Dementia Care Specialists at Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.’s Post

🌟 #MeetTheTeam Spotlight 🌟 This week, we are thrilled to feature Sharon Host, one of our Global Professional Instructors! 🧠🌏 We asked Sharon, "How can those who work in dementia care advocate for quality care on behalf of those living with dementia?" Here's what she had to say: "There are so many avenues available for those who work in dementia/memory care. One of the most powerful is our daily documentation. We need to be advocating in our notes to help other healthcare professionals and payors understand the potential the person still has and how to facilitate functional performance. Another way is by advocating through our professional organizations to get legislation passed that supports serving persons with dementia. Our company’s president, Kim Warchol, was on the team that fought to get services for persons with dementia reimbursed by Medicare. Organizations tend to listen a little more to people who are working in the field. We can send a clear message through documentation and advocacy groups that people with dementia are worth our services. Another way is to not take “no” for an answer. By that I mean whether it is getting reimbursed for services or modeling for staff how to set someone with dementia up to feed themselves, we need to help everyone reach beyond the knee-jerk response of thinking people with dementia can’t do anything anymore and prove that people with dementia are still valuable members of society. This is advocating by doing and we can all share in that. And lastly, get involved in national or local organizations that support persons with dementia. You can join an Alzhiemer’s walk, start a dementia support group, or volunteer to help a dementia travel group. Find your niche and start advocating today." Thank you, Sharon, for your commitment to excellence in dementia care! 🌟🙌 Discover how our dementia capable care training programs can empower you to provide exceptional, person-centered care. Visit our website to learn more and join us in making a difference for those living with dementia. 🌐 https://bit.ly/47qWV25 #DementiaCare #Training #DementiaEducation

One in nine Americans aged 65 and older has Alzheimer's dementia, resulting in the increased demand of family caregivers to step into a role they are not financially or mentally prepared for. Now more than ever, it is time to improve the future for all caregivers, through advocating with our government officials to ensure they are protected and supported, to build awareness of the gaps in support, and to recognize that each caregiver is a human navigating their own trials and tribulations of life. It's time to do this together. At Otsuka, we are endlessly committed to caregivers, through advocating for more visibility and support, through providing tangible tools to make a meaningful impact and address the daily needs, and through recognizing the caregivers amongst our employees and providing caregiver specific benefits to those who need them. The untold cost of caregiving is one that must be talked about. Read more with Otsuka Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer John Kraus feature in Medical Economics:

Palliative care is key to quality of life. This approach to health care IS treatment, just like hospice care. We need to redefine palliative care for both the general public and health care providers. With policy makers focusing on integrating social care into our approach to health care this needs to be centered in the conversation.

Care Campaign for the Vulnerable is always grateful for the messages we receive but when we receive correspondence from individuals living with dementia, they are all the more valued. CCFTV is passionate on shedding light on the challenges faced by those with this disease. Communicating in later stages becomes tougher, and it's a poignant realisation when autonomy fades. Talking to those in early stages, their encouragement fuels my commitment to advocating for their protection in care. Many express the deep need to be heard, for care to be transparent—a sentiment I witnessed during my own time in care. Ensuring safety for people living with dementia in care is paramount due to the progressive nature of the disease. As dementia advances, individuals may experience cognitive decline, affecting their ability to navigate their surroundings and make sound decisions. This vulnerability underscores the need for a secure environment to prevent accidents, injuries, or wandering. Implementing safety measures involves creating dementia-friendly spaces, incorporating clear signage, and utilising Independant safety monitoring systems. Adequate staffing and specialised training are crucial to understanding the unique needs of individuals with dementia, fostering a supportive and secure atmosphere. Beyond physical safety, emotional well-being is equally important. A familiar and comforting environment, coupled with compassionate care, helps reduce anxiety and enhance the overall quality of life for those in care. Recognising and addressing the specific safety concerns of individuals with dementia reflects a commitment to their dignity, and overall welfare. It’s messages like the one below that keeps me going, focused on CCFTV’s crucial work ahead; “Please continue with your fabulous mission . My dementia type is BVFTD. Twelve years ago we were told I had a life expectancy of 2-8 years. I still live with my partner and can even be left to my own accord for several hours. Your work with safety monitoring in care is vital”. #carecampaignforthevulnerable #DementiaAwareness #AdvocacyJourney #safetymonitoring

I strongly agree with the need to expand hospice criteria for persons with all types of dementia. One of the commenters mentioned expanding to FAST 6 and I agree (there is a long period of complex care needs between stage 6-7) but we also to recognize that the FAST scale was designed only for Alzheimer's type dementia with more predictable progression of disease. Hospice nurses and medical directors must look at the whole picture for evidence of terminal phase of illness, so as not to look at too narrow a set of criteria for dementia clients and plan to re-evaluate appropriateness frequently. #hospice #hospicenurse

In our latest TCNtalks, we delve into the rapidly evolving world of Alzheimer’s and Dementia care. Join us as we explore a future where these crucial healthcare needs are not just an afterthought, but a primary focus. Journey with us as our guest Dr. Stelley Gutman, a seasoned geriatric specialist with MemoryCare, and Elizabeth Lackey MSW, Lead Care Manager for MemoryCare and The SECU Center for MemoryCare, navigate the complexities of Alzheimer’s and Dementia care. MemoryCare, is an Asheville-based nonprofit, their mission is to empower patients and caregivers in the Dementia care. “The Future Of Alzheimer’s And Dementia Care” Episode Highlights: - The Toll of Caregiving: Discover the significant health impacts of caregiving and the innovative solutions being proposed. - Hospice and Palliative Care: Gain insights into the role of hospice and palliative care in providing support to families and patients. - Collaboration in Healthcare: Learn about the proposed GUIDE model by CMMI and its importance in improving care through collaborative efforts. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and anyone interested in the advancements in Dementia care. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the field and learn about potential collaboration opportunities. Tune in now and join the conversation on transforming the future of Alzheimer’s and Dementia care. https://hubs.ly/Q02929gx0 #HealthcarePodcast #DementiaCare #AlzheimersAwareness #MemoryCare #HealthcareInnovation #CollaborativeHealthcare #HPM #HOSPICE

Family members and attorneys for personal care are often ill-prepared for their role and surprised the caregiving role may go on for 10 or 15 years with increasing hours required over time as the disease advances. As family members and planning advisors, one of the first steps we can take is to educate ourselves and our clients on the realities of care management and then focus on personalized care planning and how to pay for it. #Dementia #ElderManagement

"My dad, Andy, was diagnosed with dementia at 54. The social worker suggested that we apply for NHS continuing healthcare funding (CHC) to cover the cost of moving Dad into a specialist dementia care home. The care funding process was long, scary and impersonal. It was a ‘one size fits all’ approach, which didn’t take into account the unique needs of a person living with dementia. I cried the whole way through the meeting with the assessors; I felt like I was being interviewed and was scared that if I said something wrong, we wouldn’t get the funding. We did get granted CHC funding, which I know is rare. But even then, it was up to the assessors to decide where Dad was cared for. It feels like a business decision – you have to do what you’re told. The CHC assessors suggested placing Dad in a care home 40 miles away from his home and family. It was the cheaper option, but my sister couldn’t get there to see him. I would have had to travel every week and stay overnight to see him whilst working full-time. This showed how little the assessors understood about dementia.” Rachel applied for NHS continuing healthcare funding so that her dad could move into a specialist dementia care home – but came up against constant barriers. Next week, people like Rachel will join with Dementia UK staff members to share their experience with MPs and to call for urgent change at our Fix the Funding event in parliament. This is our opportunity to give politicians one clear message – that we want the Government to urgently review the care funding process so that no one faces dementia alone. 🚨This is your last chance to invite your MP and make sure they hear directly from people affected by dementia about why and how the process must be improved. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ecPNwniz #FixTheFunding #CHC #DementiaCare

🎉🇺🇸 This Presidents' Day, we celebrate a significant step towards better dementia care and support for Medicare beneficiaries. 🌟 The Biden-Harris Administration announced the Medicare Dementia Care Model last year, aimed at enhancing care coordination and providing more support for unpaid caregivers. This initiative aligns with BrainCheck's mission to prioritize brain health and support caregivers. Learn more about how this model is positioned to impact dementia care: https://ow.ly/pXTG50QEmeA #PresidentsDay #DementiaCare #BrainHealth 🧠

For my rehabilitation therapy colleagues who provide dementia care with the aim of keeping individuals in their homes, keep your eyes on this new and developing CMS care model with consideration of potential collaborative partnerships with other healthcare providers. #occupationaltherapy #speechlanguagepathology #physicaltherapy #dementiacare #valuebasedcare