Collaborative Dementia Care: Integrating Person-Centered Strategies for Positive Outcomes

Course overview

Over 55 million people are living with dementia in the world today, with an expected doubling every twenty years. 1 in 3 people will develop dementia in their lifetime. Home Health is at the forefront of the many services people require to be successful at home, therefore the number of people under our care who have dementia will only increase in the near future. Utilizing effective strategies for communicating, educating, and treating persons living with dementia and their caregivers will give people the best chance to live healthy and full lives at home for as long as possible. While often our primary reason for initiating treatment is not a dementia diagnosis, we must recognize and be comfortable with altering our communication and intervention strategies when someone with dementia is under our care. Evidence-based tools we can call upon in our role as Home Health Physical and Occupational Therapists, Assistants, and Speech and Language Professionals will aid us in helping clients reach their goals and achieve strong outcomes.