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Welcome to Memory Care Support’s
October 2023 Newsletter!
Getting Dementia Care Right
Getting Dementia Care Right is required reading for all of us, young and old, as it strikes at the heart of all the essential questions in health care. An extraordinarily compelling and caring study of what dementia care could be, based on a lifetime of observation and involvement. This book is a light of hope for those making tough decisions for loved ones, and a profound reorientation for those implementing them. Ellett puts humanity and joy back into the key elements of care.” Patricia Dailey, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Columbia University.
I’m pleased to let you know that my book Getting Dementia Care Right – What’s Not Working and How It Can Change has just been published by Health Professions Press. This book has dual audiences – it is written both for professionals and for those living with dementia and their family support partners because I believe we are stronger together and can work collectively to create positive change.
Amazon.com: Getting Dementia Care Right: What's Not Working and How It Can Change eBook : Ellett, Anne: Books
Getting Dementia Care Right - Health Professions Press (healthpropress.com)
My premise is that dementia care in the United States is “stuck.” I have worked as a nurse practitioner specializing in dementia for over 20 years and continue to see misperceptions that perpetuate stigma and restrict innovations. While there has been significant financial resources directed toward the construction of new memory care communities, unfortunately there has been little focus on improved training and wages for staff. Staff turnover and disengaged leadership allow for the continuation of outdated approaches and policies which limit opportunities for meaningful life.
Anyone who knows me has heard me say, “Good dementia care is complicated.” It is so much more than just a clean and attractive environment. If we consider each person living with dementia as an individual, then their needs, desires and capabilities are unique. The hallmark of good care is relationship-based and supports each person to live a meaningful life.
The concept of “dignity of risk” challenges professionals and family support partners to see the person first and look beyond restrictive policies focused on surplus safety. Throughout the book I share examples from new models of support and introduce workable strategies that can create change.
For the dedicated and committed staff working throughout memory care in assisted living communities and nursing homes, examples of realistic, achievable practices are offered to help set the course for positive change. There are downloadable tools for staff to use to assess care and create culture change. In addition, there are strategies for assessing residents with distressing actions and how best to support them.
People living with dementia are often at a loss of how to choose a life-affirming residential-care environment. Decisions may be made at a time of crises and the choices are influenced by close proximity or how attractive the lobby looks.
Every memory care community will tell you they do a great job and offer person-centered care. How can you look past the sales pitch to see if quality care is offered? As part of the strategic tools available in the book, I have included a list of items that people living with dementia and their families can use when they tour a memory care home to assess its quality of life for residents. And every chapter has a designated section for people living with dementia, to highlight key points.
Change starts with each of us asking ourselves, “What would I want?” For all readers, whether memory care professionals, people living with dementia, or family members, the takeaway is that we can do better. Let’s get started!
“In an age where a diagnosis of dementia triggers associated stigmas and devaluation of a person’s worth, Anne Ellett is a breath of fresh air. Her passion to see the person first and the philosophical and practical approaches that inform her decades of work, compelled The Green House® Project to seek her expertise in developing their Best Life dementia curriculum for care partners.” Susan Ryan, CEO, Center for Innovation/The Green House® Project
Have a great day!
If you work in Assisted Living or Nursing Homes and want to make your dementia care program even better email or call me for a free consultation.
Anne Ellett, N.P., M.S.N.
AANC Certified Gerontological Nurse
Founder, Executive Director - Memory Care Support
www.MemoryCareSupport.com
AEllett@MemoryCareSupport.com
Ph. 949 933-6201
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