‘Dementia with Dignity’ class slated

The Dementia & Alzheimer’s Wellbeing Network (DAWN) will soon be hosting an eight-week workshop in Pullman for people working with individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

“Dementia with Dignity” begins Sept. 15 in Pullman and will run through Nov. 3. Each class will meet Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. at the Circles of Caring Adult Day Services in Pullman.

The workshop will be led by Judy Cornish, founder of DAWN and Palouse Dementia Care.

“The DAWN Method is a set of tools that enables families to keep people home longer,” said Cornish. “It addresses the emotional needs of dementia.”

Cornish said the eight classes will focus on seven tools, noting the first class will be explaining appropriate care and habilitative care.

“The first three tools address support and helping a person develop a sense of security,” said Cornish. “The last four address essential components of well-being.”

She defined habilitative care as responding to emotional needs.

“It is when you respond to dementia by changing the environment so the person succeeds,” she said. “It’s working with their sense of reality as they are losing memory and rational thought. The better response is just to change the environment so their sense of reality works.”

The class is not appropriate for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

“It’s more for people who are living or working with people with dementia,” said Cornish.

Cost to attend each class is $20, and Cornish said spots are already filling up fast. She said those who pre-pay $150 will be guaranteed a seat for all eight classes.

To register or for more information email or call: 208-388-8898

http://www.thedawnmethod.com