Working with a Senior with Dementia?
If you are working with a senior with dementia, chances are you are also dealing with very emotional family members who are trying to do the very best they can, under difficult circumstances. Stressed family caregivers on duty 24/7 often need more emotional support than their loved one living with memory loss!
We understand what they are going through. We understand the stress it places on you, too, as you try to help families navigate the progression of this disease and provide them with guidance on appropriate care and when a memory support community is the next best step.
As part of our commitment to caring for individuals with memory loss and their loved ones, many of our communities sponsor local Memory Cafés, providing a welcoming environment to connect with others for support, companionship and fun, allowing you to focus on your relationship, rather than caregiving, and form new social connections with others who completely understand your situation. We also offer monthly Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Groups, providing caregivers with a space to share your concerns and personal experiences in a supportive environment and are facilitated by a Compass Memory Support Program Director who shares his or her expertise about the disease and arranges for guest speakers who provide specialized information to the group.
Please feel free to download these resources to share with your patients and clients. Let us know if you would like a fact sheet, checklist or article on a subject not covered here. Most likely we have something to share. If not we would be happy to create something for you because we value our partnership, and we are dedicated to helping individuals living with memory loss and the families who love them, whether or not they live in one of our Compass Memory Support Neighborhoods.
Here are some helpful resources.
- I Have Dementia Cards (use these at restaurants, stores and other public places)
- Communication Tips (from our Dementia Friendly Initiative)
- The Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment of MCI
- How to Have a Good Visit With Someone with Dementia (great for relatives and friends who seem uncomfortable with memory loss)
- Additional Resources