Dementia Wellness Program
"At the heart of our mission lies the Dementia Wellness Program (DWP), a holistic and compassionate approach to dementia care, complemented by MIDOC – your gateway to comprehensive medical support. DWP seamlessly integrates tailored dietary plans, sensory stimulation, reduced reliance on psychotropic medications, and robust support for both residents and staff.
Providing Holistic Care for Residents, Families since 2008
Dementia Wellness Program
"Our mission is to connect residents and their families with alternatives to psychotropic medications while providing access to a comprehensive array of services and clinicians. This includes personal healthcare support through the MIDOC component of the DWP. We are dedicated to assisting staff in integrating high-quality, safe, and inclusive dementia care, where staff safety and support are paramount, ensuring holistic and compassionate care."
We've herd about it so what is the detail in the DWP program
"The DWP (Dementia Wellness Program) is a holistic system designed for the integration and decision-making process in dementia care. It encompasses a wide range of strategies and approaches aimed at enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals living with dementia while simultaneously providing essential support for staff, including access to MIDOC.
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Key components of the DWP include:
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Dietary Considerations: Nutrition plays a crucial role in dementia care. The program includes tailored dietary plans to support cognitive function and overall health.
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Five Senses Stimulation: This involves creating environments and activities that stimulate the five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell). Such stimulation can be beneficial for individuals with dementia, promoting engagement and sensory experiences.
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Reduction in Psychotropic Medications: The DWP often emphasizes reducing the use of psychotropic medications, which can have significant side effects, in favor of alternative therapies and approaches to manage challenging behaviors in dementia patients.
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Support Services for Family Members and Staff: Family members and staff are an integral part of the care process. The program offers support services and resources to help families understand and cope with the challenges of dementia caregiving, while staff have access to MIDOC for medical care, leave management, prescription medications, and other essential support systems to promote a healthy work environment.
Medical Care and Education: Access to healthcare services, including medical consultations through MIDOC and educational programs, ensures that both residents and staff have the necessary medical support and knowledge to provide optimal care.
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Improved Patient Outcomes: The ultimate goal of the DWP is to improve the quality of life and well-being of individuals living with dementia. This involves measures to enhance cognitive function, reduce behavioral symptoms, and promote overall health.
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Staff Engagement and Support: Staff members are crucial in delivering high-quality dementia care. The program aims to engage and support staff, recognizing their importance in achieving positive outcomes for residents and ensuring their own well-being through access to MIDOC for medical certificates, scripts, mental health support, family support, and more.
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In summary, the Dementia Wellness Program is a comprehensive approach to dementia care that focuses on enhancing the lives of individuals with dementia while providing essential medical and educational support for both family members and staff through the integrated use of MIDOC. The program emphasizes holistic care, reduced reliance on psychotropic medications, and improved patient and staff engagement promoting a healthy work environment."
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From 2016, there has been a significant shift in the aged care industry towards adopting various components of the Dementia Wellness Program (DWP).
Many aged care facilities have recognized the value of integrating elements of the program to enhance the quality of care and support they provide to residents. These implementations have been driven by several factors, including government initiatives and a growing awareness of the importance of holistic dementia care. Here are some key developments:
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1. Reduction in Psychotropic Medications: A notable trend has been the government's requirement for aged care facilities to actively reduce and report on the use of psychotropic medications among residents. This shift aligns with one of the core principles of the DWP, which emphasizes minimizing reliance on such medications in favor of alternative and person-centered approaches to managing behavioral symptoms in dementia.
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2. Staff Education: Recognizing the critical role that well-informed staff play in dementia care, many facilities have invested in staff education and training. This mirrors the DWP's focus on providing staff with the tools and resources needed to deliver holistic and compassionate care.
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3. Access to Medical Assistance: Aged care facilities have increasingly prioritized access to medical assistance for both staff and residents. This includes not only medical consultations but also support services like those offered through MIDOC, ensuring that healthcare is readily available when needed.
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4. Support for Families: Acknowledging that dementia caregiving often involves family members, facilities have taken steps to provide resources and support to families navigating the challenges of dementia care. This aligns with the DWP's commitment to supporting both families and staff in the care process.
These developments signify a positive shift in the aged care sector towards more person-centered and holistic approaches to dementia care, mirroring the principles and components of the Dementia Wellness Program. By embracing these changes, aged care facilities are working towards improving the overall well-being and quality of life for residents while also supporting the well-being of staff and families.
So how did it start?
Clayton Rickert embarked on the remarkable journey of pioneering the DWP (Dementia Wellness Program) back in 2008 when he served as the Director of Nursing for a prominent aged care facility in Brisbane, Queensland. It all began with a vision to make the lives of people living with dementia more fulfilling while simultaneously creating holistic support structures for the dedicated staff. In its early days, the program encountered its fair share of challenges. Why? Because, at that time, psychotropic medications were often the go-to solution, and there was a notable absence of staff education and post-incident support. But Clay's determination and unwavering commitment to transformative care drove the program forward.
Fast forward to the DCRC Dementia Collaborative Research Convention in 2013, where there was still some skepticism about alternative therapies and a reduction in psychotropic use. However, the tide was turning, with an increasing focus on staff education, support, and the well-being of front-line care staff. Clay took the lead in advocating for staff, ensuring they had the tools and resources needed to provide holistic and compassionate care.
Through numerous conventions and countless presentations, the DWP gained recognition and acceptance. Major hospitals started referring patients to the program, and staff in aged care reported remarkable improvements in their ability to respond to various dementia-related behaviors.
In 2016, a multimillion-dollar extension was added to an aged care facility based on the principles of the DWP. Staff satisfaction soared as access to medical services and support, coupled with ongoing education, increased exponentially.
Since that pivotal year in 2008, Clay has trained countless Registered Nurses from leading universities, presented to university's lecturers, as well as trained thousand's Certificate III in Aged Care staff. With over 18 years of managing a combined portfolio worth over 900 million, Clay is a respected figure in the aged care industry. His extensive network includes leading bankers, geriatricians, specialists, and dedicated care workers ensuring staff have the tools and resources they need for holistic and compassionate care while being able to access healthcare for themselves when needed.