A number of the care coordinators at Friends Life Care have completed the Alzheimer’s Association Person-Centered Habilitation Therapy Training. This training is one more way that the team focuses on the changing needs of members as they age.

Joining Friends Life Care

Thousands of older adults have joined Friends Life Care through the years. By doing so, they put a plan in place to help secure their future.

When an individual becomes a member, they are in good health.  As we all inevitably get older, though, this may change for some people.  And it does not matter if the change is episodic or long-term, Friends Life Care is by a member’s side to help.  

Impact of a Dementia/Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

A dementia diagnosis is arguably one of the most devastating diagnoses a person can receive.  It can rob the individual of their very identity.  The diagnosis takes an emotional toll on the individual and their family.  Dementia can also present unique challenges when it comes to caregiving. 

The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.  Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease.

As of last year, there were approximately 6.5 million Americans — aged 65 and older — with a Alzheimer’s diagnosis. And this is on the rise. The increase in the number of Alzheimer’s cases is directly related to the fact that the large baby boomer generation is advancing in age.

It is estimated that by the year 2050, people aged 65 and up who are living with Alzheimer’s may climb to 12.7 million.

A Goal of Stellar Care & Support

It is for these reasons, and many more, that the Friends Life Care care coordination team works diligently to ensure they are up to date on the latest research, methods, and theories surrounding dementia.  Training in these topics aids the team as they seek to provide stellar support to individuals with the diagnosis, their loved ones, and their caregivers. 

Recently, four care coordinators finished their training in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Person-Centered Habilitation Therapy Model.  This accomplishment means all current care coordinators who serve this population have completed this training. 

Please join us in congratulating care coordinators Erin Price, Jennifer Schwartz,  Jen Arnold and Katelyn Schunkewitz, for finishing this important training!   

About Person-Centered Habilitation Therapy

The Person-Centered Habilitation Therapy training is extensive. It covers topics such as understanding and responding to behavior as communication, supporting families, burnout and compassion fatigue, and building person centered care plans. 

This training from the Alzheimer’s Association stresses the importance of meeting people where they are, instead of trying to rehabilitate them if they are unable to return to their prior level of functioning.  The training focuses on implementing each strategy around the uniqueness of the individual.   

The coordinators participated in case studies, watched videos of people living with the diagnosis, shared experiences, and discussed how to implement this training into their work. 

The group dedicated an entire day to immersing themselves in the training and experience of living with a dementia diagnosis.  Each coordinator left the experience with new ideas and methods to assist their Friends Life Care members. 

We are so proud to work with a team that is committed to improving the lives of those living with dementia and their loved ones.  A big thank you to the care coordination team for their participation in the training.   

 

 

Contributed by:

Katie Starrantino, LCSW, M.Ed, CDP — Director of Wellness Initiatives
(she/her)

Katie has been working in the medical field for over 10 years.  During this time she has assisted in meeting the psychosocial needs of individuals living with cancer, rehabilitation patients, nursing home residents, primary care patients and individuals with a dementia diagnosis.

Katie is a licensed clinical social worker who holds a masters degree in social work from West Chester University.  In addition, she has a masters degree in human sexuality from Widener University.  She is a certified dementia practitioner. And she is also trained to teach the Alzheimer’s Association’s Person Centered Habilitation Training curriculum.

Katie developed and carried out various wellness programs for non-profit organizations, aimed at keeping patients feeling their best. Katie enjoys forming relationships with her members and assisting to keep them to be happy and healthy.

 

Friends Life Care  posts on the eMeetinghouse blog. as another way to share health, wellness and prevention information to aging adults.  Friends Life Care is a mission-driven nonprofit that — for over 30 years — has been helping older adults — especially Friends Life Care members — to thrive at home as they age.  If you are not yet a Friends Life Care member, connect with us with questions for one of our Plan Counselors on the benefits joining.