Dementia Care Practice Recommendations for Home Care Professionals Released

NASW Plays Key Role in Developing Recommendations

Social workers and other providers caring for individuals with dementia in their homes or in residential care, will find a valuable resource in Dementia Care Practice Recommendations, released by the Alzheimer’s Association.

The document is the fourth in a series of recommendations for health care providers serving people with dementia and part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Campaign for Quality Care. (The first three sets of recommendations address assisted living and nursing home providers.) As one of more than 20 leading health and aging organizations that participated in an extensive consensus-building process, NASW played a key role in developing all four sets of evidence-based recommendations. Individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s also helped develop the recommendations.

Noting that approximately 70% of people with dementia or cognitive impairment live at home, the publication emphasizes a person-centered, culturally competent approach to meeting the changing needs of persons with dementia. Topics addressed include home safety, communication and decision-making, physical and behavioral symptoms, family caregiver support, end-of-life care, and provider self-care.

Review The Alzheimer’s Association's Dementia Care Practice Recommendations

Related Resources

  • Helpstartshere.org offers information on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
  • Specialty Practice Sections teleconference, Helping Families Face the Early Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Specialty Practice Sections article, Hope and Help in the Early Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease