Building Blocks for Addressing the Dementia Crisis: Collaborative Solutions and Initiatives

Posted by Pam Brandon on Apr 26, 2024 11:15:00 AM

The rising incidence of dementia and its toll on families is one piece of a significant domino effect on public health. As a caregiver for both my parents affected by dementia, I can say firsthand that there are no words to describe the emotional and physical price of this journey. I want to explore the broader crisis we face: the cost to our communities, public health, health systems, and the stakeholders who are all invested in this space.

First, let's face the reality: the looming aging tsunami, as it has been referred to for decades, is here. It is no longer a futuristic term. With this in mind, planning is accelerating into action at the federal, state, and local levels.

Read More

Topics: Dementia Live®Training, Dementia Awareness, #Dementiastrategies

Building Dementia Capable Systems: Transforming Communities through Care and Education

Posted by Pam Brandon on Feb 15, 2024 11:30:00 AM

 

 

 

As Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias continue to rise at exponential rates, there is a pressing need for innovative solutions to address this growing epidemic. The concept of dementia capable systems has emerged as a vital initiative at the federal, state, and community levels to create a supportive environment for individuals living with dementia. Let's delve into the definitions of key terms such as dementia capable, dementia capable systems, dementia friendly communities, and dementia capable care, shedding light on the multifaceted approach required to combat this challenging issue.

Dementia Capable:

Dementia capable, as defined in the U.S. national dementia plan, encompasses activities and enjoyments that support the personhood of individuals living with dementia. It also emphasizes empowering care partners with knowledge, skills, and competency to enhance the quality of life for those affected. This broad scope recognizes the importance of addressing both the needs of individuals with dementia and those providing care.

Read More

Topics: Dementia Live®Training

Unsilencing the Dementia Crisis: Bold Initiatives for Communities of Color

Posted by Pam Brandon on Jan 19, 2024 11:30:00 AM

The alarming statistics surrounding Alzheimer's and dementia in communities of color cannot be ignored. Black Americans are twice as likely as older Whites to have Alzheimer's or another dementia, and Latinos are 1.5 times as likely, according to the Alzheimer's Association. While higher rates of cardiovascular disease may play a role, some studies suggest that these differences disappear after accounting for overall health and socioeconomic status. Regardless of the cause, the prevalence of dementia in Black and Brown communities is a public health crisis that demands immediate attention.

Read More

Topics: Dementia Live®Training, Dementia friendly community, Dementia Awareness, Dementia Empathy Training

The Why and How of Getting Back to Basics in Dementia Training

Posted by Pam Brandon on Jan 11, 2024 11:00:00 AM

AdobeStock_381239042

 

Read More

Topics: Dementia Live®Training, Direct Care Workforce Training, Communication Skills Training, Family Caregiver Education

Dementia Care 2024: Navigating Federal and State Initiatives for Quality Support

Posted by Pam Brandon on Dec 7, 2023 11:00:00 AM

 

Read More

Topics: Dementia Live®Training, Dementia Care Outreach Education, Family Caregiver Education

Rediscovering the Heart in Dementia Care: Prioritizing the Human Touch

Posted by Pam Brandon on Nov 23, 2023 10:54:04 AM

 

 

In the hustle of healthcare advancements, the essence of caregiving often gets overshadowed. Nowhere is this truer than in dementia care, where the personal and emotional aspects of caregiving are frequently sidelined by clinical approaches. Let's delve into why returning to the human side of dementia care is not just essential but transformative.

Read More

Topics: compassionate touch, Dementia Live®Training, AGE-u-cate Training Insitute, human connection, education and training

Sympathy vs. Empathy in Dementia Care: Understand the Key Differences

Posted by Pam Brandon on Nov 3, 2023 11:00:00 AM

 

Sympathy and empathy are two terms often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and implications in the realm of human emotions and relationships. These differences are not merely linguistic; they carry significant weight when it comes to understanding and responding to the emotions of others.  Let's delve into the disparities between sympathy and empathy,  and why it is so important to differentiate these two approaches in dementia care. 

Read More

Topics: AGE-u-cate Training Institute, Dementia Live®Training, Empathy Training

Unlocking the Power of Dementia Education: How Community Health Workers Benefit Communities

Posted by Pam Brandon on Nov 2, 2023 11:00:00 AM

 

Dementia is a prevalent and challenging health issue affecting millions of individuals and their families around the world. As the population ages, the incidence of dementia is expected to rise, making it crucial to prioritize education and support for both patients and their caregivers. Community health workers (CHWs) can play a pivotal role in providing dementia education, and their involvement can have far-reaching benefits for the community.

  1. Increasing Awareness: Dementia education delivered by CHWs can help raise awareness about this condition within the community. By disseminating information about the early warning signs and risk factors, CHWs empower individuals to seek timely diagnosis and support. This awareness is essential for early intervention, which can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with dementia.

  2. Reducing Stigma: Dementia education can help dispel misconceptions and reduce the stigma associated with the condition. By sharing accurate information about dementia's causes and progression, CHWs can foster empathy and understanding, making it easier for patients and their families to access the necessary care and support without fear of judgment.

  3. Providing Caregiver Support: Caring for someone with dementia can be emotionally and physically demanding. CHWs can offer caregivers invaluable information on how to provide effective care, manage behavioral changes, and access local resources. This support system can alleviate the stress of caregivers and enable them to provide better care for their loved ones.

  4. Improving Early Detection: CHWs can be trained to recognize the early signs of dementia during their interactions with community members. This early detection can lead to prompt diagnosis and intervention, potentially slowing the progression of the disease. Additionally, CHWs can guide individuals towards healthcare professionals for a more comprehensive evaluation.

  5. Enhancing Quality of Life: Education provided by CHWs can equip patients and caregivers with strategies for managing dementia-related challenges. These strategies can include communication techniques, cognitive stimulation activities, and emotional support. By improving the quality of life for those with dementia, CHWs contribute to a more resilient and healthier community.

  6. Connecting Communities to Resources: CHWs can serve as a vital bridge between the community and dementia-related resources. They can help individuals access support groups, government assistance, respite care, and other services that can significantly improve the well-being of those affected by dementia.

  7. Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: Dementia education provided by CHWs can also include information on lifestyle factors that can reduce the risk of developing dementia. Promoting healthy habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental stimulation, can help prevent or delay the onset of dementia. This proactive approach benefits the community's overall health and well-being.

  8. Enhancing Cultural Competency: CHWs, often members of the community they serve, are well-positioned to provide culturally sensitive dementia education. They can tailor their messages to specific cultural and linguistic needs, ensuring that information is accessible to all members of the community.

  9. Cost-Effective Care: Dementia is a costly condition to manage, both for individuals and healthcare systems. By educating the community through CHWs, cost-effective preventive measures can be implemented. Timely interventions and support can potentially reduce the economic burden associated with dementia care.

  10. Promoting Empowerment: Dementia education through CHWs empowers community members to take an active role in their own health and well-being. When people are equipped with knowledge, they are better prepared to make informed decisions about their health, leading to more self-reliant and resilient communities.

Community health workers can be instrumental in providing dementia education to communities. Their work contributes to increased awareness, reduced stigma, early detection, enhanced quality of life, and cost-effective care. By fostering healthier and more informed communities, CHWs create a ripple effect that benefits not only those living with dementia but the entire community. Dementia education through CHWs is a holistic approach to improving public health and ensuring a brighter future for those affected by this complex condition.

Find out how millions of people in communities are engaging in impactful dementia education with AGE-u-cate Training Institute's Dementia Live simulation experience.

Learn More

Read More

Topics: Dementia Live®Training, AGE-u-cate Training Insitute, Dementia Care Outreach Education, Community Health Worker

Dementia's Reach: How It Affects Social Determinants of Health

Posted by Pam Brandon on Oct 19, 2023 11:30:00 AM

 

Read More

Topics: Dementia Live®Training, Dementia Friendly America, AGE-u-cate Training Insitute, Community Education

3 Essential Requirements for Staff Success

Posted by Andrew Azzarello on Oct 20, 2022 12:00:00 PM

 

Read More

Topics: Dementia Live, Dementia Live®Training, turnover, employee training, workforce training, staff retention, Dementia Care Outreach Education

Subscribe to Our Blog

Lists by Topic

see all

Posts by Topic

See all

Recent Posts