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PRZOOM - /newswire/ -
Agawam, MA, United States, 2011/08/14 - Positive Dementia Care Services, the only occupational therapy agency specializing in dementia care in Western Massachusetts, has launched its in-home services.
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Positive Dementia Care Services, the only occupational therapy agency specializing in dementia care in Western Massachusetts, has launched its in-home services. Taking a positive approach to providing in-home therapy for dementia patients, Positive Dementia Care Services collaborates with families and caregivers to create care plans that alleviate caregiver stress and recognize the unique characteristics of each patient.
Caregivers experience a great deal of stress, but research shows that having a problem-solving approach to caregiving issues and specialized communication techniques help alleviate the stress. Positive Dementia Care Services collaborates with caregivers to formulate a written care plan and educate the family on what to expect when caring for a loved one with dementia.
In the patient’s home, Positive Dementia Care assesses where the patient is with regards to the 7 stages of dementia as defined by the Alzheimer’s Association. They also interview family members as well as the caregiver and patient to get a fuller picture of concerns, abilities and life before the dementia diagnosis. Positive Dementia Care Services then evaluates:
• Home safety;
• Fall risk;
• Abilities of the patient, including self-care abilities.
The written care plans are formulated according to the assessments and are designed to establish activities, including recreational activities and self-care activities like grooming, dressing and toileting, that the dementia patient can do independently. Positive Dementia Care Services aims to help patients patient remain as independent in their daily lives as possible and prevent decline.
By collaborating with Positive Dementia Care Services, caregivers learn what to expect when caring for a loved one with dementia. After the care plan is formulated, Positive Dementia Care Services provides in-home support and training to caregivers, including creative strategies to implement the care plan. Positive Dementia Care Services trains caregivers in techniques to care for the patient and how to communicate with their loved one.
Positive Dementia Care Services is also available for ongoing Occupational Therapy support, which is a key component of dementia care. They assist with:
• Maintaining patients’ ability to care for themselves;
• Function at the highest possible level utilizing their unique skills and abilities;
• Providing activities appropriate for their stage of dementia;
• Maintaining as much independence as possible;
• Devising activities to stimulate the patient’s mind.
“Caring for a dementia patient can be a positive experience for a family, caregiver and the dementia patient,” said Donna Dorans OTRL, President, Positive Dementia Care Services. “With the right education, care plan and collaboration, we can alleviate caregiver stress and improve the quality of life for both the caregiver and the patient.”
Nearly 1 in 7 U.S. adults over the age of 71 have dementia, and as the U.S. population ages, dementia will only become more common. Positive Dementia Care Services was founded to address the issues of caregivers and dementia patients, providing patients with independence and dignity while assisting caregivers with the associated challenges.
Donna has 35 years of occupational therapy experience and 18 years working with dementia patients. She regularly attends continuing education classes focusing on dementia care and teaches workshops to other therapists, caregivers and families. She is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
About Positive Dementia Care Services
Founded by Donna Dorans OTRL, Positive Dementia Care Services is an Occupational Therapy company focused exclusively on dementia care. Positive Dementia Care Services creates care plans for individuals with dementia to alleviate the stress that caregivers experience. Through education, assessment and recognizing the unique characteristics of each person, Positive Dementia Care Services works to find a care plan that works for the individual and family.
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ddorans[.]aol.com 
