Story About Dementia With Simple Strategies For Leading Dementia Care Journal

Dementia is a debilitating condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It can have a profound impact on not only the person living with it but also their family and caregivers. Understanding the challenges associated with dementia and implementing effective strategies for dementia care is crucial in providing the best possible support and quality of life for those affected.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. It affects a person's ability to perform everyday activities and can lead to changes in behavior and personality. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases.

As the population ages, the number of people living with dementia is expected to rise. This makes it essential for caregivers and healthcare professionals to have a deep understanding of the condition and the strategies to provide effective care.

Who Am I and What Am I Doing Here?: A Story About Dementia With 7 Simple Strategies for Leading Dementia Care (Journal Package - Who Am I? and What Am I Doing Here?)

by C.A. Smith (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1697 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	197 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

A Personal Story of Dementia

Allow me to share a personal story of my own experience with a loved one who was diagnosed with dementia. My grandmother, Mary, was a vibrant and independent woman until her mid-70s when she started exhibiting memory lapses and confusion. At first, it was dismissed as a natural part of aging, but as her symptoms worsened, it became evident that something more serious was happening.

Watching someone you love slowly lose their memory and cognitive abilities is heart-wrenching. Mary became disoriented in familiar surroundings, struggled to recognize family members, and often experienced mood swings. The once energetic woman was now withdrawn and frustrated by her own limitations.

However, instead of feeling helpless, my family and I decided to educate ourselves on dementia and seek out the best approaches to provide care and support for Mary. We were determined to make her feel safe, loved, and valued despite the challenges she faced.

Strategies for Leading Dementia Care

Through our journey with Mary, we discovered several simple yet powerful strategies that significantly improved her quality of life. These strategies can be beneficial for anyone supporting individuals with dementia:

• 1. Routine and Familiarity: Establishing a consistent daily routine and maintaining familiar surroundings can help reduce anxiety and confusion for individuals with dementia. It provides a sense of security and helps them navigate their day more effectively.
• 2. Clear and Simple Communication: When interacting with someone with dementia, it is essential to use clear, straightforward language. Avoid using complex sentences or asking multiple questions at once. Give them enough time to process information and respond.
• 3. Patience and Empathy: Dementia can be frustrating for both the person living with it and their caregiver. It is crucial to practice patience and empathy, understanding that the individual may become agitated or exhibit challenging behaviors due to the condition. Showing empathy and maintaining a calm attitude can help diffuse difficult situations.
• 4. Engaging Activities: Providing stimulating and enjoyable activities is vital for maintaining cognitive function and improving overall well-being. Activities such as puzzles, art therapy, music therapy, and reminiscing with old photos can help trigger positive memories and keep the mind active.
• 5. Addressing Physical Health: Taking care of the physical health of someone with dementia is just as important as their mental well-being. Encourage regular exercise appropriate to their abilities, ensure a nutritious diet, and attend to any medical needs promptly.

Leading Dementia Care Journal

The knowledge and experiences gained while supporting my grandmother inspired me to start a journal dedicated to leading dementia care. This journal aims to provide a platform for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers to share their insights, strategies, and success stories related to dementia care.

Through this journal, we hope to cultivate a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about improving the lives of those affected by dementia. By pooling our knowledge and experiences, we can shape the future of dementia care.

Do you have a story or strategy you would like to share? Visit our website to submit your contributions and become part of this mission to make a difference in the lives of those with dementia.

Dementia is a challenging condition, but with the right strategies and support, individuals living with dementia can lead fulfilling lives. By making small adjustments in our approach, providing a supportive environment, and staying informed through journals like Leading Dementia Care, we can make a positive impact and enhance the well-being of those affected.

Who Am I and What Am I Doing Here?: A Story About Dementia With 7 Simple Strategies for Leading Dementia Care (Journal Package - Who Am I? and What Am I Doing Here?)

by C.A. Smith (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1697 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	197 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

“C.A. Smith has written a must-read for anyone aspiring to be a leader at the front lines in dementia care…Read this book – and learn from one of the best.”
– National Institute for Dementia Education

“In this marvelous and human book, C.A. Smith applies research-based principles of effective care and coaching to recreate a road map for us to make such settings feel like home."
- Richard Boyatzis, Ph.D., Distinguished University Professor, Case Western Reserve University,

Co-author of the international bestseller, Primal Leadership and the new Helping People Change.”

“The industry is recognizing a shortfall in leadership programs and training for staff. ... a timely book that should be in the hands of every current or developing senior care leader NOW.”
- Dee Borgoyn, LNHA, SHRM-SCP

Author of, “28 Ways of Compassion: A Guide to Transformation and Leadership for a Relationship-Centric Healthcare Culture”

"I would highly recommend adding this literary work to your library, whether a paid caregiver or someone caring for a loved one at home.” 
- Sonja Gunter, LPN, AHS, ED

Author, “Professional Traits of a Healthcare Leader”. 

“...honest, inspiring, and informative book. “

- Natasha Goldstein-Levitas, MA, BC-DMT

Dance / Movement Therapist; Aging and Dementia Support

Council – National Institute for Dementia Education (NIDE) Standards of Excellence (SOE) Council

“I enjoyed the one point when the light bulb went off in my head, and I realized the title’s double meaning. It kept my interest, was not too pretentious in explaining the business side, and understood the strategies C.A. Smith was trying to implement.”
- Maria Graziano

Veterinarian Assistant and Mom

“C.A. Smith easily outlines how to successfully implement a Dementia Care program, specifically the importance of support from the top of the company in order for a program to be successful—something we don’t hear enough about! We specifically appreciate his push for online dementia training. If COVID has taught us one thing, it is to think outside the box, something C.A. Smith does in this book.”
- Rachael Wonderlin, MS

Owner, Dementia By Day

“An enjoyable book that was engaging and delightful...You don’t have to be in the senior care, dementia care, or leadership world to enjoy this book. It’s wonderful.”

- Cathy Betham

RN, Hospice

In today's senior care climate, dementia-care is more about compliance and regulations than it is about compassion, empathy, and integrity. This does little to motivate employees to care for and serve individuals diagnosed with dementia.

But there is a way to tap into your potential as a leader and share your passion in a clear, compelling, and powerful way. Dementia and senior-care expert and leadership coach C.A. Smith shows you how.

This two-part book starts with an engaging story of four siblings challenged as one struggles with dementia, while another is faced with a failing senior care business.

It follows up with seven easy-to-follow leadership strategies. C.A. Smith walks leaders through the simple steps in dementia-care leadership. 

"Who am I and What Am I Doing Here?" creates a road map to success that will get you out of the management mode and into practicing leadership that conveys passion to those you serve - your employees and the dementia care patient. 

You are in this business to serve and care for others - it is your dream. A dream that you want to share with your staff, patients, and their families. "Who am I and What Am I Doing Here?" shows you the strategies you need to make that dream become a reality.