Teepa Snow, Nationally Renowned Speaker/Educator on Dementia, Presented at Christian Health Care Center

Christian Health Care Center (CHCC) in Wyckoff recently held an important educational program entitled “Communicating with Someone Living with Dementia.” The presenter was Teepa Snow, OT/L, a highly-sought-after nationally recognized educator and expert on dementia. The presentation was open to the public and CHCC welcomed approximately 150 community attendees.

“It was an excellent presentation,” said Hawthorne resident Barbara Laurencot, who is a full-time caregiver for her husband Henry, who has dementia. “Teepa was really right on target and very straightforward. The little hints she gave about caring for someone with dementia make all the difference. I came away with a tremendous amount of information.”

Mrs. Laurencot’s husband attends Christian Health Care Adult Day Services of Wyckoff three days a week.

“I can’t say enough about the staff there,” said Mrs. Laurencot. “It is another wonderful program, and they are always so accommodating. Henry gets off the bus and waves at everyone. He is not very verbal, but he thanks the bus driver!”

“As a nationally known dementia expert, Teepa has the unique ability to address the needs of individuals living with the disease in a caring, thoughtful, and meaningful way, said Cathy Pilone, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Service Excellence/Patient-Resident Experience Director. Her methods enhance CHCC’s Person-and Family-centered Care approach. This session was invaluable for any family member or loved one who yearns to maintain a fulfilling relationship with those living with dementia.”

Communication is more than just talking and listening. It’s also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. As people with dementia progress in their journey and the ability to use words is lost, families need new ways to connect. Ms. Snow taught participants how to effectively connect and communicate with someone who has dementia at every stage of the disease. Her enlightening, witty, entertaining, and energetic style educated, inspired, and motivated.

CHCC offers programs and residences for individuals with dementia. Christian Health Care Adult Day Services of Wayne and Wyckoff have numerous activities and services designed to enhance the physical and mental health of those with dementia. Van transportation for this day program is provided to and from more than 50 towns in Bergen, Passaic, Morris, and Essex counties. The Courtyard at The Longview Assisted Living Residence is home for seniors living with memory impairment and early dementia. With proceeds from the 2015 and 2016 Annual Funds, the Courtyard will boast additional rooms to accommodate more residents, renovations to common areas including the dining rooms, and an expanded activity room. Heritage Manor Nursing Home East is home for residents who benefit from memory-care support. The residence offers specialized programming based on their specific needs, large interior spaces for activities and programs, and a serene and secure outdoor area.

For loved ones of individuals with dementia, CHCC offers caregiver support groups. Groups meet at 11 a.m. second Wednesdays, 10 a.m. second Fridays, and 5:30 p.m. third Wednesdays. Additionally, through the Speakers Bureau, CHCC professionals are available to make presentations about dementia, advance directives, care for the caregiver, and numerous other healthcare, senior life, and mental health topics to companies, religious institutions, and other organizations and groups. For more information about the caregiver support groups and the Speakers Bureau, call (201) 848-4463, email khockstein@chccnj.org, or visit ChristianHealthCare.org.

CHCC provides a broad continuum of high-quality, compassionate care, offering

superior senior-life, short-term rehab, and mental-health services. As a non-profit

organization, we deliver Person- and Family-centered Care to our community based upon the Christian principles on which we were founded more than a century ago.

For more information, visit ChristianHealthCare.org.