Not everyone can care for an individual who has memory impairment and doesn’t reside in the same reality as the rest of us due to cognitive changes brought on by an organic dementia.
Even family members who have been to classes and seem to understand the process, get caught up in the old relationship. They forget that it takes patience and real professional skills plus a kind heart to care for someone who is impaired by a progressive illness such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Below are five questions to ask an agency before you employ their caregivers:
1) What type of dementia specific training do you provide for your caregivers? Also, how do you test for these skills?
2) How often do they attend continuing education courses?
3) How much dementia experience did they have before working at your company and how many years have they been with this company?
4) Who provides the supervision? What are their supervisor’s qualifications? You want to hear that they have at least 4-5 years experience with dementia and the minimum of at least a BA degree in a field related to Nursing, Social work, Family Counseling, or Gerontology. Certified Geriatric Care Managers should be your preference.
5) Is there someone skilled to help with behavioral challenges 24/7? What are the skills and education of the people who are on call?
Even the most skilled care professional needs to have support, coaching and help in being creative when a problem arises. A team approach and creative techniques are best when behaviors become challenging.
Even the most challenging individuals with a dementia can stay at home with the right kind of care, loving caregivers, 24/7 professional backup and creative thinking!