the organizations listed above.