We are excited to announce that three members of our interdisciplinary care team have each successfully completed the requirements of the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) and have earned their professional certifications as a Certified Dementia Practitioner! Elder care coordinators, Anne Markel-Crozier, BSW, CSW and Claire Merendino, RN, and our Physical Therapist Consultant, Katie O’Shea, PT, DPT, MBA, GCS, completed the required training to earn the CDP designation joining our existing Certified Dementia Practitioner, Katie Knook.

According to the NCCDP, the CDP certification represents that the health care professional has received comprehensive knowledge in the area of dementia, has committed to ongoing professional development, and reflects a deep personal commitment to the qualify of life and quality of care of the dementia patient.

Anne, Katie, and Claire answered some questions about their new designation as Certified Dementia Practitioners.

Why did you choose to become a Certified Dementia Practitioner?

Anne – We are continuing to see a rise in people with a dementia diagnosis, and unfortunately, we will see the numbers continue to rise for years to come. I feel getting as much education as possible is best for my clients, family and the community.

Claire – While dementia is not the normal part of aging, it is more common as people grow older. As an Elder Care Coordinator with a life care planning law firm, it is important to understand this common disease, its signs, symptoms and treatments.

Katie – Geriatrics has always been a clinical passion for me. I was excited to further my knowledge base about a disease that impacts so many of my patients and learn innovative ways to provide support, as well as review the current evidence based practice for dementia care.

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What is the most valuable lesson you learned when you attended the NCCDP Alzheimer’s’ Disease and Dementia Care course?

Anne – We learned some great things. I really enjoyed discussing different ways to be creative while working with people with dementia as well as with their loved ones and caregivers.  Everyone progresses differently, and I am happy to have new techniques to use.

Claire – It is important to know your client’s history and to pay attention to what they are doing or saying or what the family is telling you.  Everyone is different and what may work for one person, does not always work for the next.

Katie – The comprehensive dining and nutrition program gave very realistic strategies to implement for more successful meal times. As a Physical Therapist, this is an area I rely on my Occupational Therapy counterparts to manage, and I enjoyed learning more about it.

How will it help our clients and their families?

Anne – The more we learn, the more we can help our clients and their families. I love what I do and joining not only the person but their family on this journey is not only rewarding but teaches me as well.

Claire – Again, this is a common disease as people get older and the more we know about dementia, its causes, and treatments as well as helping families know they are not alone in this journey can be a great help for everyone.

Katie – It will connect families with local, state, and federal resources that offer a variety of education as well as physical and emotional support through the disease process. I’m proud that Bratton Law Group offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary team approach to managing care of the person with dementia.

Please join us in congratulating Anne, Claire and Katie on earning their Certified Dementia Practitioner credentials!

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