The National Alzheimer’s Association’s updated their best practice recommendations for person-centered dementia care in 2018 and for the first time included workforce (staff) as a separate and important component/area of concentration. The workforce recommendations, released in the 2018 Dementia Care Practice Recommendations, were created to address person-centered care and mechanisms for the development of aContinue reading “Dementia Best Practice Recommendations Focus on Person-Centered Care, Regulatory Compliance and Staff Retention”
Tag Archives: cognitive impairment
Staff Education and Training – More than Compliance
A recent conversation among long-term care leaders illuminated current beliefs about staff training and education in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. While one participant asked how many hours of training is necessary for staff to be competent in providing quality memory care, the conversation turned to a discussion about compliance versus education for competent staff. OftenContinue reading “Staff Education and Training – More than Compliance”
Long-Term Care Workforce Issues: Practice Principles for Quality Dementia Care
I was honored to lead the development of the best practice recommendations for creating a person-centered dementia capable long-term care workforce for the new 2018 Dementia Care Practice Recommendations. The National Alzheimer’s Association 2018 Dementia Care Practice Recommendations outline recommendations for quality care practices based on a comprehensive review of current evidence, best practice andContinue reading “Long-Term Care Workforce Issues: Practice Principles for Quality Dementia Care”
Alzheimer’s Disease: Caregiver Shares Regrets To Benefit Others
When I see an interesting title for an article posted on the Alzheimer’s Reading Room or the Huffington Post, I always look further and all too often it is written by Dr. Marie Marley. One such title and article is by Dr. Marley, where she shares with us things she learned as a caregiver ofContinue reading “Alzheimer’s Disease: Caregiver Shares Regrets To Benefit Others”
Pre-Admission Assessments Help To Help Eliminate Resident Discharge/Evictions
Resident discharge or “evictions,” is a complex issue, no doubt. I write this without blaming any party – the point is to determine what we can do in the long-term care industry to decrease the occurrence. I am encouraged by the many comments on my initial post as it means others care as well, noContinue reading “Pre-Admission Assessments Help To Help Eliminate Resident Discharge/Evictions”
First Antipsychotics, Now Antianxiety and Hypnotics: Can your Staff Manage Without?
Nursing facilities have been successful in reducing the number of antipsychotics in the past few years, even exceeding the CMS goal. The monitoring of antianxiety and hypnotic medications, while once a discussion, is now a reality, as CMS announced last week that they will now be monitoring antianxiety and hypnotics. While there is not aContinue reading “First Antipsychotics, Now Antianxiety and Hypnotics: Can your Staff Manage Without?”
Medications, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Consider Comfort and Quality of Life
Families and healthcare professionals question medication use for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia, especially due to the media coverage about the overutilization and potential dangers of antipsychotics and other medications. It is important to investigate potential causes of symptoms or behaviors and identify what can be done before resorting to medication. SometimesContinue reading “Medications, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Consider Comfort and Quality of Life”
Customer Service? Not Exactly…
While I’ve written about customer service before, a friend’s recent experience prompts me to write again. My friend, Amy, was asked to help find a facility for a relative with memory loss. This relative had been diagnosed with dementia some years ago and needed more care than could be provided at home. Amy spent countlessContinue reading “Customer Service? Not Exactly…”
Alzheimer’s and Joy – No Surprise to Me
The title of a recent column caught my eye and perhaps yours as well. The column was entitled, “Alzheimer’s and joy, an unlikely couple.” I was a bit surprised by the author’s perspective, but perhaps I shouldn’t have been. Many people believe only what is written about people with dementia, which is often the negativeContinue reading “Alzheimer’s and Joy – No Surprise to Me”
Stress, Negativity and Alzheimer’s – Happy New Year!
The start of a new year often brings promises that “this year” you are going to take better care of yourself, relax, eat healthy foods, and eliminate stress. All of this is good given everything we know about health habits and stress. And the results of a recent study gives us even more incentive toContinue reading “Stress, Negativity and Alzheimer’s – Happy New Year!”
Dementia Care Expertise for Health Care Providers 