Two Personal Support Workers at Dundas Manor are bringing additional training to help make the job easier when a resident has dementia.
Jeannie Barkley and Heather Cronin have received training to learn more about dementia and other behavioural challenges. The training came from additional provincial funding allowing both PSWs to learn and pass on some of their training to co-workers.
Cronin says they spend one-on-one time with residents, learning more details about their lives and how the disease affects their understanding of their care. That information can then be shared with the entire care team.
The manor says that by learning more about the resident’s history and what causes them stress, plans can be put in place to help. An example is reducing noise levels in certain rooms or putting safety supports in place for a resident who wants to talk up and down the hallways.
The manor says the team also supports families, learning about their concerns, as well as hopes for their loved ones.
Administrator Susan Poirier says the additional one-on-one support enhances the lives of the residents living with dementia and helps support families and the staff at the manor.