Series to provide education on dementia care and The DAWN Method®

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, families, and caregivers are taught how to support their strengths, there is less stress for the person with dementia and those providing care. Jill Couch, MS, licensed Occupational Therapist, Certified DAWN Dementia Specialist, and founder of Better People Care, will do just that during the upcoming DAWN Method training being offered in Wray and Holyoke and via Zoom for those who want to join virtually.

Dementia, a deterioration of brain function that differs from normal aging, is a general term for memory loss, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities 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.

Couch 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.

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.

We encourage family members, caregivers, health care providers, those providing support to someone impacted by Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, and anyone interested in learning more to join Couch either in person on alternating weeks between the Yuma County and Phillips County CSU Extension Offices located in Wray and Holyoke or via Zoom. The series starts on Monday, Oct. 23 from 9-11 a.m. and continues each Monday, ending on Dec. 11. Due to the generosity of local donors in northeastern Colorado, scholarships are available at a reduced rate for the first 25 paid family members or caregivers of residents with dementia in Kit Carson, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington and Yuma counties or participants who reside in these counties. Registration can be found at Eventbrite: https://DAWN-tickets.eventbrite.com or contact Joy Akey, Yuma County Extension, (970) 332-4151. You can also scan the attached QR code to be taken to the Eventbrite link.

CSU Extension continues to work to engage community partners to help raise awareness and funds to provide educational resources, training and support for those impacted by dementia in eastern Colorado. If you or your business would like to help support the cause, please get in touch with your local Family and Consumer Science Extension Specialist: Phillips County, Stephanie Starkebaum, 970) 854-3616.