Accompanying You on Your Dementia Journey
Training
Rooted in Relationship
MY APPROACH:
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? 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.
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?
Ways of Growth
01.
Connect and Create
Through the Connect and Create Forum, creative engagement education expands from the classroom and into community as we learn together, across disciplines, how to become relational with individuals living with dementia, provide creative, dignified, and beautiful programming, and understand the humanity of dementia.
02.
Purple Angel
The Purple Angel is a free dementia training for you and your business, organization, and community so you can better serve your clients, customers, and community.
03.
Keynotes and Workshops
Contact Kate (Kate@dementialettersproject.com) to book a program for your community or organization. Areas of Expertise: Dementia Care from the Relationship, Creative Engagement, Faith and Spirituality in Dementia Care, Arts and Aging
Easy Actions to Take Today
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.
