The focus of this mixed methods experience was to explore the gap between healthcare professionals, families, and residents with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in order to establish meaningful connections and provide quality care. Due to the inadequate supply of healthcare professionals adequately trained to treat individuals with AD (Warshaw & Bragg, 2014) as well as nursing staff expressing difficulties when communicating with individuals with AD (Yang, 2017), it is a valuable area to address the lack of knowledge for healthcare professionals. This experience was held at Cumberland Trace memory care unit, Cherished Memories. Data was collected through observation hours on Cherished Memories and surveys completed by staff members and family. Surveys were developed, one for staff members and one for residents' family members, in order to address their concerns. Staff survey results indicated staff members had concerns regarding effective communication strategies, stages of AD, and caregiver burnout. Family member surveys indicated they had a basic knowledge of AD but had a desire to learn more about the disease itself as well as additional components including communication strategies, therapy options, caregiver resources, and stages of AD. These results led to an educational in-service for staff members on Cherished Memories and a family care packet for residents' family members. Sustainability was created through discussion with Cherished Memories unit manager. Findings are relevant for those who are developing educational programs for staff members working directly with elderly adults and family members who are impacted by AD. Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, communication, healthcare, memory care

Creator

• Barber, Ashley

Publisher

• univ

Language

• en

Identifier

• Barber, Ashley.pdf

Keyword

• Health Sciences

Rights statement

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/