The World Health Organization defines health as the “state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
When most people think about and visualize “health,” the image that comes to mind is just that – “merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” However, there is more to health than just the “physical.”
Recreation Professionals and Certified Dementia Care Providers play a vital role in filling in this gap in the WHO’s definition of health particularly, for those individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Recreation Professionals focus on the 5 domains of life (Social; Intellectual; Physical; Emotional; Spiritual) when preparing and providing programs to encourage and/or maintain physical and cognitive functioning. In dementia care, they focus on the person’s abilities rather than their disabilities. Certified Dementia Care Providers have been provided training on understanding these concepts while also learning the best practices in person-centred dementia care, including using creative ways to manage common dementia-related behaviours.
Quality of life is about seeing the person as a whole no matter their condition. It is about supporting their independence and respecting and recognizing their choices. It’s also about encouraging and motivating them to remain engaged in life and helping them to continue to serve their purpose.
Quality of life does not end with the diagnosis of dementia. Recreation Professionals who have also taken the CDCP™ Dementia Designation Program and who have graduated as a Certified Dementia Care Provider, we feel provide an excellent combination of training and experience to achieve this goal.
We want to show our appreciation to all Recreation Professionals during this special month. Thank you for all you do.
To our CDCP Graduates, we are so proud of you! Keep up the great work you are doing!
If dementia care is a passion for you, please consider becoming a Certified Dementia Care Provider. Click here to learn more. If you are a Recreation Professional, contact us to obtain your special coupon code valid until the end of February.
