AGE-u-cate Training Institute Blog

The World Health Organization has declared Dementia a public health priority (WHO,2020) and called for global action to establish Dementia-friendly initiatives. Global communities are mobilizing stakeholders, volunteers, and community leaders to push forward on this movement. 

The challenge with many initiatives is creating a framework that moves the needle on widespread community buy-in and understanding of the mission. Without an innovative approach, there is a higher risk of stagnation or even failure. This should not be an option.  

The need for Dementia friendly communities is at a critical juncture. We must prepare for the projected 82 million people living with some form of Dementia by 2030 (WHO). Community populations must shift their thinking by bringing impactful awareness, education, and resources to the broader community. 

Innovative programming reduces duplication of services from others who are serving the community. Assessing the services of other community organizations must be a first step in creating a programming model and will help create the organization's mission, vision, and values. 

After careful assessment, the organization can look at filling needs with innovative, creative programming. A great example of innovative and robust programming was a project undertaken by Dementia Friendly Fort Worth (TX). Shortly after the Pandemic took hold, and it was clear that in-person activities would be on hold, a daily virtual social program was created to serve the needs of older adults living at home. The program flourished by collaborating with local arts organizations and individuals who brought new and vibrant activities! 

The virtual program met a need, was different than what other organizations were doing, and, equally important, opened doors to funding from our local Area Agency on Aging and United Way.  

Innovation will spur funding!  

The best community missions need funding to fulfill their mission. To do this, securing financial support allows for solid strategic planning and growth. They work hand-in-hand, especially as the organization gets up and running. DF initiatives need to work smart and have a framework for data and outcomes tracking on all programming activities. The goal is positive results and being able to assess this early on so that any adjustments that move the needle can be made. Or, if outcomes don't improve, the program may have to be dropped. Successful programming pushes an organization forward while garnering community support. 

Every community is different, and each DF organization will be unique, which is what makes the diversity of this movement so exciting. If you are a stakeholder in a Dementia Friendly initiative, I urge you to connect with others who are paving the way and learn from their successes and challenges. Develop a network of leaders with whom you can share innovative programming and funding ideas. As part of the Dementia Friendly Fort Worth Board, I have the honor to talk with colleagues from around the country seeking advice and with whom I can gain tremendous insight to share with our organization. 

If you are seeking innovative programming, I would be honored to talk with you! AGE-u-cate is committed to serving the global movement of Dementia Friendly communities with dynamic, creative, and impactful outreach programming.  

Whether dementia is referred to as a public health issue, priority, or crisis, the urgent need for communities globally in creating dementia-capable systems is at a critical point. 

Patients with dementia form a fast-increasing proportion of those entering hospice care. Is your staff prepared to compassionately care for the unique needs of people living with dementia?

Anyone reading this will understand the chaos that aging service providers have experienced in recent years. I'm sure you will agree that the pandemic's domino effect on staffing shortages is nothing short of excruciating. Thankfully, it has prompted stakeholders to think outside the box, re-look at their practices and reboot. 

Aging Service Providers across the spectrum are well aware of the social isolation and loneliness public health crisis among older adults, especially people living with dementia. 

According to IHS (Indian Health Service), cognitive impairment and dementia affect individuals and families in all tribal and urban Indian communities. The prevalence will increase dramatically as the population ages. By 2060, the number of American Indian and Alaska Native people aged 65 and older living with memory loss is projected to grow over five times. This funding opportunity provides greater flexibility and enhanced access for new awardees to address their communities’ unique and growing needs.

Dementia training and education are all the buzz these days. We need to better prepare our workforce, families, and communities for rapidly rising rates of people living with dementia. How do we tackle this public health priority as we move forward in creating dementia-friendly societies? To better prepare our workforce, families, and communities for this public health priority, we need innovative approaches. One such approach that has shown great promise is experiential learning, which offers a unique and effective way to educate and empower care partners, families, and communities to create dementia-friendly societies.

Let's first discuss the framework of experiential learning. This model offers a uniquely high retention and growth opportunity for participants surpassing traditional education methods. Experiential learning uses a blended education approach, including activity, reflection, communication, feedback, and observation.  

So what is the secret sauce to the powerful components of experiential dementia learning and education?  

1. Learning by Doing

 At the heart of experiential learning is the idea of learning by doing. Unlike traditional classroom style or online learning, experiential learning engages the senses and encourages participants to tap into their own feelings and emotions. By immersing themselves in the experience of living with dementia, participants gain a deep understanding from the inside out, leading to higher retention and growth opportunities. This approach breaks down the barriers to traditional classroom style or online learning by engaging the senses and encouraging the participant to tap into feelings that they experience themselves. 

2. Learning through Reflection

In our high-tech, high-speed world, the power of silence and reflection is often a component that is missing in traditional training methods. Experiential learning allows one to walk through an experience soulfully and thoughtfully. By tapping into the powerful emotions one can experience living with dementia, learning takes place from the inside out. 

3. Learning by Application

Instead of traditional fact-checking and testing, experiential learning effectively walks the participant from the "aha" moment to apply skills and tools that make sense. The participant bridges the inside-out sensory and emotional experience through this process with greater application to real-world scenarios.