Taking a different approach to Dementia care ­- The DAWN Method (Dementia Alzheimer's Wellbeing Network)

There is hope in Dementia, which relies on the kind of care we provide. Providing strength-based, person-centered care for dementia means looking at the whole person and working with what they can do rather than focusing on what dementia takes away. People with dementia are losing their rational thought but will never lose their intuitive view (being in the moment, appreciating beauty, music, etc.). If their companions and caregivers are taught how to support their strengths, there is less stress for the person with dementia and those providing care. This was the message Jill Couch, MS, licensed Occupational Therapist, Certified DAWN Dementia Specialist, and founder of Better People Care shared with six eastern rural counties in her introductory presentation "Gifts of Dementia," sponsored by CSU Extension in October of 2022.

Dementia is a deterioration of brain function that differs from normal aging. Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. It also affects behaviors, emotions, and the ability to use the rational part of your brain to process information. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. Although there is currently no medical cure, there is a great need to improve the care and support provided to persons with dementia and their caregivers.

Jill has the privilege of being a DAWN Dementia Care Specialist and DAWN Trainer, which allows her to bring hope and help to those with dementia and their families. She was inspired to become a Dementia Care Specialist after her grandmother's journey through Alzheimer's disease without any dementia-specialist care. When Jill has the privilege of giving even small glimpses of the DAWN Method to a family, it's as if they get to take a deep breath for the first time in a really long time.

The DAWN Method®, created by Judy Cornish, is a kind, strength-based, person-centered approach to caring for those with dementia and Alzheimer's. It empowers families, caregivers and working medical professionals to help extend a more comfortable environment. The DAWN Method® provides the opportunity to learn specific tools related to mood management, security in confusion and care, social success, a sense of control, value and a secure future. Organizers encourage family members, caregivers, health care providers and anyone interested in learning more or providing support to someone impacted by Alzheimer's disease or other dementias to grab your lunch and join Jill in person at the Logan County CSU Extension Office located at 508 S 10th Ave #1, Sterling, CO 80751 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Or join via Zoom. The series starts on Monday, April 3 and continues each Monday, ending on May 22. Register at Eventbrite: https://DAWN-Training.eventbrite.com (scan QR code below) or contact Joy Akey, Yuma County Extension: (970) 332-4151.

CSU Extension continues to work to engage community partners to help raise awareness and funds to help reduce the cost for those struggling to find support and resources. Extension staff hopes to continue to provide educational resources, training and support for our caregivers as Dementia impacts several families within eastern rural Colorado. If you or your business would like to help support the cause, please get in touch with your local Family ad Consumer Science Extension Specialist: Phillips County – Stephanie Starkebaum, (970) 854-3616; Logan County – Jaci Wagner, (970) 522-3200; Yuma County – Joy Akey, (970) 332-4151; Washington County – Anne Mason, (970) 345-2287; Morgan County – Katie Seelhoff, (970) 542-3540; and Kit Carson County – McKayla Stephen, (719) 346-5571.