Episode 23: Masterclass: Advancing Dementia Care for Aging Services
For individuals living with dementia, everyday activities have a major impact on their brain function, behavioral responses, functional abilities and sense of well-being. When it comes to home care, having a person-centered approach to care can make a big difference in overall outcomes.
As a philosophy of care built around the needs of the individual, person-centered care calls for the caregivers to develop a respectful interpersonal connection that will allow them to create a comfortable, flexible and safe environment where the individual can thrive. This philosophy also helps with having a better understanding of when adjustments are needed in the care plan.
Tune into today’s ComForConnections masterclass for the latest strategies and best practices for enhancing dementia care through a person-centered care philosophy. Stephanie Wierzbicka, Manager of Strategic Health Care Programs at ComForCare Franchise Systems, LLC, will share her insights.
Click to listen to this episode:
About Stephanie Wierzbicka:
Stephanie Wierzbicka, Manager of Strategic Health Care Programs, has been employed with ComForCare Franchise Systems, LLC, an in-home care agency with 275 locations in the US and Canada, for 19 years. She is responsible for developing and managing various company programs aimed at improving client care and health-related outcomes. Numerous in-person visits to facilities, hospitals and seniors living in their homes have allowed her to understand and experience the unique needs of professionals and clients firsthand and, as a result, she has the unique opportunity to develop programs that can help older adults and their families live their best life possible.
Episode Notes:
- Understanding dementia and why caregiving for individuals with dementia differs from other types of caregiving
- Key stages of disease progression and the importance of recognizing how these stages impact caregiving strategies and decisions
- Understanding care strategies that are grounded in evidence-based practice, highlighting the effectiveness of advanced staff training
- Best practices for aligning care strategies with the individualized caregiver plan of care — ensuring that care is person-centered and effective
Episode Resources:
- Presentation – Advancing Dementia Care Handout
- DementiaWise® – At Your Side Home Care
- AtYourSideHomeCare.com
- Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Facts and Figures
- Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations
- Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
- National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers
