Interim HealthCare Launches Dementia Program to Train Caregivers

SUNRISE, Fla. (August 6, 2018)—The prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is rapidly growing in the United States. Currently, approximately 40 percent of people over the age of 70 have been diagnosed with some type of dementia or related disease, and over the next few decades this number is expected to increase 50 percent.

In direct response to this, Interim HealthCare Inc. has launched a formal dementia program devoted to providing the necessary educational materials and tools to caregivers across its network of national locations. Utilizing a science-backed approach to dementia care, specialized training is being offered to better understand how a patient’s brain is changing at each stage of disease progression.

“Our caregivers are the foundation of providing the highest quality of home health care. We believe it is critical that they have a full understanding of how this disease progresses to customize appropriate care plans,” said Larry Kraska, Interim HealthCare Inc. CEO and president. “We place a high value on providing educational opportunities to ensure our caregivers have the most comprehensive training and development programs. Given the rising senior population and expected increase in those with this diagnosis, launching this program is our way to equip our health care professionals with deeper insight into the cognitive changes that occur in a person living with dementia.”

Interim HealthCare Inc.’s program is based on the methodology of Teepa Snow, an international expert in the Positive Approach to Care (PAC) for those living with dementia. Interim HealthCare Inc.’s senior manager of Program Development and Implementation, Catherine M. Tedder, has obtained her certification in the Teepa Snow PAC philosophy. The training being provided is curriculum-based and centers around the Teepa Snow GEMS Brain Change model. Various education modules offered to the Interim network focus on how to keep their patients safe, comfortable and engaged using this proven methodology.

“This program is specifically designed to help everyone that is affected by dementia and related diseases, including clinicians, caregivers, sales staff, office staff and volunteers,” said Tedder. “We are committed to making sure everyone, across all our franchise locations, has the confidence to effectively navigate the complex care needed for our patients, as well as their families.”

To learn more about Interim HealthCare’s dementia program, click here.

Visit interimhealthcare.com for more information.