Testimonials.
New York State ADHCC Annual Spring Conference:
Topic: Developing Self Esteem and Wellness Programs
Topic: How to Deal with Combative and Aggressive Behaviors
Date: April 2nd 2008
Speaker: Sandra Stimson CALA, ADC, CDP
"Thank you for the in-service material and i would love to have my whole staff present for this seminar, great job" RN
"I learned that I need to keep vigilant with my staff in the areas reiterated today, thank you!" RN
"Good Ideas for Programs I havent tried" Activity Professional
"I learned to use tools to raise self esteem" RN
"she knew her subject" Administrator
"Great resources" RN
"Nice packet of information" Social Worker
"I have many MRDD clients that this information pertains to" RN
"Great tools to take back to staff" RN
"Provided essential information" RN
"Information was good" RN
"Excellent ideas for activities" RN
"I liked the ideas of careplanning self esteem and would like to do self esteem screens in my program and then utilize programs shown to develope self esteem" RN
"Great Ideas and great hand outs" Social Worker
"new ideas helped" LPN
"I was pleased with all information provided" RN
"I learned how to deal with participants iwth dementia who have behavoral problems." RN
"I liked the in-service idea and books and good resources" Director of ADC
"All very interesting" LPN
"provided endless possibilities to use in my day program" Therapeutic Recreation
"I was plased with appropriate interventions and techniques and suggestions for alternative activities" ADHC Director
"Overall programw as terrific" RN
"Will go back with renewed vigor to implement your suggestions" RN
"Sandra had an engaging personality and provided lots of information" Social Worker
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Certified Dementia Care Manager and Train the Trainer Course
Orlando Florida 4/23/08
"I loved this seminar. The instructors were extremely knowledable and interesting. The content and presentations was excellent. Both Lynn and Sandra were very personable and easy to talk to. They made this experience very rewarding. I am confident that i will be able to present this program because I know that I will have them as a resource and support when needed. I learned of more wander / elopement prevention programs and approaches. Also about enhanced activities more appropriate for dementia residents as well as tips /ideas and how to create / maintain a therapeutic environment for dementia patients. Really I learned so much. I plan to bring this program to my facility and restructure and manage and oversee our dementia unit to assure we are practicing best standards at our facility.
Michelle Brady Director of In-service education St. Catherine of Siena
"I can't wait to start teaching this class, I loved the stories."
Carol Neil RN, MSN
Administrator Hope Adult Medical Day Care
"It was all very motivational and confirmed my concepts I try to follow. I learned about validation therapy and sexualty and how to handle.
Janet Renkiewcz Horizonvue Community Manager (Dementia Unit) Granvue Medical Care Facility
"It was clear and well prepared course. My knowledge of the class is so much better. I feel well prepared to train." Melva Noakes Administrator Comfort Living Services
"I enjoyed the flow fo the course. I felt all aspects were benefical and as a young health care professional this course really increased my knowledge. I feel learning how to calm residents in periods of agitation, was particularyly helpful and will benefit the staff when i train as well as my self."
Megan Cook Director of Social Services The Waterfod
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Alzheimer's and Dementia Seminar
April 23rd 2008
Orlando Florida
"I will address my staff to treat members accordingly." Activity Professional
"Nothing disappointed me about this class. Really enjoyed the class and learned alot." LPN
"For participants attending would like a longer break time to check out of hotel" Social Worker
"Facilities need to be more forward on dementia training and encourage staff to think outside the box vs just teaching state mandated course. Every facility should do this course." Social Worker
"Enjoyed all the topics discussed. Very informative and practical application." RN
"So many good ideas, techniques to deal with dementia resident. Can't wait to inservice my staff and provide information on communication and validation techniques." RN
"Speakers made presentation especially interesting. Depression may mask dementia is something i learned. I will remind my staff members of the imporatance of knowing the resident" Staff Developement Coordinatior
"New approaches to teaching cnas who work on the dementia unit." RN
"This course beneficial to health care givers" RN Education
"The content was very broad, lots of diversity and i was immensely impressed." LPN
"As i direct my aspect of teaching so the dementia patient can stay at home, my primary focus is the caregiver and keeping them out of the grave, the avenues of information that were opened up to be was phenom!!!" RN
"Speakers content was wonderful." Social Worker
"They provided us with material that is useful and can be used. I like the activity calendar ideas and dining programs materials. "Activity Professional / Social Worker
"I really thought the example of a systematic search for residents and having a grid of the building was very helpful and will take this back to my facility. I really enjoyed the Quality Assurance suggestion on the noise level for the locked unit. I also took the suggestion of eliminating ball toss from the activity calendar" Activity Professional
"I learned new tools to deliver better care" Activity Professional
"Refreshing and possitive. I work on an Alzheimer's unit for almost 6 years and I learned alot." LPN
"All great, so much information, so little time. I learned impact of residents with dementia and communication." RN
"I enjoyed your stories as life experience is truly what it is all about. I think i will use your ideas in this area or individuality. Administrator.
"I enjoyed the class and it was educational and informative. It gave me real life examples. Enoyed the information and plan to share with my staff." CTRS
Alzheimer's and Dementia Seminar February 12 2008
New Jersey Training
NCCDP ExecutiveTrainers
Lynn Biot Gordon LCSW
Sandra Stimson CDP, CALA, ADC
Train the Trainers:
"I was extremely pleased with the entire set up. All information will be great at my facility and as my facility dementia unit is in the construction phase" Cheryl Golden
"This course cemented information and verified information that had been learned before" Karen Baranauskor
"I thought today would go very slowly but It did not. The presenters kept me interested. This seminar refreshed my memory of the things i knew and I am looking forward to educate my staff through inservices" Shannon Birn
"I enjoyed everything very much." Learned some great ideas on presenting each topic" Nellie Stolarz
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Alzheimer's and dementia seminar February 12th 2008
"I learned interventions using validation therapy and was pleased with the materials and resources given and shown."
"Great source of information, great speakers and i will share with staff and administration."
"I felt all aspects of the seminar were important and interesting and well presented. I would recommend this to all my collegues, and will enforce routine on my floor daily, and the information provided on safety devices not available in america was interesting."
"Everything was well presented and educational."
"Most seminars usually deal with nursing and enjoyed area on activities and nutrition and also loved resource sites."
"I learned the importance of having a policy for dementia unit during a fire drill and monitoring doors, and not having tray service for meals."
"I got great ideas for staff meetings."
"I thought switching back and forth between presenters was great as each had their own style. The material was presented in a well organized easy to understand manner and questions were welcomed"
"Several resources were cited which will be helpful. I learned different techniques for dealing with dementia behavior which will use with dealing with my residents."
"The information i received today, will help me to do Alzheimer's training in my facility this year."
"Very well organized presentation, from Power point to the communication video to the binders, educators dynamic and very informative, resources were wonderful"
"Not enough time to take notes from power point"
"I learned the importance of therapeutic team approach on a dementia unit"
"I learned more about wandering"
"The material was well presented, so much today, as a result i will share with my co workers this informaiton."
"Thank you for giving me ways to deal with repetitive questions, especially ones dealing with , "wheres my husband?"
"I felt this seminar was very informative, it was done creatively and it was well organized, i also learned how to educate my staff and family members about dementia care especially validation vs reality."
"Great illustrations, many great ideas for activity intervetnions and hydration issues."
"The seminar moved at a fast pace, some additional time for exchanging ideaw with other participants and the presenters would be appreciated."
"I learned how to address resident needs specific to alzheimer's dementia."
"Material was very educational, speakers were very informative, sessions very long but well worth it, and i will be able to bring this back to speak with assistants about dementia."
"I can't wait to apply to be a cdp"
"Very detailed program, best i've been to in a long time and i'll be using alot of todays program where i work."
"The nutritional part was good and informational"
"Everything was excellent and i am going to take the next Train the Trainer class"
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Trinity Continuing Care Services
Training December 5th 2007
Michigan Staff Training for two facilities
Evaluation Comments from Staff.
*I learned the importance of really knowing more about your resident can sometimes make a difficult situation easier to solve.
*A wonderful presentation.
*I am grateful my company invested me for this program.
* I liked the advance training in dementia.
*Very professional, kept my attention.
* I learned the importance of strategies to overcome life issues of a dementia patient.
* I was pleased with new resources and tools to use.
*I learned so much about elopement and wanderers.
*I liked all the new resources
*I learned that USA is not the global leader in dementia care.
*The trainers were excellent
*I enjoyed the entire presention, great job."
* l learned way to much to give a complete answer on this evaluation.
* I found it extremly interesting and I learned alot.
*I learned creative ways to take care of Dementia and Alzheimer's patients and keep them interested.
*You guys were great, especially cramming all that information into one day. I love that you traveled to do the training for our facility.
* I learned alot of material and it was very interesting.
* I learned there is alot of things that should be changed at some facilities.
* This course validated some of the great things we do at our facility and with our dementia clients.
* I enjoyed hearing the stories about the resident who was pushing another reisdent in wheel chairs.
*Elopement piece of the training was very interesting.
*I am really excited to get started using some of the things you taught us with our dementia clients.
* I thought it was presented well.
*I learned the right way to work with patients with repetitive questions.
*The instructors are very knowledgable, have Sandra Stimson and Lynn Gordon back again.
*You gave great advise all the way around.
*All was well presented, i learned about the stages of aggression, which i did not know.
* Learned the importance of using smaller sentences and being calm.
*Great stories and skilled speakers.
*Really liked the stories that were integrated in the seminars.
*I learned how to talk to the residents on a better level, how to present yourself to the resident when they are angry, depressed and when they wander it may be due to much stimulation. Too much stimulation is harmful.
*Great seminar
* I learned too much to write down. I learned dementia residents never loose the ability to problem solve.
*Great seminar and loved the personal stories.
*I found the communciation section very interesting and helpful for my job.
*The validation section will help me to calm and help my patients work through their most difficult times.
* Because of the training, i now feel it will be easier for me to work better with my residents.
* I liked the visual explanation you gave about the disease that causes dementia.
*Very interesting day and the trainers held my attention.
*Relating the stories that you told from your consulting experience is great.
* I feel better trained to deal with frustrating residents.
*Enjoyed the "real examples", the enthusisium of the speakers, their knowledge adn ability to share.
*The whole thing was great. I learned how to help the problem instead of adding to it.
*Excellent seminar, very detailed and in depth and also good humor.
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Training Held at Crown Plaza Hotel New York
November 10 2007
Participants: Director of Nursings, Activity Professionals, Nurse Practitioners, Social Workers, Nursing Assistants.
Comments:
New information reinforcement of present practice.
I learned how to provide wholestic personal care for patients, self and family.
All aspects were pleasing, however diversity / cultural competence is exceptional.
I learned alot on every topic and is applicable. This is knowledge i will reinforce with my families.
I lerned new approach to problem solving issues with residents who fall frequently and have behavioral problems. Can you visit our activity department it needs overhauling?
I was pleased with end of life care and cultural assessments.
I will inservice my recreation staff and care givers who work on the dementia unit.
As a professional working in a nursing home, particularly a demenita unit, I must say the entire seminar pleased me very much and will greatly enhance my skills.
I wish I could go back to my facility and practice everything that i learned today.
I enjoyed the approaches of the dementia patient.
I thought that there were excellent points and knowledge given today but feel that in the real every day today practices, you cant teach new dogs (administration) new tricks.
I will try to adapt the new information learned today in my daily tasks and interaction with my residents on the dementia unit and my mixed unit.
I learned about the dying process.
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Seminar held on November 20th 2007
Hosted by the Richard Simon Center for Alzheimer's
Jan Golembiski CSW
Coordinator of Richard Simon Center for Alzheimer's
Galloway NJ
Seminar was wonderful.
I specifically enjoyed learning about behaviors. When workin with people in the community, you give great tips for Wanderers and behavior.
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Audience made up of Geriatric Care Managers, Nursing, Social Workers, Administrators and Activity Professionals.
These are their comments.
You have the most comprehensive curriculum out there.
Excellent speakers, knowledgable on the topic, and most important kept everyones interest.
A wealth of informaton. Nice to have a list of resources. Great sampling of situations faced in the field. Awesome binder of useful data.
I learned to treat the individual as an individual and don't angry instead go to Maslows!
Lots of resources to use and look up.
I learned about resources and suggestions for care givers and increased my knowledge about care givers roles.
The hand out binder is excellent. So well organized. I like the fact that I can "listen" to the speakers without having to worry about taking notes..
I learned not to automatically declare dementia but rather to screen for depression or drug abuse. I had never heard of reversible dementia.
This seminar was very interesting and kept the entire audience attention during the entire time.
I learned to teach other ways to intervene.
It is obvious that you come very prepared and knowledgable about what you are teaching.
I learned that as a professional, that i dont know enough about dementia and need to keep learning.
Owners of facilities should participate in the training before they are alllowed to open a facility.
Pleased with the presenters interaction with the audience.
You were highly received by all in my observation!!!!
I learned to safe guard my wandering clients. I will look into the local sheriffs department about project lifesaver. I am taking all this information back to share with my staff.
I liked that the instructors incorporated life experience into your presentation. Personal touches always makes the seminar pleasurable especially since it was 8 hours.
Real time information is great.
I was very pleased with wandering. I just had a experience with my mother leaving an adult day care center. The material was absolutely wonderful.
The wandering information was excellent, especially the information on Project Lifesaver.
I am already a CDP, but i found the seminar still excellent refresher and upt to date.
I loved the power point you used.
I learned about Safe Return with the Alzheimer's Association.
I liked the parts dealing with Cultural Diversity and sexual behaviors techniques.
I learned new approaches to integrate into the facility and to inservice my staff with.
The hand out notebooks is a great resouces to share with families and staff.
Upbeat presentation. Did'nt drag on like most seminars. Good information. I learned new ideas and techniques in dealing with dementia clients..
There was so much positive information given to us today. I will use the notebook and my notes and give an inservice to my staff on the dementia unit.
It was very intersting beyound what i thought and expected.
The entire seminar was fantastic. It would be wonderful to have certain parts taught to my life staff.
I found the seminar to be extremely informative, particularly the wandering program and diversity.
The notebook is very much appreciated. Lots of great hand outs. Thanks.
I learned about all the clinical tests adn will pass this information on to my care givers.
I learned about environment factors when creating a dementia unit.
There was nothing disappointing about this seminar.
The instructors kept my attention the entire time.
I learned great communication tips.
I learned alot from the hand out notebook and the lecture, mainly in the activities area.
I was pleased with the Nursing Home prepardness for wandering.
I really had a great experience, the speakers were both pleasant and entertaining. I learned alot of information about Alzheimer's and dementia.
Lynn informative and kept our attention.
Lynn knowledable and good sense of humor.
The sharing of personal stories added to the understanding of dementia.
I will take the information i learned and share with my clients.
All were great.
I learned about activities and cultural diversity.
The seminar was well organized and was high in content. The which was provided will provide good follow up. I learned, overall information regarding Alzheimer's clients needs and how to handle various problems with the care..
Overall program was excellent. Alot of information which reinforced what i knew and provided more information that i did not know.
I liked the information about the Transfer waiver with reversiable dementia.
I loved all the useful web sites.
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Oct 27 2007 Train the Trainer Seminar
Very pleased with the materials provided. Seminar was very organized.
Julie Fernandez
Vice President
Spring Hills Assisted Living
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Oct 27th 2007
"Loved It"
Karen Connelly TXC
Activity Director Network
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Oct 27th 2007 Dallas Texas Training
"Train the Trainer"
This was the best and most useful seminar i have ever attended.
I am very excited in taking this back to our organization and helping our caregivers to take even better care of our residents. There were so many knowledgeable tools and tips from the communication, nutrition, behavior. All of this will be helpful in training my staff.
Susan Speed RNC
Training Coordinator
Employee Health
Bivins / Childres
Amarillo TX
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Hi Sandra and Lynn,
Thanks for such a informative and knowledgeable seminar on Saturday. I am so ready to begin teaching what I have learned. I have already finished the books. It was wonderful and very inspiring.
Susan Speed RNC CDP
Training Coordinator
Bivins/Childers Nsg Facilities
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October 24th 2007
The staff evaluations (of your program), exemplify both (2 days) of the programs were excellent and provided the essential information on the care of the dementia patient. Participants verbalized to me how wonderful they thought the program was and your delivery of the content was dynamic and inspiring. It was a pleasure working with Lynn and Sandra on this program. We look forward to having you both back for another program in 2008. Bay Shore Community Hospital Holmdel NJ.
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Hi there,
We are hearing such good things about the seminar. This seminar was life changing for all of us.
Thanks for everything.
Margaret Beard
Project Coordinator
Louisiana Technical College
Greater Acadiana District
10-23-07
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Sandra,
Thanks for the wealth of information supplied to us at the conference. I really enjoyed meeting you and Lynn.
Thanks,
Cyndy Pyle
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Dear Sandra,
I wanted to let you know how
much everyone enjoyed the seminar you
and Lynn gave at BHCC on 9/11 & 9/12.
It was really well received.
Sincerely,
Kirsten E. Kim, LNHA
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Sandra,
Just a quick note to thank you for
a very informative seminar. Although
a small group I felt it went over very
well and received very positive feedback.
I will certainly keep you in mind for
future seminars.
Thank you,
Diana
Genesis Corporation
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May 5th Chicago Training
Train the Trainer Seminar
It
kept my interest.
Like all the handouts.
Very pleased with the program and not
disappointed at all.
This seminar will help my staff work
with this population better.
Many things i liked about the seminar.
I am responsible for staff education.
This gives me a wealth of information.
Very well presented in a format I can
use.
I learned the different types of activities
to use with the different stages of
dementia.
Outstanding day! I can put much of
this information to work on my unit.
Thank you.
This seminar pumped me up. I will be
able to bring information to my co
workers and reminded me how important
my job as an Rn and nurse manager is
on the dementia unit.
Great information.
Great description of how Alzheimer's
affects the brain.
Lynn provides profound information
on cultural diversity, sexuality and
end of life issues.
I was so impressed with the train the
trainer seminar.
Sandra gave great new and refreshing
ideas for activities. Activity professionals
should all take this class.
This seminar will influence how i make
decisions regarding patient care and
how i interact with family.
It was helpful to hear all the life
experiences of the instructors.
Changing instructors throughout kept
the group alert.
This seminar provides me with all the
training tools to educate my staff
which will provider better care and
makes
me feel good about my job as a trainer.
Excellent materials and resources.
The activity suggestions were helpful.
I learned about the policy suggestions.
I agree with what you said that staff
is "paid to smile and i liked
the modules on cultural diversity.
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Sandra
Thanks so much for a very positive
day, will follow through on other
items in email. We have our dementia
day
at the legislature tomorrow so am
busy with that but will do! I was really
pleased with the content and am excited
to be a part of this. Thanks, Nanc
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Dear Sandy and Lynn,
Thank you for your time and hard word
towards making others quality of life
better. I’m excited bringing the CDP
program to my facility and the Lake
Charles, La region. Once again thank
you.
Kevin J. Pembrook, MS, NFA (P), CDP
(January 2007)
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Dear Lisa and Sandra:
Thank you so much for the great seminar.
I told everyone at Dellridge as well
as my colleagues here in Lancaster
how informative and well presented
it was.
Thanks
E.F.Wasilewski, D.C.
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"Excellent program. Looking forward
to seeing you again, and yes, let’s
do something in Chicago next year."
Ed
McMahon, Ph.D
Golden Ventures
National Director
of Alzheimer's Care/Quality of Life
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"The Seminar is great and was
very well done, contained alot of very
good information"
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" I did not know that dementia clients
don't lose their problem solving ability"
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" Speakers held our attention and was
not boring"
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"
I learned that dementia residents,
their thoughts are real to them and
treat them as real and to enter their
reality, we enjoyed learning about "creating
moments of joy and will use this great
book as a communication tool"
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" I was absolutely floored byt eh presentation.
Each aspect of the seminar was detailed
and interesting"
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" Full of helpful knowledge and was not
boring"
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" I learned the importance of good communication
and various aspe ts of dementia."
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" Entire seminar was superb and I can't
wait to get started in presenting this
seminar in my state."
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" I am in law enforcement and the course
instructors kept my attention and was
impressed with the instructors wealth
of information. I learned that assisting
caregivers in being patient with clients
and families"
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" The warmth and friendly presentation
compiled by excellent educational information
provided a well balanced program"
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" I enjoyed when the speakers Lynn Gordon
and Sandra Stimson shared experiences
and information not included in power
point pages."
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" Everything was great."
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" I learned how to present information
for my seminars."
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" I learned the importance of multi sensory
environments for low functioning dementia
clients."
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" This seminar further reinforces my
knowledge of Dementia and the manner
in which I conduct my trainings and
inservices programs and engage the
residents with dementia."
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" great instructors."
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" Wonderful speakers."
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" I enjoyed all parts of the
Train the Trainer Seminar and wished
it was longer."
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I have been certified as a CDP since
this Spring, after attending your course.
I want you to know that this certification
has come in “handy” many times since
then. When I am at care plans, when
I am petitioning for certain improvements
in the facility, when I am trying to
explain to employees what the residents
need from us, when I am calling families
to contribute to the resident’s needs
--- being a Certified Dementia Practitioner
gives me credibility! I can tell you
that a care plan was “turned around”
the moment I told the family that I
am a certified dementia practitioner!
They may not have thought of me as
good for anything but activities as
an ACC, but when they heard dementia,
and practitioner – they listened! The
families are sometime in denial, and
they need to here and believe that
what we advise and what we will do
for the resident is coming from a trained
professional.
Keep up the good work!
Dolores Quinn,
ACC, CDP
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