This pioneering book contains a wealth of information on how to provide quality long-term institutional care for the person with dementing illness. It provides an in-depth look at the concept, construction, and operation of Wesley Hall, a special living area at the Chelsea United Methodist retirement home in Michigan, designed for victims of dementia. Dr. Michael Clemmer focuses on the process that created Wesley Hall, which in turn, will assist long-term care professionals in designing special living areas for their own needy residents. Victims of Dementia addresses the needs and challenges of this type of living quarters, poses questions and provides answers to pressing problems, and details numerous strategies and interventions developed and tested at Wesley Hall as a model for better care of this population. Using plain and straightforward language, this new book shows professionals how to work together with the victims of dementia in an environment that preserves the resident's dignity and capability.
Long-term care professionals will find Victims of Dementia instrumental to marshal and deinstitutionalize the resources of long-term care centers to improve the quality and affordability of life for the memory impaired and demented patient. Important topics include:
- the impact of environment on alleviating symptoms of dementia
- how to construct and operate a special living area for long-term care of people with dementia
- strategies for maintaining the independence and competence of victims of dementia
- helping families cope with dementing illness
- a guide to the stages and symptoms of the progression of dementia
A great resource for support professionals, such as social workers and clergy, Victims of Dementia is a useful reference for providing information and referrals to people with dementing illness and their caregivers. Its guidelines also benefit long-term care professionals considering start-up or who have recently started a special living area for people with dementing illnesses. This practical guide will even help home caregivers develop criteria for evaluating institutional placement options for victims of dementing illness.
