Caring for a loved one with memory problems can be difficult. The disease’s nature makes it necessary for those who it afflicts, to be treated gently and with great kindness. Hearts for Dementia Home Care has a robust dementia program designed to help your loved one live their best life at home.
Matching
Hearts For Dementia Home Care Personal Care Attendant’s are specifically matched with clients based on personality as well as care needs and requirements. Individuals struggling with dementia need consistent care with familiar faces. It is important to find the right relationship fit in order to build trust and confidence.
Care Plans
Care plans are tailored and personalized to meet your loved one’s needs. An in-depth personal questionnaire is key to understanding the challenges faced by those with dementia. Structure and routine are integrated into the care plan while still allowing some flexibility based on how your loved one is feeling on any given day. Care plans are re-evaluated to address individual needs as they change over time.
Caregiver Training
The National Council for Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) is a global leader and pioneer in dementia education and certifications. All Hearts For Dementia Home Care Personal Care Attendant’s complete 8 hours of instructor led training pre-employment, including the NCCDP Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Seminar led by a certified Alzheimer’s disease dementia trainer. Personal Care Attendant’s are required to have a minimum of 8 hours of ongoing training per year.
Hearts For Dementia Home Care believes in continuing education for all staff to ensure they are exercising the latest techniques to help your loved one. The NCCDP curriculum is recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, universities, and healthcare organizations across the country.
Topics in this training curriculum include but are not limited to:
- Overview of Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease: Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment
- Communication
- Feelings and Repetitive Behaviors
- Wandering, Hoarding, Paranoia, and Hallucinations
- Sundowning
- Aggressive and Catastrophic Behaviors
- Depression
- Personal Care; Pain, Bathing, Eating, Swallowing, Nutrition, Dressing, Toileting, and Sleep Disturbances
- Environment: Changes That Make a Difference
- Diversity and Cultural Competence
Montessori-Based Dementia Programming
The Montessori philosophy allows your loved one to stay engaged in activities with meaning and purpose based on interests prior to their dementia. Montessori-based activities uses a person-centered approach to keep them engaged in meaningful activities that will help enhance participation and enjoyment. Engaging in purposeful activities activate the mind by using the sensory, motor, cognitive, and social aspects of the brain. Personal Care Attendant’s will implement the Montessori Method for Dementia throughout the day as part of your loved one’s care plan.
Facilitated Caregiver Support Groups
Hearts For Dementia Home Care facilitates Caregiver Support Groups on a monthly basis for those caring for a loved one with dementia. This will be a safe place to encourage members to share stories and information and offer empathic validation and support. An educational component may be added to the structure of the session.