What Is Included In Dementia Care Training?
As a reputable in-home care agency, Alegre Home Care is committed to providing high quality dementia care and senior care services. We have monthly Advanced Dementia Care Training for all of our home caregivers, led by certified doctors and nurses who specialize in Alzheimer's, dementia care, and psychiatric in-home care.
Dementia is a progressive disease that causes cognitive decline and affects a significant portion of the population. The most common form is Alzheimer’s Disease and seniors are at the greatest risk for dementia illnesses. Symptoms of dementia include depression, anxiety, aggressive behaviors, confusion, impaired mobility, loss of speech, and memory loss. In order to provide quality in-home care services, it is important for caregivers to understand the various symptoms and create dementia care plans that are tailored to the particular needs of each individual.
Dementia Care Training
When providing in-home care services to seniors who have dementia, caregivers need to assess how dementia affects each client. Beyond understanding the symptoms, caregivers also need to be able to recognize triggers, communicate with medical professionals, engage clients in dementia care activities, de-escalate triggered states, and reduce potential triggers whenever possible. Dementia care training is best led by professionals who have experience working with home care agencies, caregivers, dementia patients, and seniors. The summaries below provide some information on dementia care training topics.
Recognizing Triggers
The first step in recognizing triggers is understanding how dementia symptoms appear for different clients. This will also depend on the stage of dementia each person is in. A senior with a history of trauma may have more symptoms and triggers than a person who hasn’t experienced trauma, for example. A triggered state occurs when dementia symptoms become heightened. A person with dementia may become increasingly confused, upset, or aggressive when in a triggered state and it can be difficult to help them calm down. Common triggers include:
Pain or discomfort
Loud noises
Change in environment
Unfamiliar people
Bright lighting
Boredom or anxiety
Hunger or thirst
Temperatures that are too hot or too cold
Change in routine or care plan
These are some examples of situations that can intensify dementia symptoms and lead to a triggered state of confusion, aggressive behavior, and fear.
Communication
Providing quality dementia care is not a “go it alone” service. In-home caregivers can be in touch with their client’s family members, friends, doctors, and medical professionals in order to create a dementia care plan that incorporates all aspects of the client’s lifestyle. Caregivers can also turn to their home care agency for support or to alert the agency of any changes in a client’s condition. Since dementia is a progressive disease, caregivers must pay attention to how symptoms progressive and adjust dementia care plans accordingly.
Dementia Care Activities
People can live for a long time after dementia is first diagnosed, which is why high-quality dementia care is important in helping seniors stay active and independent for as long as possible. To help, caregivers can engage clients in activities that are designed to decrease symptoms and improve cognitive health. Examples of dementia care activities include listening to music, taking walks in nature, playing card games, and making crafts.
De-escalation
There are several ways to de-escalate a triggered state and the methods will vary for each individual depending. One of the benefits of in-home care services is that caregivers become well acquainted with the particular needs of their clients, which is especially helpful for seniors who have dementia. Common ways to de-escalate a triggered state include reassessing the situation, removing things that might be triggering, redirecting the client’s attention, reassuring the client, or relocating to a safer area.
Reducing Potential Triggers
Prevention is key. It is much easier to reduce potential triggers, such as bright lighting or loud noises, than it is to de-escalate a client from a triggered state. Creating a detailed dementia care plan that helps to ensure a safe, nurturing environment for seniors who have dementia is a good place to start.
In-Home Care Services and Dementia Care
Seniors who have dementia require specialized in home care services. A reputable home care agency, such as Alegre Home Care, will ensure that their in-home caregivers receive dementia care training. The advantage to hiring an in home caregiver is the specialized type of Alzheimer's care available.
If you have questions about in-home care services, dementia care, or working as a caregiver, please contact Alegre Home Care about dementia and Alzheimer's care in San Jose or one of our other Northern California locations.
