Amazing Place Staff Completes Avila Institute of Gerontology
Dementia Care Training Program
Education and Training are keys to
Successful Dementia Care
By Faith Brock LCSW, CCM
On March 22 and 23rd, the Amazing Place closed so that its staff could complete a comprehensive, 12- hour, training course which covered the basics of caring for adults with memory impairments. Topics included the Principles of Dementia, Encouraging Positive Behaviors, C, Caring for the Participant and Caregiver, Communication, Activities of Daily Living, Activities to Stimulate Memory, Teamwork, Stress and Spirituality and Palliative Care. Under the leadership of Sr. Peter Lillian Di Maria and Carol M. Stathis MS RN from the Avila Institute, the Amazing Place staff was engaged in interactive, fun and up-to-date educational sessions which promoted compassionate care for older adults with memory loss and their families.
The Avila Institute of Gerontology, located in New York, was initiated by the Carmelite Sisters as a response to the growing complexity of gerontological health care. The training program emphasized the importance of caring for each individual within the context of his /her dementia and providing programs at Amazing Place that allow for individualization, promote participant well-being and enhance functional capabilities.
All staff members were given an exam following the Avila Dementia Care Training Program and will receive a certification for the successful completion the program. In addition, several staff members obtained advanced leadership training in order to train new staff members in dementia care, as Amazing Place grows in the coming year.
In addition to the Dementia Care Training Program, staff members were introduced to Qigong exercises for mind and body by Dody Carter. The goals of the program are similar to Tai Chi in promoting physical and mental well-being. The staff loved the exercises! Amazing Place hopes to open these classes up to participants and family members in our new building.
Staff members also reviewed policies and procedures in preparation of our move to the new building. Consequently, the Amazing Place staff is now well-trained in dementia care and stress reduction techniques, as well as being familiar with state required guidelines for the care of adults with memory loss. Moreover, it is because of Amazing Place's strong commitment to quality dementia education and training, that our staff is more able than ever to provide excellent, compassionate care to adults with early to moderate memory loss, their family caregivers and the community. |
Amazing Place's
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Amazing Place Fall Educational Forum and Luncheon
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New Staff Members Come Aboard in Preparation for Move to New Facility
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"Give Me One
Dozen Roses"
Teena Reese, devoted daughter and primary caregiver to Amazing Place participant, Johnnie Knight, lights up when she shares the story of her mother’s musical talent on the piano. Johnnie’s story is also laced with a deep love of family, square dancing, camping, playing bridge, numerous civic activities, the Tanglewood Garden Club, and shopping trips with her grandchildren...the music of her soul.
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