Jill Maguire, Senior Branch Manager, Union Savings Bank, Ridgefield CT (right) presents $7,500 Foundation Grant for Dementia Community Education and Training to RVNAhealth’s MJ Heller, Director of Philanthropy (left)
The Union Savings Bank Foundation (USBF) has generously awarded RVNAhealth with a $7,500 grant to support its Community Dementia Education and Training Program.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 3 seniors (age 65+) dies with a form of dementia, yet many facing the diagnosis of dementia find there are very few resources to turn to for education, care and support. RVNAhealth’s Dementia Program will help those diagnosed in the early stages of dementia, as well as family members or caregivers at any stage of caring for a loved one. The program has 3 components:
- Staff Certification – All RVNAhealth clinicians will fulfill the requirements set by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners to earn the certified dementia practitioner credential (CDP). This will allow RVNAhealth to provide the highest quality of care to its patients, as well as deliver this knowledge to the communities it serves, where everyday people are caring for someone with some form of dementia, experiencing its many challenges.
- Community Education – Led by a team of skilled professionals and discipline specialists, the program offers informative sessions designed to enhance one’s understanding of dementia and its many stages, from the importance of nutrition and exercise, to advanced caregiving techniques, to long-term planning and end-stage dementia care. Classes may be attended in-person or virtually.
- Support Groups – In recognizing the profound impact that Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can have on individuals and their families, RVNAhealth will offer monthly Alzheimer’s Association approved support groups where individuals navigating the challenges of the disease can connect, share experiences, and find solace.
Newly diagnosed dementia patients and their families often discover a harsh and frustrating reality of scattered resources. Through regular education, therapeutic programs, and support groups, USBF’s grant will help RVNAhealth fill that resources gap and serve early to mid-stage people with dementia, their loved ones, and caregivers at all stages of the journey.
Click here to learn more about RVNAhealth’s Dementia Education and Resource Series.
