Services for Family & Friends
You are not alone. Help is Within Reach!
Dementia is not a journey meant to be traveled alone, although it can feel very lonely without the right knowledge and support. Amanda will help you by raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and teaching you helpful techniques for supporting yourself and your loved one along the way.
Care Partner Education
One comment Amanda frequently hears after leading a class is, "If only I had known this years ago." In the comfort and privacy of your own home, Amanda will help you gain a better understanding of how dementia is affecting your loved one and teach you some helpful techniques to encourage positive interactions. It can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy and loving relationship.
Curious about what to expect?
Each class is about 2 to 3 hours long (with breaks included) and is highly interactive. Amanda will help you learn through discussion, visual content, and opportunities to practice the techniques together. It is encouraged to ask questions and share personal experiences as you learn along the way.
What is needed?
Preferably, a quiet space with no distractions. Amanda will bring a laptop and a 24'' computer monitor to project training materials using PowerPoint. Ideally, sitting at a kitchen table works best; however, if you rather have her connect to your TV using an HDMI cable, that works too! Lastly, Amanda will need access to a power outlet.
DEMENTIA BASICS
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Learn what "Dementia" really means
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An overview of the four most common types of dementia
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An introduction to The Gems™ of progression
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Understanding sensory changes
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Common misunderstandings by care partners
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Skill vs. Strength
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An introduction to Hand-under-Hand®
THE BRAIN: A CLOSER LOOK
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Discover key skills of the brain and how these skills change with dementia
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Compare real images of healthy and damaged brain tissue
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Make sense of the symptoms commonly seen in dementia care
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Discover what skills are retained longer with dementia and why it matters
COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES IN DEMENTIA CARE
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Use retained skills and abilities for better communication
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Dignity through language and action
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Why relationships matter more than the agenda
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Practice asking permission to connect safely
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Discuss "redirection" and common mistakes care partners make
CHALLENGING SITUATIONS
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Understand distress as both a care partner and the person living with dementia
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The five physical and five emotional human needs
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Being a good detective and using the six pieces of the puzzle
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Techniques for responding to challenging expressions
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Tips for overcoming refusal of care
Classes
Classes are meant to be taken in the order listed below.
A copy of Teepa Snow's latest guide is included with the first class!
Consultations
Are you experiencing a challenging situation with your loved one, and could use a listening ear? Amanda is happy to talk with you about what you are experiencing and work together to strategize a way forward. Sometimes it just helps to talk to someone.
The initial phone call is COMPLIMENTARY!
*Please be aware that Amanda is NOT a senior living advisor, care navigator, or financial planner, and will not consult on these topics.
Care Partnering & Companionship
A few hours away can give you time to recharge or run errands while Amanda stays in your home with your loved one.
OR
Unable to make your regular visit to see your loved one who is living in a dementia care community?
Amanda can help with that too!
Accepted forms of payment: Cash, Check & Credit Card
All credit/debit card payments are subject to an additional 3.5% bank processing fee
Additional charges may apply for travel time & distance