A NEW PHILOSOPHY FOR DEMENTIA CARE

Most people feel a of sense despair when a loved one receives a diagnosis of dementia. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

According to Dr. John Zeisel, internationally known expert on dementia care and treatment innovations, “With some work, we can adopt a feeling of hope.”

Zeisel was at The Highlands at Wyomissing in Berks County last month to speak to residents as well as community members.

Zeisel delivered the keynote during the facility’s first community impact symposium to highlight a new a philosophy of memory care called the “I’m Still

Here” approach.

“To take part on this groundbreaking symposium was an honor,” said Zeisel, co-founder and CEO of Hearthstone Alzheimer Care. “Caregivers shared their stories, while I shared lessons I have learned over my years in the field.

“My main message is that meaningful engagement — not just tossing a ball back and forth — is actual treatment for the disability of dementia. Engagement replaces the four A’s of Alzheimer’s

— anxiety, agitation, aggression and apathy. Techniques are available to successfully carry out the basic form of engagement with those living with dementia, conversation.”

While dementia is a common condition, it is also often misunderstood. During the event at The Highlands, the program included dementia simulation activities to promote awareness and empathy of the challenges senior adults have manag

COURTESY OF THE HIGHLANDS AT WYOMISSING From left, Robert Duchynski, Carol Duchynski, Marjorie Miller, Janet Ustaszewski and Richard Odenweller participate in a program about dementia at The Highlands at Wyomissing.

COURTESY OF THE HIGHLANDS AT WYOMISSING Residents participate in a program about dementia at The Highlands at Wyomissing.