March 28, 2024 2:29 AM
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Dementia Caregiving Expert David Troxel Coming to Prescott

Do you have a loved one experiencing memory decline? It’s one of the most difficult things for families to navigate. To help, internationally acclaimed dementia caregiving expert David Troxel will be speaking at Touchmark at The Ranch retirement community on Tuesday, April 5 at 1 p.m. There is no charge for this unique opportunity to talk with Troxel. The address is: 3150 Touchmark Blvd, Prescott, AZ 86301

During the workshop, he will share key elements of a person-centered approach to caring for people experiencing symptoms of dementia. Among the topics discussed will be strategies for enhancing communication and addressing dementia-related behaviors. There will be ample time for questions, and participants are encouraged to bring theirs. Refreshments will be provided.

To learn more and register by April 4, call 928-515-3455.

An expert on Alzheimer’s and dementia care, Troxel is an informative and engaging speaker. He holds a master’s degree in Public Health from Rutgers Medical School (now UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School). During his 25 years in the field, he has also served as an Executive Board member of the American Public Health Association and a member of the Ethics Advisory Panel for the Alzheimer’s Association. Troxel has co-authored six influential books relating to dementia care as well as staff development and training — most notably, “The Best Friends™ Approach to Dementia Care.”

Paving the Way to Answers & Support

Introduced more than 20 years ago by Virginia Bell, MSW, and David Troxel, MPH, the Best Friends™ Approach has achieved an international reputation for its positive outcomes in memory care. The two developed this approach while working at the University of Kentucky Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.

Their research showed that what a person with dementia needs most of all is a friend, a “Best Friend.” This can be a family member, friend or staff member who empathizes with their situation, remains loving and positive, and is dedicated to helping the person feel safe, secure and valued. In fact, socialization is, in many ways, the treatment for dementia.

Retirement communities, such as Touchmark, which embrace this approach and meet the rigorous requirements, can become certified Best Friends environments. Each team member at these communities is a professional Best Friend who:

  • Becomes a person’s memory and is sensitive to that individual’s traditions, personality and moods
  • Involves the person in activities, chores and celebrations
  • Communicates effectively by listening and speaking skillfully and paying attention to body language
  • Offers compliments, encouragement and congratulations
  • Protects the dignity of the person
  • Shows affection often

About Touchmark at The Ranch

Touchmark at The Ranch is a full-service retirement community offering a range of lifestyle options and award-winning wellness opportunities, including a health and fitness club with membership open to the public. A two-story addition is now under construction to add memory care services. The new services will be available later this spring. More information is available at Touchmark or by calling 928-632-7800.

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