There
are two types of people in the world, those who would take a dementia patient
for a joy ride and those who would say it’s a waste of gas.
Healthcare providers who are serious and committed to caring for
Alzheimer's and dementia patients should want to make the joy rides
possible. The focus should be on optimizing quality of life and
working to make memorable moments possible.
Dementia Specialty Programs should be purpose-driven,
structured, holistic, visionary and evidence-based. Taking the time to
get to know patients and clients in the present and in the past is necessary
because it makes developing holistic plans of care based on client’s individual
values, preferences and priorities possible. Dementia care involves
the whole person – body, mind, spirit and emotions.
Objectives should include:
·
Identifying the disease-specific needs of individuals and families
·
Specifying the roles and responsibilities of members of
inter-disciplinary teams
·
Providing on-going education and integrating best practices in the
delivery of care
·
Engaging in community outreach to help combat misconceptions and
the stigma
Begin by screening and selecting experienced caregivers that
exemplify qualities like patience, the
ability to solve problems, kindness, creative-thinking and
respectfulness. Focus on education including Certified Dementia
Practitioner training, cultural sensitivity training and other on-going
educational opportunities. The success of any program hinges on
continuous learning and adaption as the disease progresses.
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