Since its inception, the Alzheimer’s Association has been a leader in outlining principles and practices of quality care for individuals living with dementia. Early on, the Guidelines for Dignity described goals for quality care, followed by Key Elements of Dementia Care and the Dementia Care Practice Recommendations, as more evidence became available. The Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations outline recommendations for quality care practices based on a comprehensive review of current evidence, best practice, and expert opinion. The Dementia Care Practice Recommendations were developed to better define quality care across all care settings, and throughout the disease course. They are intended for professional care providers who work with individuals living with dementia and their families in residential and community-based care settings.
With the fundamentals of person-centered care as the foundation, the Dementia Care Practice Recommendations illustrate the goals of quality dementia care in the following areas:
- Person-centered care
- Detection and diagnosis
- Assessment and care planning
- Medical management
- Information, education, and support
- Ongoing care for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, and support for activities of daily living
- Staffing
- Supportive and therapeutic environments
- Transitions and coordination of services
For additional supporting information go to the Alzheimer’s Association website.
The Alzheimer’s Association has been awarded a $25 million grant to enhance respite services for dementia caregivers nationwide. This grant establishes the Center for Dementia Respite Innovation (CDRI) to fund community-based respite programs to develop and improve the delivery of person-centered dementia care. The CDRI will award up to $20 million total over the course of five years to local respite care providers with a focus on underserved communities. Applications are now open for submission and are due by June 1, 2024.
The Request for Applications (RFA) and application submission link can be found on the Center’s webpage. The CDRI team will host an informational webinar on March 14, 2024 for any interested applicants. Registration is now open and can also be found on the Center’s webpage.
For more information, please email any questions to CDRI@alz.org.
Join the Alzheimer’s Association on March 14 at 12:00 pm CST for a no-fee online learning opportunity with regional experts in dementia management and nutrition. This presentation for older adults, families, caregivers and professionals will cover how to ensure proper nutrition for people living with dementia and manage mealtime.
The event is held in partnership with the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences and Dakota Geriatrics.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementias.