Loretto’s Post

You want to be on this side of this terrible disease with us! Read this article and reach out to Tim Hoss to learn more about this non-drug, low risk and amazingly hopeful option!

One of the most simple and under used Montessori Principles from the Center for Applied Research in Dementia, in my opinion, is inviting the person to participate. When I am training around the country, I tell the participants the question I ask myself every day I come into work, and that is, "can a resident do this?" If the answer is yes, then I, using my knowledge of the residents' personal interest, take the time to locate the particular resident(s) and ask them for their assistance. Stop and think about it. How many of your daily tasks would a resident(s) LOVE to participate in? Whether it's going to the grocery store to pick up supplies, mopping a floor, preparing for a staff meeting, etc. - asking a resident to help you out is one of the "littlest" things you could do to engage someone living with dementia!! This principle is the foundation to following all 12 of the Montessori Principles. Not only that, you start to foster a deeper, more meaningful connection with the person you are providing care for - which results to: -Trust, meaning (to all you clinical personnel out there) you have an EASIER time doing the more intimate side of person centered care. -An increase in trust means an easier time for your staff -An easier time for your staff means happier employees (and residents) -Happier people mean happier families/customers -Happier customers mean an increase in move ins Just remember, if a task is something that a resident(s) can do, THEN ASK THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN IT!! #centerforappliedresearchindementia #dementia #activitydirector #seniorliving #montessoriprinciples

Last week, we organized a Dementia Awareness session for adults in West Berkshire in Pangbourne. The session included presentations from the Alzheimer's Society and Age UK Berkshire to help learners become a Dementia Friend and understand how to support someone living with dementia. All learners were provided with Dementia Friends badge and a booklet explaining how to audit and adapt their Village Hall or space to make it easier and more comfortable to navigate for those living with Dementia. We emphasized five key messages during the session: 1. Dementia is not just about memory loss. 2. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. 3. Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain. 4. People can still live well with dementia. 5. There is more to a person than the dementia Learners found the session informative and useful. One learner said, "I especially found useful the information Georgia, from the Alzheimer's Society, shared on the difference between factual and emotional memories. It increased my understanding of the huge variances that people experience when they have dementia." Another learner said, "I found the tips for improving living spaces very useful." In the last academic year (Sept 23 - April 24), we delivered a range of courses specifically designed for volunteers and people involved in running community buildings and spaces. These courses included Key Policies for Your Community Building, Fundraising for Your Village Hall, Financial Planning & Budgeting, Low Carbon Roadshow, and How to Effectively Engage with Your Community. We also delivered two courses with British Red Cross that supported people living and working in West Berks rural communities to ensure they can have greater confidence to help and support in an emergency situation and use a defibrillator if required. We are now planning our delivery for 2024-25. If there are any courses that you feel would be particularly beneficial to your rural community, please get in touch with us.   #DementiaAwareness #CommunityBuildings #AlzheimersSociety #AgeUKBerkshire #CommunityLearning #AdultCommunityLearning #WestBerkshire #VillageHalls #RuralCommunity

ASDR is thrilled to announce that through a new partnership agreement with Ontario Tech University, we have taken our first step towards bringing our vision of a dementia-friendly community space to Durham Region. This idea of a ‘Dementia Village’ calls for a unique, dementia-friendly space that is accessible, safe, inclusive, and promotes activity, socialization, research initiatives, and training programs to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and their care partners. The space would also function as a learning environment to support teaching and training for students as well as research initiatives to advance dementia care. On March 22, in a celebration of our partnership, ASDR and guests reviewed designs for the Dementia Village developed by Ontario Tech students from the university’s Brilliant Catalyst hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. “ASDR has long recognized the value and significant impact that social and recreational programs can have on the lives of people living with dementia and their care partners. These programs provide cognitive stimulation, encourage peer support, relationship building, and a sense of purpose and belonging for our clients, as well as much-needed respite for care partners. We are excited to partner with Ontario Tech University on the development of a Dementia village to bring an innovative solution to dementia care in our community. This community space would function as a hub for program delivery, research, and training to ensure that all people living with dementia in Durham Region have access to the best care possible – now and in the future.“ -Gillian Barrie, CEO, Alzheimer Society Durham Region “Canada’s health-care system is just beginning to explore a holistic approach to health care combining social and medical models of wellness that encourages people living with dementia and their care partners to engage in activities to meet their non-clinical needs. Ontario Tech is delighted to work with Alzheimer Society Durham Region on the Dementia Village, an exciting initiative that also establishes the framework for the development and implementation of future community solutions.” -Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Ontario Tech For more information on this new partnership, read here: https://bit.ly/4anpKi1

Maybe you've heard someone say, "She's too young to understand!" or, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks!" FUN FACT: Did you know that the #millennial generation is larger than the #boomer generation? Let's combat #Ageism now! Have you experienced #ageism? Ageism can impact us at every age, when judgements are made about our abilities, our beliefs, our values, and more, based on the number of years since we were born. Ageism undermines what the individual has to offer and how they are perceived. Ageism can be especially damaging when it impacts our health care. In the next few days we'll be sharing some of the challenges associated with ageism in health care and the impact on older members of our community. Source: Infographic developed by Regis College Online MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Curious about #ageism? Read more at: https://ow.ly/CK6n50QwYNE #EndAgeism #ChallengeAgeism #EveryAgeMatters #AgingIsLiving #ThankfulThursday #AttitudeOfGratitude

Next week is Dementia Action week. Today our local papers are creating discussion by raising awareness that a local business purchased an aged care facility which will be rebuilt into high end apartments. While there is absolutely need for housing in Tasmania- all housing but especially accessible affordable housing- there is also a need for aged care availability. We see the impact of this in health with long length of stays in hospital settings while people wait for appropriate and available accommodation in an aged care facility. While business absolutely decides what they do with their assets surely there is a complex system issue here that needs considering. A great example of where sectors spanning health, housing, business, infrastructure, State and local government could collaborate to find solutions. Dementia Australia Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre Department of Health, Tasmania

Living in an intergenerational community is incredibly empowering, especially for aging adults." Research from the Journal of Gerontology & Geriatrics Education highlights the significant advantages of intergenerational living for older adults. It provides them with renewed purpose, mental stimulation, and opportunities for mentorship and knowledge-sharing. According to AARP, aging adults in intergenerational settings experience reduced social isolation, improved mental well-being, and enhanced physical activity through interaction with younger generations. These communities serve as nurturing environments that promote active aging, fostering a sense of fulfillment and belonging. I've witnessed firsthand the positive impact of intergenerational living on aging adults—the exchange of experiences and perspectives creates a supportive, engaging atmosphere that enriches their lives. Let's encourage the empowerment and enrichment intergenerational communities bring to aging adults! #IntergenerationalLiving #EmpowermentForAgingAdults #CommunitySupport

Advice Needed: How would you handle the following? Happy Thursday! I'm grappling with a difficult issue regarding a professional in the field of Memory Care education. The individual in question provides training within a prominent organization, but the approach to education seems problematic. The specific content in the training material has alarmed me, as it deeply conflicts with my beliefs about how we should treat and support individuals with dementia. The language used is severely misplaced, overlooking the profound impact that our choice of words has on those with dementia and their loved ones. Indeed, people with dementia are, first and foremost, people. Their communication is not worthless or meaningless! I am at a loss with the inappropriate terms used and I'm seeking advice on how to handle this situation. Such language is regressive, detrimental to the integration of people with dementia into our communities, and has no place in educational material. Words are powerful – they establish the atmosphere and greatly influence the well-being of those with dementia. How should one approach and rectify this teaching method? Dementia is not the end but a change in the ending! #dementiacare #alzheimerscare #peoplefirst #wordsmatter #care #aging #seniorliving #seniorcare

Understanding Advanced Dementia and Estate Planning 🌟 In the second part of this series on estate planning for loved ones with dementia, we delve into proactive steps as the condition progresses. 🤔 Learn why seeking a cognitive evaluation and ensuring careful execution of estate plans are crucial. 💡 Your loved one's wishes matter, and planning ahead can make all the difference. 📜 #DementiaPlanning #EstatePlanning #AdvancedCare #FamilyMatters #EstatePlanning #FuneralPlanning #LegacyPlanning #PeaceOfMind #FinancialSecurity #EndOfLifeWishes #PlanForTheFuture #Legacy #FamilyCare #EstateDocuments #BurialPlanning #PersonalDecisions #WellnessPlanning #PrepareForTomorrow #LegacyMatters

It's been a year since I first heard Dr. Cameron Camp speak. Today almost all the people I work with in the more advanced memory wing, are able to put the caps back on their markers. I first show them how to put on the cap, then I have them hold the marker in one hand and the cap in the other hand. I love watching how well they do this and how proud they feel to accomplish this task by themselves. Thank you Dr. Camp! Last year Dr. Camp explained that the Montessori method can help people with dementia acquire new tools and understanding. This challenges the common assumption that individuals with cognitive impairment cannot learn something new. As professionals and caregivers, we often default to doing things for individuals with dementia instead of teaching them. Dr. Camp emphasized that we can enable people with dementia to regain their ability to brush their teeth by demonstrating the process step by step. Each person holds the toothbrush and/or toothpaste in their hand, and they are guided through each step, such as opening the toothpaste cap. The other person then follows suit. This approach allows the person with dementia to learn at their own pace and with the support they need. The staff's reaction is often surprise, and they may express that they were never instructed to demonstrate a process. Dr. Cameron Camp likens it to remembering how to ride a bike, which is only possible if someone is allowed to get on the bike. By providing people living with dementia with the capacity and agency to learn, we can help them maintain their independence and dignity. This simple exercise of demonstrating is just one example of how the Montessori method can be applied in senior care facilities to enhance the quality of life for those living with dementia. You can learn more about Dr. Camp 's presentation at the Validation World Congress 2023 "The Person Comes First - Part 2" https://lnkd.in/dpi7A6TV #handsondementia #validationtraininginstitute #dementiacommunication #naomifeil #personcenteredcare #LinkedSenior #dementiacareiver