Understanding the daily hardships of caregiving, The Kensington Falls Church is committed to finding solutions that improve the lives of caregivers and their loved ones.
Join The Kensington Falls Church on Sept. 7, 2024, for “Meet Our Experts Part III: Introduction to the Positive Approach to Care (PAC).”
This session offers a deep dive into the Positive Approach to Care (PAC) and how its implementation can significantly improve care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The event will be led by special guest Tonya Embly, Director of Memory Care for our Haven and Connections neighborhoods. With extensive experience in dementia care, Tonya is uniquely qualified to explain how PAC principles can enhance understanding and practical care techniques.
During this presentation, you’ll learn about the implementation of PAC across our memory care teams. This approach has been essential in equipping our Care Partners and CNAs with the tools needed to effectively support individuals with dementia.
Continue reading to discover how embracing the Positive Approach to Care can change your caregiving strategies positively.
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
What is the Positive Approach to Care (PAC)?
The Positive Approach to Care (PAC) is a compassionate caregiving method specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia, who often face challenges in communicating and managing their behavior.
Developed by Teepa Snow, a renowned expert in dementia care, PAC focuses on meeting individuals “where they’re at,” acknowledging their current capabilities and emotional states to create a more manageable and respectful caregiving environment.
This approach is revolutionary because traditional caregiving techniques frequently fail to address the unique difficulties presented by dementia.
PAC trains caregivers to recognize and adapt to these challenges, enhancing the quality of life for caregivers and those in their care.
Key teachings of PAC training include:
- Personalized care: Adjusting care strategies to align with each individual’s needs and abilities, enhancing their daily life experience
- Teepa Snow’s techniques: Implementing specific strategies like the Hand-under-Hand® method and Positive Physical Approach™ to improve communication and caregiving
- Cultural transformation: Changing the overall care culture within organizations to deepen understanding and foster better practices for managing dementia
Benefits of PAC Training for Caregivers and Residents
Most family caregivers aren’t equipped to handle the difficulties presented by dementia and Alzheimer’s, and even some assisted living communities may lack the proper training for dealing with challenging situations.
This is where the Positive Approach to Care (PAC) training becomes invaluable. Through PAC training, caregivers learn practical, empathetic strategies that lead to less resistance and more effective interactions.
As noted by caregivers who have undergone PAC training, these techniques increase confidence and improve their ability to manage caregiving tasks, ultimately leading to a more balanced and fulfilling relationship with those in their care.
Benefits of PAC training
- Improved caregiver skills: Caregivers gain practical skills that lead to more effective and empathetic care.
- Enhanced quality of life for residents: Residents experience an improved quality of life due to caregivers’ understanding of dementia and individualized care approaches.
- Reduced stress and increased satisfaction: Training leads to less caregiver stress and higher satisfaction among family members, recognizing the specialized care provided.
What is a PAC Certification?
PAC Certification is more than a qualification—it’s a commitment to caring better. It shows that a caregiver has gone the extra mile to effectively learn about and implement the Positive Approach to Care. This means they can offer more understanding and effective support to people with dementia.
Caregivers who pursue PAC Certification dive deep into hands-on training, where they learn and practice specialized techniques that improve their interactions with and care for people with dementia.
This training ensures they’re not just going through the motions but genuinely making each day better for those they care for.
PAC certification requirements
- Educational modules: Participants must complete comprehensive training modules that provide a deep understanding of dementia and introduce the Positive Approach to Care methodologies.
- Hands-on training: Engage in hands-on sessions to learn and effectively practice PAC techniques, such as the Hand-under-Hand® and Positive Physical Approach™, to ensure proper skill application.
- Assessment of skills: Candidates are required to successfully pass evaluations, which may include written exams and live demonstrations of their ability to apply PAC techniques.
- Continuing education: Maintain certification through ongoing educational opportunities to keep skills current and effective and reflect the latest advancements in dementia care.
The PAC Approach to Dementia
The Positive Approach to Care (PAC) transforms how caregivers interact with individuals living with dementia by focusing on empathy, understanding, and skillful engagement.
PAC equips caregivers with techniques to make each interaction as effective and positive as possible.
Key techniques of the PAC approach:
- Positive Physical Approach™ (PPA): Teaches caregivers optimal ways to approach individuals with dementia, reducing anxiety and fear. The approach involves gentle, predictable movements that respect the person’s space, promoting safety.
- Hand-under-Hand®: A cooperative method where the caregiver supports the individual’s hand, aiding in daily tasks like eating or dressing. This fosters autonomy and partnership, enhancing the person’s involvement in their own care.
Examples of Positive Approach to Care efficiency
- Calming bath time anxiety: For a resident distressed by bathing, a caregiver uses the Hand-under-Hand® method. By gently guiding their hands to participate in washing, the approach minimizes anxiety and involves the resident actively in their own care.
- Soothing mealtime tensions: If a resident shows signs of agitation at mealtime, a caregiver employs the Positive Physical Approach™. Approaching slowly and maintaining eye contact, the caregiver offers comfort with a soft touch, helping the resident feel secure and reducing distress during meals.
The Kensington Falls Church: A Positive Approach to Care Community
Located in Falls Church, Virginia, The Kensington Falls Church excels as a leading assisted living and memory care community, especially for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
We invite you to our session on the Positive Approach to Care (PAC) with Tonya Embly, our Director of Memory Care. Join us to better understand our deep commitment to resident care.
Entrusting the care of a loved one with memory loss is a big decision. At The Kensington Falls Church, our dedicated team offers the same loving, professional care for your family as we would for our own.
Contact The Kensington Falls Church to learn more about our beautiful community and commitment to our residents and their families.