HOUSTON: Dementia-capable systems means better identification of people with dementia, communication with those affected and their families, training at all levels, tailoring of services and ability to self-direct.
“It’s great to have one group of highly skilled and trained individuals, but it doesn’t remove the responsibility for including the entire rest of the workforce. There has to be education across the community and being comfortable with the limitations around dementia and engagement with dementia.”
The seven steps for building a dementia-capable system are:
1. Educate about brain health and participate in research
2. Identify people with possible dementia and refer for diagnosis
3. Ensure programs and resources recognize cognitive abilities
4. Ensure services are person and family-centered and culturally appropriate
5. Educate workers to identify possible dementia, understand its symptoms and provide appropriate services
6. Implement quality assurance systems that measure dementia service impact
7. Encourage developing dementia-friendly communities