BEHIND EVERY GREAT CAREGIVER: HOW COMMITMENT TO TRAINING & EDUCATION SHAPES COMPASSIONATE MEMORY CARE
Ongoing education empowers team members to form meaningful connections with those needing memory care. At Elegance, we recognize the value of investing in training our team members so they can help your family feel supported and connected.
Understanding the CARES® approach
When a person is struggling with memory loss, they may see some situations differently than other people do, making communication difficult. This can often be a challenging situation, and it can be hard to know what to do.
To give the most thoughtful attention possible to your loved one, our team is trained and certified in the CARES® Dementia 5-Step Method™. This approach helps caregivers meet residents where they are and respond in a way that makes sense to them in their current reality.
The method is simple but effective:
- Connect with the person
Build trust by using positive body language and gentle tones. Seek a point of personal connection to put them at ease.
- Assess behavior
Consider all actions and behaviors carefully. They are forms of communication that can help you understand how to address the person’s needs more effectively.
- Respond appropriately
Be patient. Use non-pharmacological strategies and creative problem-solving rather than immediate reactions or medications.
- Evaluate what works
Notice how the individual responds to your intervention and adjust your tactics over time.
- Share with others
Communicate successful techniques to family members and interdisciplinary team members for consistency.
“The CARES® approach gives our team members practical skills and confidence to support our residents with compassion, consistency, and respect. Through CARES training, the team gain a deeper understanding of each resident’s unique needs, enhancing quality of life, strengthening relationships, and creating a more supportive environment for residents, families, and fellow team members.” – Kimberly Severns-Jones, SVP of Wellness & Quality, Elegance Senior Living
Continual Caregiver Growth and Development
When caregivers are equipped to look beyond a behavior or situation, they can focus on the unique personality and background of the person they work with, leading to a more holistic approach to care. Studies show that ongoing education can help reduce caregiver stress, leading to better resident outcomes and interactions.1 This deepens relationships, improves safety, builds trust, and leads to successful experiences for all involved.
Some reliable methods for memory care include:
- Respect the person’s unique abilities and personality
- Support them while they navigate feelings of stress or uncertainty
- Reduce the pace of interactions and don’t rush the process
Truly effective care comes from understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to memory support, and it’s important to tailor the approach to each person and follow a system that celebrates their individuality.
Education & Connection Is the Key to Great Care
Reliable methods such as the CARES® approach lead to more effective communication and deeper relationships, and when it comes to your loved one, you deserve to feel confident that their caregivers are qualified, knowledgeable, and continuously learning
Ready to meet our knowledgeable team? Schedule a visit to learn more and take a tour.
- Nccdp. Effective Dementia Interventions: Evidence-Based Approaches. NCCDP. https://www.nccdp.org/effective-dementia-interventions-evidence-based-approaches/