Dementia expert offers senior care organizations discounted training certification as part of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 29, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- November is Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, a time to learn about the disease and the increasing threat it has become as the population ages. To help in the effort, Laura Wayman, a dementia care expert, professional speaker and best-selling author, is offering senior care organizations the option to become a "Dementia-Aware Certified Safe Space."

Wayman's specialized training helps care organizations master the techniques to properly communicate and engage with those who are experiencing dementia symptoms. Her training is based on the concept that we currently can't stop, fix, or change dementia, but there are ways to manage it that allows caregivers and those with dementia to experience more positive interactions. As a result, those with dementia and caregivers are able to have more meaningful connections, which helps boost the care provided. Organizations that have this training are able to then attract and retain residents, clients and staff.

Following completion of the training, the care facility receives a sticker to place on their front door and their website that shows they have been certified as a "Dementia-Aware Certified Safe Space."

In honor of Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, Wayman is offering this certification program at a discounted price of 20 percent off if the care organization books a training for the future in the month of November.

Since launching the program over the summer, Wayman has certified five senior care facilities and the entire town of Colma, CA.

Wayman has made it her mission to deliver primary caregivers of those suffering from dementia symptoms with a relatable understanding of what it means to have dementia. She strives to change the way the world views the disease by reducing stigma and boosting positive interactions between patients and caregivers.

There are currently nearly 6 million people in the U.S. living with Alzheimer's and by 2050, that number may increase to almost 14 million, according to the Alzheimer's Association. In addition, Alzheimer's disease is the 6th leading cause of death in America – deadlier than prostate and breast cancer combined. The crisis isn't just a problem in the U.S. though. Some estimates indicate nearly 50 million people around the world suffer from the disease, according to Alzheimer's Disease International.

This is why Wayman has launched her #IAmDementiaAware campaign on social media, and is offering this discounted certification program in the month of November. She hopes this will help make more people "dementia aware."
"I want caregivers to be able to have more meaningful moments and peace of mind knowing that the care they are delivering is making a difference in the world of someone experiencing dementia symptoms," Wayman said.

Part of this effort is to try to help alleviate some of the "dementia-denial" that exists, which is preventing systems from being put in place to protect against many kinds of potentially dangerous behaviors someone with dementia may have if left unchecked. And the concern is not just for the person diagnosed with any cause of dementia symptoms – a caregiver is also at risk if not properly trained on how to manage this.

"Over half of the caregivers (especially if they are a same-age spouse) pass way or get sick before the person under their care. This is primarily because of the overwhelming stress of caring for someone with any cause of dementia," Wayman said.

Wayman's dementia care program that is detailed in her best-selling book, A Loving Approach to Dementia Care, which emphasizes affirmative responses, communication and empowerment. In turn, the caregiving process changes from a burden to a rewarding journey.

To sign up for Wayman's "Dementia-Aware Safe Space" certification training, click here. To participate in Wayman's #IAmDementiaAware movement, click here and make sure to use the hashtag on social media. On this page, you also will be able to view a first-person point of view of what it is like to experience dementia symptoms.

For more information and dementia resources for caregivers, visit laurawayman.com.

About Laura Wayman

Laura Wayman is the author of "A Loving Approach to Dementia Care," (now in its second edition, a 36-Hour Day Book), published by Johns Hopkins University Press. She holds an Associate in Arts degree in gerontology and is a certified social services designee. She has more than a decade of experience in and a strong dedication to quality aging. She is a professional dementia care consultant, trainer, the CEO of The Dementia Whisperer and a speaker on dementia and issues of aging.

SOURCE Laura Wayman, Dementia Whisperer