Educator
Training in Dementia for Professional Staff and Family
Mostly In-Person and sometimes VIRTUAl
Training that is Engaged, Innovative, and Impactful. Rooted in Relationship.
From your 4-hour Dementia training to the Connect + Create Institute. From 1:1 Mentorship for emerging eldercare professionals to Life Enrichment Team development, how the world views dementia, starts with us, the trusted experts, the professionals supporting families and those living with a diagnosis.
My Approach: I provide dementia education from a place of relationship. It is not about replacing your standard of identity for your companies education, but expanding upon that training to make what you want to see – real. How can you use our medical and clinical knowledge to make sure we “do no harm” and then elevate the beauty of human connection to make sure we provide the best care possible?
Here’s the thing…
Education is mandatory. Knowledge is transformative.
How many brain images can one look at before it becomes impersonal? How much longer can we sit behind a computer screen to gain education hours yet see little impact? Can we truly transform how we care for those living with dementia and their families with the current education model?
Yes, the neuroscience of dementia is important to know. Yes, the medical and clinical knowledge one gains through education is necessary. But how does the education you receive truly inform your care practices, helping you become better at your job? Not just better, but great, less likely to burn out, more engaged with those you serve, and able to see your day to day tasks, not as a to-do item, but as a moment to love another.
Elements of Quality Education
What you Can Expect FRom Me
In-Person
While there is place for pre-recorded and virtual training, I believe we learn best when we are in the same room together. (Connect + Create Institute is an exception.)
Flexible
There is a core we must adhere to, regulations and mandates to follow, tailoring is always offered to meet your needs and learning goals.
Minimal Slides
Slides and Handouts are used, but with intention. No one needs to spend more time than necessary hearing someone read a slideshow one could read themselves.
Relational
If we are to become relational with our residents and clients, we also must be relational with each other. Training is engaging, experiential, and offers time for team development.
Ongoing Partnership
Our training time may only be a blip on the calendar, but I believe in accompanying you post education to help you with implementation and sustainability.
Printed Materials
You will always receive handouts and handbooks for each training so that you can refer back to what was said, look into the referenced used, that also allow you to be fully precent during the training.
Our ability to care for another relies on our understanding and the curiosity of one’s life.
Grow in Community
Grow in KNowledge
Grow in Confidence
Grow in Leadership
Your Educator and Mentor
Meet Kate
Creative work in Eldercare is what I believe I was uniquely created to do with my time and talent. I am part artist, part educator, and I find joy in accompanying others along this dementia journey.
I continue to dedicate my life to accompanying those living with dementia. I believe dementia is not a death sentence, a reason to squash dignity, purpose, and joy, nor an eraser that eliminates the beauty of your life. But it is also not a reason to fear suffering, and “shush” conversations about the real trials of dementia. Whether you have the diagnosis yourself or are a care partner, I seek to walk with you through the trials and triumphs of this life.
Make a Difference
Steps to Take Now
Always Say Hello
Regardless of how busy your day is, and how chaotic life is both inside and outside of work, say hello to each person you serve before you serve. We all feel that warmth that comes from a hello from both a friend and a stranger, so why must the hello end because of dementia? Say hello. Greet one another. And remember, it is not important for someone to remember your name, title, or reason for your encounter, what matters is that you made them feel loved, respected, and seen.
Discover why you offer a Program
Why does your activities calendar look the way it does? Is it because it is mandated by the state or your corporate office? Is it because your residents have requested the program or love the program? Is it
because it is known or has research behind its success? Find out the why, and don’t be afraid to transform the program or replace it if the why is anytime less than it is enjoyed and brings purpose and connection.
Use the Talents you Have
With your current Life Enrichment Team, and with every person you hire, take a talents survey. See what your team enjoys, is skilled or talented in, and wants to pursue. Do the same with your CNAs. Then, with the information you collect, activate the beautiful talent already within your care community through official programs, information connections, and as a bridge to the community during new resident or client welcoming.
Be Intentional with Technology
Tech is one of those wonderful tools that
always requires us to ask, just because we
can, does it mean we should? We should
never use Tech as a crutch, a replacement
for human contact or care, or as something to hide behind. Use it sparingly and wisely.
Don’t Silo Your Teams
Don’t silo the teams and departments within your organization. Allow for
engagement to encompass the entire staff volunteers and even the families of
the residents.
Look for Skills Over Masters
When you hire an Actives Director look not at the highest degree or number of
certifications, instead, look at both the formal and informal education they have received (this includes being a family care partner) and ask beautiful
questions about what each person can offer the community and their dreams for their place in the role.
Everything is Communication
Just as we say that all behavior is a form of communication when working with someone with dementia, so is true for your staff and co-workers.
Go Outside
Find time during each shift to go outside – even if it is raining or snowing.
Even if it is for 5 breaths, it can do wonders to help you navigate the
challenges of providing care.