Episode 23: Masterclass: Advancing Dementia Care for Aging Services

For individuals living with dementia, everyday activities have a major impact on their brain function, behavioral responses, functional abilities and sense of well-being. When it comes to home care, having a person-centered approach to care can make a big difference in overall outcomes.

As a philosophy of care built around the needs of the individual, person-centered care calls for the caregivers to develop a respectful interpersonal connection that will allow them to create a comfortable, flexible and safe environment where the individual can thrive. This philosophy also helps with having a better understanding of when adjustments are needed in the care plan.

Tune into today’s ComForConnections masterclass for the latest strategies and best practices for enhancing dementia care through a person-centered care philosophy. Stephanie Wierzbicka, Manager of Strategic Health Care Programs at ComForCare Franchise Systems, LLC, will share her insights.

Click to listen to this episode:

About Stephanie Wierzbicka:
Stephanie Wierzbicka, Manager of Strategic Health Care Programs, has been employed with ComForCare Franchise Systems, LLC, an in-home care agency with 275 locations in the US and , for 19 years. She is responsible for developing and managing various company programs aimed at improving client care and health-related outcomes. Numerous in-person visits to facilities, hospitals and seniors living in their homes have allowed her to understand and experience the unique needs of professionals and clients firsthand and, as a result, she has the unique opportunity to develop programs that can help older adults and their families live their best life possible.

Episode Notes:

• Understanding dementia and why caregiving for individuals with dementia differs from other types of caregiving
• Key stages of disease progression and the importance of recognizing how these stages impact caregiving strategies and decisions
• Understanding care strategies that are grounded in evidence-based practice, highlighting the effectiveness of advanced staff training
• Best practices for aligning care strategies with the individualized caregiver plan of care — ensuring that care is person-centered and effective

Episode Resources:

• Presentation – Advancing Dementia Care Handout
• DementiaWise® – ComForCare
• ComForCare.com
• Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Facts and Figures
• Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations
• Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
• National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers