Terrell, TX - A four-part workshop is being offered in Terrell, aimed at enhancing dementia care through hands-on training and proven techniques. Led by certified dementia care professional Isabel Maria, the workshop is designed to equip caregivers with the skills needed to create a positive, supportive environment for those living with dementia, while also promoting self-care for the caregivers themselves.
Terrell, TX - A four-part workshop is being offered in Terrell, aimed at enhancing dementia care through hands-on training and proven techniques. Led by certified dementia care professional Isabel Maria, the workshop is designed to equip caregivers with the skills needed to create a positive, supportive environment for those living with dementia, while also promoting self-care for the caregivers themselves.
The workshop, based on the Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) principles developed by dementia expert Teepa Snow, is divided into four interactive parts:
- Experience Dementia: This session immerses participants in sensory-deprivation exercises to help them better understand the challenges those with dementia face. By simulating sensory loss, learners gain insights into the daily experiences of individuals with dementia.
- Normal vs. Not Normal Aging: This segment teaches participants to recognize the differences between typical aging and symptoms of dementia. By understanding these distinctions, caregivers can better identify the unique needs of dementia patients.
- Positive Physical Approach (PPA) and Hand Under Hand (HuH): This portion introduces PAC partnering techniques, helping caregivers move from simply managing challenging behaviors to fostering a more compassionate, supportive environment.
- Teepa’s Gems: Here, participants learn the “brain change model,” which breaks down the stages of dementia. This model helps caregivers adapt their approaches to match the retained abilities of the person with dementia, enhancing care quality at every stage.
Isabel Maria, who is certified through the PAC organization, the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices (NTG), and the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her work.
“Isabel gave us so much insight, perspective, and tools to help us understand and help as my mom’s caregivers,” TVCC Instructor Cherie Henson shared. “We would recommend this class to every family member walking this journey, and every caregiver in this industry!”
Maria’s journey in dementia care began in 2013, and her experiences working in a memory care facility in 2018 led her to fully embrace the PAC approach. Since then, she has dedicated herself to training both professional and family caregivers to improve the lives of those living with dementia.
This workshop represents an opportunity for the community to learn from a PAC™ Certified Independent Trainer and apply proven techniques to support loved ones with dementia. Interested caregivers and community members are encouraged to contact the host organization for more information on how to participate.
“These skills not only improve the quality of care for those living with dementia,” Maria shares, “but also educate caregivers to respond, not react, creating a more productive and cooperative partnership between caregiver and recipient. This approach minimizes caregiver burnout and compassion fatigue.”
The workshops will be hosted on Jan. 11, Feb. 1, March 1, April 5, and May 3 at 9 am to 5 pm on the Terrell Health Science Center in Terrell.
For more information, contact TVCC Adult and Continuing Education at 903-675-6212 or conted@tvcc.edu during regular business hours.