June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to focus on the challenges faced by those with dementia and their caregivers. Dementia often brings difficult behaviors like aggression, wandering, paranoia, and refusal of help, affecting up to 95% of patients. These issues are a primary reason why many individuals end up in assisted living or nursing homes.

To support caregivers, a groundbreaking website now offers training in the DICE approach, a method developed by experts in dementia care. DICE stands for Describe, Investigate, Create, and Evaluate. This evidence-based strategy helps caregivers understand and manage the challenging behaviors associated with dementia. The website provides comprehensive resources, including nine video modules and two simulations, to equip caregivers with practical tools and problem-solving techniques.

The DICE approach encourages caregivers to examine problems from three perspectives: the person with dementia, the caregiver, and the environment. For instance, if a caregiver faces resistance when trying to bathe a patient, DICE suggests looking into factors such as the patient’s discomfort, the caregiver’s approach, and the bathing environment. Possible solutions might include using pain relievers, adjusting bath times, and enhancing the bathroom setup with grab bars and warm water.

By addressing underlying issues and adjusting the care environment, DICE aims to reduce the need for psychoactive medications, which can have severe side effects. Commonly prescribed drugs for dementia, like antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, and certain antidepressants, carry significant risks, including increased mortality and a higher likelihood of falls and fractures.

The DICE method promotes non-pharmaceutical interventions and encourages caregivers to explore various strategies iteratively. If one approach doesn’t work, caregivers are advised to try new interventions and continuously evaluate their effectiveness.

This new resource is invaluable, especially for the more than 16 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. who help dementia patients live at home. As Alzheimer’s disease affects nearly 7 million Americans aged 65 and older, the need for effective caregiving strategies is critical.

The DICE toolkit, previously available only to healthcare professionals, is now accessible to family caregivers. This initiative builds on successful training programs like those in Wisconsin, where all dementia care specialists have been trained in DICE.

For caregivers seeking additional support, other online resources are available. The Best Programs for Caregiving website, launched in March, offers a directory of evidence-based programs nationwide. Caregivers can find local support by entering their ZIP code, making it easier to access the help they need.

In summary, the new DICE training website provides essential tools and strategies to manage the complex behaviors associated with dementia, enhancing the quality of life for both patients and caregivers. For more information, visit the DICE training website and explore the wealth of resources available to support those caring for loved ones with dementia.

We at O’Connor Elder Law understand the challenges that families face when dealing with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We are committed to providing the support and resources you need during these difficult times. Whether you need assistance with legal planning, securing care, or understanding your options, please don’t hesitate to call.

Source: KFF Health News