POSITIVE APPROACH DEMENTIA CARE TRAINING
DEVELOP SKILLS FOR QUALITY CARE
IMPROVE OUTCOMES
SUSTAIN QUALITY OF LIFE
CERTIFIED TRAINING
Develop Hands-On Skills & Strategies
Gain Awareness & Knowledge
Receive Support & Become Empowered
Dementia is a term that describes a number of neurological progressive disorders. It is not a disease but a syndrome, causing brain cells to die.
POSITIVE APPROACH TO CARE® (PAC) WORKSHOPS
The hands-on skills, knowledge and strategies provided in PAC workshops are based on the philosophy’s and teachings of one of America’s leading educators on dementia, Teepa Snow. Her specific curriculum and training is built on the PAC methodology that will transform what exits into a more positive dementia care culture. The PAC techniques integrate facts about the brain with experiences and needs when doing, thinking, reasoning or processing becomes different or difficult due to dementia. Learn dementia related information, have the ability to routinely apply these skills, fully understand and embody the PAC philosophy with people living with dementia. Learn to identify and respond to unmet needs, develop the skills of Positive Physical Approach® (PPA) and Hand-Under-Hand® (HUH) guiding and assisting to improve day to day interactions and outcomes with people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia.
PROFESSIONALS & FAMILIES
Our targeted audience is Family Care Partners, Care Givers and staff in RCFE’s (Residential Care Facilities for Elderly) and Assisted Living Communities, Certified Administrators, Home Health Care Providers, Hospice and Palliative Care Companies, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, CNA’s, Doctors, Chaplains, Firefighters, Police Officers...basically, all families and professionals that work with and or care for people living with Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia.
WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE
NORMAL vs. NOT NORMAL AGING
Learners will understand and recognize the difference between “normal” and “not normal” aging. Develop skills to identify and intervene effectively when behavioral challenges occur. Obtain hands-on techniques and strategies related to approach, cueing and abilities to connect with people affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of Dementia. This workshop will also address typical issues that occur from early stages of the condition through mid-disease and into the end phase that are part of the progression of brain failure.
GEM’S® THAT SHINE
The GEM’S® philosophy, also developed by Teepa Snow, provides information on how to classify and define the changes in a person due to the effects of dementia. GEM’S® classifies a state or stage of dementia and helps to improve interactions and to learn to appreciate the individual at each stage. The GEM’S® characteristics focus on ability instead of loss and are valuable tools to assist with changing abilities that impact relationships and expectations. Learn about what it means to be living in a world with these GEM’S®... Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Amber, Ruby and Pearl. All people, whatever their state of being, in the right setting and with the right care, can shine!
IT’S ALL IN YOUR APPROACH
Making positive connections and improving your ability to approach, connect and care with those living with Alzheimer’s Disease or any other form of dementia will have a huge impact on the response of the person you’re approaching. Learn and discover how to recognize and address sensory needs and tolerance with Visual-Verbal-Touch and the 3 Zones of Human Awareness. Practice of Positive Approach to Care® ‘care partnering’ techniques including Positive Physical Approach® (PPA) and Hand-Under-Hand® (HUH) while modifying techniques by level of dementia.
OVERCOME CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS
Become aware and recognize unmet needs when challenging behaviors are present. Learn to understand which physical and emotional needs can cause difficult behaviors. Develop hands-on techniques to connect and comfort by using visual, verbal, auditory and physical connections. Acquire new skills related to approach, cueing and ability to connect with people affected by dementia to help reduce the chance of future escalations and make your loved one feel at ease.
HANDOUTS PROVIDED
Participants will leave sessions with a better understanding about the devastating experience of losing cognitive ability and or functionality as well as insights in interpreting needs. These effective dementia care workshops are for anyone who wants to improve their ability to approach, connect and provide positive care with those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and other brain changing illnesses. Handouts provided.
CERTIFIED POSITIVE APPROACH TO CARE® (PAC) TRAINERS
LAURA DIGILIO
Laura DiGilio became a Certified Positive Approach to Care® Trainer in 2016. Her professional and personal combined experience consists of over 15 years of hands-on dementia care partnering with both male and female patients, a Volunteer Ombudsman (Resident Advocate) with Council on Aging Southern California, Certified Administrator with CA Dept. of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division, a dedicated Servant with the Elder Care Ministry at Saddleback Church, Activities Director and Bereavement Advocate.
DEBBIE RICKER, OTR/L, DRS
Debbie Ricker, a graduate of Loma Linda University with a degree in Occupational Therapy. Debbie is a Driving Rehabilitation Specialist and specializes in working with older adults. She is also a Certified Positive Approach to Care® Trainer and is one of the nation’s leading experts on driving and dementia. She continues to assess individuals who have had a stoke, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, diabetes, tumors, brain injuries, other forms of dementia and or medical conditions affecting a person’s ability to drive. Debbie’s Occupational Therapy services have become well renowned throughout California. Please feel free to email Debbie at: Dbrckr@gmail.com
YOUR CERTIFIED PAC TRAINING TEAM
Both Laura and Debbie are located in Orange County, CA. They recognize cultural diversity and they share the same passion for proper loving care for the elderly. If you are looking to develop effective skills and gain knowledge to care for people living with Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of Dementia, this is the training team you‘re looking for. Their combined skills, wisdom and professionalism is what makes them a team for effective deliverance...exceeding your expectations.