Teri Sellers
On June 16, more than 30 members of the PebbleCreek Patrol received training and education from Janice Greeno, state lead for the Dementia Friendly Program. Teri Sellers, facilitator of the PebbleCreek Alzheimer’s Support group and a member of the Goodyear Dementia Friendly Action Team, and Sylvia Butler, co-facilitator of the support group, helped coordinate this training.
Dementia Friendly is a national network that is seeking to ensure that communities are equipped to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. Dementia Friendly communities foster the ability of people living with dementia to remain in community and engage and thrive in day-to-day living as long as it is safe to do so. Dementia Friendly America began in 2015 following the White House Conference on Aging. It is administered by USAging, a Washington, D.C. non-profit organization.
A Dementia Friendly community is informed, safe, and respectful of individuals with the disease, their family, and caregivers. There are currently seven cities in Arizona, including Goodyear, with the designation of Dementia Friendly. Per the Alzheimer’s Association there are about 150,000 people in Arizona and 6 million people nationwide over 65 living with Alzheimer’s. That number is expected to continue to grow.
During the training, the patrol learned more about Alzheimer’s and dementia. The presentation focused on communications tips such as talking slower and asking simple questions. They learned to recognize wandering and how to interact with the wanderer. Interaction skills such as how to approach someone and being prepared for a sudden mood or demeanor change are important as well. Also vital was learning that there are resources available to everyone, the person with dementia, the family, and caregivers, as well as service providers such as the Patrol.
Why was it important to offer this training?
PebbleCreek is a master planned retirement community that is now over 25 years old. As the residents age, we see more dementia and Alzheimer’s. Since this is not a healthcare community, the burden of care generally falls on the spouse or other family members. In the early stages, many people with dementia are still living at home alone. Dementias, especially in the early stages, do not require specialized care in an assisted living or memory care facility. These residents may still be active in various community activities or even still driving. But it is a progressive disease process. Their reduced cognitive abilities and memory loss may result in additional interaction with the patrol or other PebbleCreek staff. Providing the staff with knowledge and tools to cope with this issue is vital.
This was just the first step; other staff members will be offered this training. Informational handouts will be made available to staff shortly.
For more information on Dementia Friendly America training or the PebbleCreek Alzheimer’s Support Group, please contact Teri Sellers at 602-793-0299 or teri_sellers@msn.