What’s the first thing that comes to mind regarding someone you love receiving a dementia diagnosis,
such as Alzheimer’s disease?

For most people, “a fear of suffering, for many years” is the first devastating thought. That’s sobering.
We must stop and ask, how can those who work in health care, and all of society, ensure “suffering”
isn’t an inevitable reality with a dementia diagnosis? How can we help the person diagnosed, and their
loved ones, to live well with dementia?

Suffering Is Not Inevitable With A Dementia Diagnosis

First, let’s challenge that fear and belief of “inevitable suffering.” There is potential to experience quality
of life with dementia. It begins with changing our perspective and beliefs. We must strive for far better
than “suffering from dementia” and know quality of life is possible. It also requires we have the
specialized knowledge and skills to simplify beloved activities to the person’s ability level and to adapt
our communication and approach to match where the person is in the disease process. This is the
essence of specialized dementia care.

Stay Focused on Person-Centered and Cognitively Supportive

Person-centered and cognitively supportive approach is critical to enable the individual living with
dementia to achieve their quality of life and functional potential. What a wonderful message of light and hope you can deliver amid so much darkness and despair.

“Thriving With Dementia” is Essential Reading for Caregivers

I hope you will find this eBook, spotlighting specialized dementia care at home, to be informative and
helpful. Our goal, whether care is provided at home or in senior living, is to minimize the impact of
dementia on the person, their loved ones, and their care partners. Remember, perspective matters, as
does quality: Quality care leads to quality of life, and many other quality outcomes.

Fact Check: Suffering from dementia is not inevitable. Living well with a dementia diagnosis is very
much a possibility. Now let’s make it happen! (Chris - Kim wants to ensure you do something to make
these 3 bolded lines stand out)

Gain the knowledge and skills to optimize function, safety, and quality of life for those you serve and certifications to distinguish yourself or your organization as a leader
 

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