Honoring our Dementia Patients: Client-centered Plans of Care Developed Through Client-specific Assessments

Written By: Catherine Valentino OTD, MAAL, MHSc, BS, OTR/L FMT

October is Lewy Body Dementia Awareness Month. As with every individual battling dementia, it is a deeply personal journey that impacts our patients, their families, and us as therapists. The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) is focused on increasing awareness of this unique subset in the dementia umbrella all month long to reinvigorate meaningful support for those suffering from LBD effects. As therapists, we play an integral part in restoring, promoting, and maintaining Quality of Life (QoL) for these patients. In my upcoming course, “Mastering Dementia Care: Types, Assessment and Best Practices,” we will dive into specific symptomology of not just Lewy Body Dementia but several other dementia diagnoses.

We will consider best-practice approaches when choosing assessments more sensitive to the differing dementia presentations in our clinics. Best practices start with great plans of care. Being a part of early detection through skilled assessment and screening allows us to open doors, create positive experiences, and nurture supportive environments on difficult roads.

As practitioners, we choose every day to bring the best parts of our patients forward. Committing to understanding each diagnosis’ unique symptomology and characteristics helps us facilitate interventions and goals that prove our dedication to this special population. I hope to see you live or virtually next month as we broaden our assessment approaches and understanding of the various dementia diagnoses, choosing to put function first. So, take this month to think about a new way to connect with your patients suffering from Lewy Body and all other dementias and be #lewystrong!

Consider subscribing to the LBDA YouTube Channel as an excellent resource for you and your patients:

Scan the QR code to be taken directly into their channel filled with Community Outreach topics, LBD Diagnosis information and education, and specialty videos on how to support various daily activities, occupations, and techniques to facilitate QoL for patients and families living with LBD.

CLICK HERE to view Catherine Valentino’s Instructor Page.

References

1. Lewy Body Dementia Association. (2024). Home | Lewy Body Dementia Association. Lbda.org. https://www.lbda.org/

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