Introduction to Dementia Care: My Initial Understanding
Before meeting Matt, I knew bits and pieces about dementia. I was aware of its effect on cognition and memory, but I had no idea about optimal care for individuals with dementia. In fact, I thought that most dementia patients would ultimately be on medication and die in a nursing home or memory care facility.
Meeting Matt: A New Perspective on Dementia
…In walks Matt, an unassuming practitioner, devoted to improving the lives of those suffering from dementia. Through numerous conversations with him, I learned that his non-traditional approaches combined with evidentiary practices have not only prevented unnecessary medication and required facility living, but uniquely transformed care.
Integrating Evidence-Based Practices with Holistic Care
Although I have never worked in healthcare, my experiences in education correlate with Matt’s craft. We both use questioning and diagnostic assessments to determine how to best help others. This epiphany about similar practices, in fact, led to our various discussions about Howard Gardner’s Theory on Multiple Intelligences, which we both integrate in our work. Fast forward a few months and hundreds of hours and we have reached a pivotal point in our journey.
The Center for Holistic Dementia Care: A Paradigm Shift
The Center for Holistic Dementia Care is our paradigm shift in dementia care; our mission is to improve the lives of those with dementia by using an individualized, integrative approach.
The Multiple Intelligence Survey for Persons with Dementia (MISPWD)
The Center’s Multiple Intelligence Survey for Persons with Dementia© (MISPWD) is our first critical step in this approach. Please follow us while we learn and grow…and don’t hesitate to tell us your story.
– Melissa Mirabello
