In November, Good Samaritan Village, Fort Collins, hosted a dementia class for the public. Marketing Director Mimi Wahfeldt gave a brief overview of their facility. Even though their Fort Collins facility doesn’t have secure capabilities for Alzheimer’s patients, they do accommodate dementia residents. Their facility has skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living capabilities. Good Samaritan has over 200 facilities across the U.S. with facilities in Greeley, Loveland, Windsor, and Estes Park.
(l-r) Fred Pitzl, Angel Hoffman, & Mimi Wahfeldt
Ms. Wahfeldt introduced Angel Hoffman, Regional Director for the Alzheimer’s Assoc. and instructor for the dementia class. Hoffman’s presentation on “Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behavior” included the four procedure steps of detect and connect, address physical issues, address patient’s emotional needs, and reassess and plan for their next situation.
Dementia related behaviors includes confusion, memory loss, suspicions, agitation, aggression, sleep changes, sundowning, wandering off, and losing control. If your loved one exhibits these behaviors, consult your family doctor for an evaluation. Common triggers of dementia include physical or emotional pain, boredom, fatigue, frustration, confusion, and hallucinations. Early stages of dementia are treatable by using the four steps and being able to respond to your loved one’s needs.
Even though this is a brief overview of this class, you should attend Hoffman’s other dementia classes by visiting their website at alz.org or calling their Fort Collins office at 970-472-9798. If you’re a family caregiver and need help, contact the Larimer County Office on Aging and learn about their caregiver’s classes at 970-498-7750. For more info on the Good Sam facilities, call Mimi at 970-226-4909.