Carewest Supportive Pathway Education Program & Concept of Care
At Carewest, residents who have a diagnosis of dementia live in homelike settings as part of our Supportive Pathways program.
Supportive Pathways
- A concept of care that includes an education program for staff.
- Based on 10 years of development by Carewest, incorporating research, best practice and experience.
Goals of the Supportive Pathways Program
- Staff will have special skills / knowledge and attributes that will support the person with dementia;
- Staff will provide individualized, whole-person care to the person with dementia in a supportive environment. The goal is to optimize quality of life; and
- Family will be encouraged to be involved to their desired level.
Supportive Pathways Education Program
- Shared province-wide in a Train the Trainer format after Alberta Health and Wellness selected the Carewest program as the provincial model of dementia care training.
- Adopted throughout the province by service providers in caring for individuals with a diagnosis of dementia and is part of the pilot program to be included in the provincial health care aide curriculum.
- Presented to various groups across Alberta, as well as in British Columbia and Northwest Territories.
- Offered to educators / managers and other professionals who work with clients / residents who have dementia.
- Adapted to be suitable for both facility and community-based care.
Train the Trainer Sessions
- Are offered approximately every two months in Calgary at Carewest Signal Pointe (a specifically-designed facility for residents who have dementia).
- Costs cover two days of instruction, a training manual, lunches, and discs complete with the Power Point presentation.
- Certifies trainers so that they may go back to their organization and teach their staff.
- Provides an easy-to-follow teaching manual that includes Power Point slides, hand outs, teaching notes, interactive activities and other teaching techniques.
- Can be offered off site to groups of staff or trainers of up to 25 people.
Program Content
The 7 modules in the course cover how to:
- Understand how personal and organizational beliefs relate to quality care.
- Emphasize the importance of maintaining a client's personhood and providing individualized care.
- Partner with families.
- Recognize the normal changes of aging.
- Explain disease processes of Alzheimer Disease and other related dementias.
- Normalize living environments.
- Provide meaningful activities.
- Respond to altered behaviours that may occur.
Throughout the course there is an emphasis on recognizing the person behind the disease, that all behaviour has meaning and the importance of focusing on the 'now' for both their enjoyment and care strategies.
Trainers will use a variety of teaching styles, including individual and group exercises, storytelling, mini lectures, videos and self introspection. The aim is for staff to develop a greater understanding of both client and family issues. The foundation of the course is the Whole Person Supportive Pathways Model of Care, highlighting a social model of care that is central to the program, care standards and staff performance expectations.
Program Outcomes
This program can help your staff gain special skills, knowledge and attributes to continually support the person with dementia. By strengthening individualized care to encompass the whole person in a supportive environment, caregivers can reduce conflict and promote enjoyment in their lives. In addition, Carewest staff have found that the training boosted their confidence in the care of persons with dementia, thereby making them happier and more fulfilled employees.
For more information or to register for a Train the Trainer Session please contact:
Marlene Collins
Director, Chronic Care
Supportive Pathways
Tel: (403) 260-5441
E-mail: supportive.pathways@albertahealthservices.ca
