Learning How to Better Care for Those Suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Step into Their World

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 44 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, including Alzheimer’s. In the United States alone, 5.3 million people are affected, and that number is expected to rise to 7 million by the year 2050. There is no known cure for either disease, which makes it that much more difficult for family and friends to care for loved ones. In order to provide more resources for family members and caregivers for patients with dementia, BrightStar has recently developed its “BrightStar Connections” program. Aimed specifically at the care provided for those suffering from the various dementia related diseases, this new program will give BrightStar caregivers the most up to date training and tools to better care for those suffering from dementia. Developed in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association, and approved by the Joint Commission, the program is designed to create, through training and resource materials, a team of well-educated caregivers, able to provide quality care to clients and their families. BrightStar Care of Richmond launched the training program in September of 2015. Led by Barbara Bailey, Director of Nursing, the program encourages caregivers to step into the world of the individual suffering with dementia, instead of trying to pull them back into ours. This allows caregivers and family members to connect with loved ones where they are at any particular point in time. The training provides guided activities and case studies that allow care givers to understand what a typical Alzheimer’s or dementia patient faces on a daily basis. It also provides several healthy ways to engage and interact with those suffering from dementia. In addition to professional caregiver resources, the program provides resources for family members and friends to assist them in understanding some of the best ways to provide care for their loved ones, and know that they are not alone in the struggle to find good care options. With no known cure for Alzheimer’s medical professionals and loved ones need to focus on ensuring that caregivers are well educated and trained on the most up to date methods for caring for those with various types and stages of dementia. And this includes the ability to empathize with these individuals. BrightStar Care of Richmond proudly joins this effort to provide a superior level of care for those suffering with dementia in initiating its “BrightStar Connections” program in the Richmond area.