Dementia Care Support in Vancouver, WA

We’re Griswold PATH Certified!

Here at Griswold, we stay up to date with the latest and greatest resources in dementia care support. We’re excited to tell you about the Griswold PATH Program and discuss how we support those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

What is the Griswold PATH Program?

One of our Owners/Directors, Linda Hess, and our Client Care Specialist, Jenny Revell, recently received their Griswold PATH Certifications! Linda and Jenny traveled to the Griswold Home Office to participate in the Griswold PATH Certification Masterclass.

Students of the Griswold PATH (Personalized Approach, Training, and Holistic Support) Program are equipped to train others in dementia care. As graduates, Linda and Jenny are now Griswold PATH Certified trainers. They’ll be conducting trainings for our Caregivers – we’re so excited for our first group of graduates!

Why is the Griswold PATH Program Important?

The term “dementia” describes a range of conditions and symptoms that impact the brain. They gradually get worse over time. Someone living with dementia might experience the following symptoms:

• Memory loss and confusion
• Asking the same questions over and over
• Trouble speaking, expressing thoughts, and understanding words
• Wandering or getting lost in previously familiar places
• Lack of interest in daily activities, hobbies, and social events
• Trouble moving around and staying balanced
• Poor judgment when making decisions

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60%-80% of all dementia cases. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 3 older adults lives with Alzheimer’s. More than 7 million adults in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s right now. Alzheimer’s has generated more than $409 billion in health and long-term care costs. On top of this, half of all older adult Caregivers support someone living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. This can take an emotional, financial, and physical toll on Caregivers. The number of Caregivers needed will continue to grow as Alzheimer’s cases increase.

The Griswold PATH Program is a great way for our Caregivers to get certified in dementia care support. Our students will learn person-centered techniques, communication skills, and behavioral management techniques. They’ll learn how to recognize stages of decline and respond. The Griswold PATH Program also helps us perform more effective assessments. Using baseline data, we can track changes over time.

What Are Other Dementia Resources?

• Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington has a location in Clark County at 201 Northeast 73rd Street, Vancouver, WA 98665. You can contact their Resource Center to learn about support options available in the area. They have three unpaid/informal Caregiver programs: Family Caregiver Support Program, Tailored Support for Older Adults, and Medicaid Alternative Care.
• The Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of SW Washington, Dementia Friends Washington, and HOPE Dementia Support host a Memory Café every month. This takes place at Cameo Café in Vancouver. They meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Make sure to register if you plan to attend!

What Other Care Services Can I Find at Griswold?

We provide non-medical in-home care services like companion care services, homemaking, personal care, and respite care. Our home care solutions are designed to help you and your loved ones live independently at home. Give us a call today to learn more.