Initial Steps
Preparation for the doctoral capstone experience included conducting a needs assessment and a literature review.
“These individuals happen to be living with a disability, but they are not so different that we cannot interact with them.” -Teepa Snow (T. Snow, personal communication, June 29, 2021)
- A diagnosis of dementia may lead to a decrease in quality of life, greater risk of depression, and lack of social engagement for people with dementia, while caregivers may experience loneliness, depression, and increased stress (Bruvik et al., 2012; Kovaleva et al., 2018).
- Decreasing the stigma surrounding dementia through creation of dementia-friendly communities can improve social participation and promote relationship building among community members and people with dementia and their caregivers (Maki et al., 2020).
Project Description
Description: The focal point of this project was to successfully provide community education and advocacy about dementia, and in turn create a supportive environment in which people with dementia and their families can thrive. Throughout the capstone experience I advertised for and hosted Dementia Friend workshops in my community, worked as an intern for Lifestream Services Inc., and volunteered at various large scale events for productive aging.
Site: Lifestream Services Inc., an aging and disability resource center located in East Central Indiana
Other Partners: Dementia Friends Indiana
Areas of Study: 1) Advocacy 2) Leadership
Population: People living with dementia, caregivers, and community members wanting to make a difference.
Topic: Productive Aging
Project Mission Statement: To improve quality of life of persons with dementia and their families through incorporating education and advocacy initiatives throughout the community.
Project Vision Statement: To enhance social participation and engagement of persons with dementia by decreasing the stigma surrounding dementia and promoting community interaction through creation of a dementia-friendly community.
Mentors
Outcomes and Accomplishments
Outcome #1
Outcome Measure #1: The student will demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the needs of individuals with dementia in Jay County, as evidenced by an evaluation of the gap in services currently provided.
This was completed through shadowing at a local memory care unit, interviews with caregivers of people with dementia, and a comprehensive list of individuals, businesses, and clubs that may benefit from the workshops.
Outcome #2
Outcome Measure #2: The student will provide information sessions to community businesses and individuals to educate about dementia and how people with dementia can be supported.
This was completed through receiving a certification from Dementia Friends Indiana to lead information workshops, publishing a letter to the editor advertising and describing the initiative, and completing nine workshops to create 75 certified dementia friends.
Outcome #3
Outcome Measure #3: The student will demonstrate leadership through organizing and providing at least one community activity to promote social engagement for individuals with dementia and their families.
A kickball tournament was held to create a greater opportunity for the youth and young adult population to become involved in the Dementia Friendly community initiative. To meet all objectives, marketing materials and trained volunteers were a part of the event, and the importance of becoming a Dementia Friend was shared throughout the tournament.
Additional Experiences
- Internship for Lifestream Services Inc.
- Volunteer at Lifestream's Healthy Aging Expo
- Volunteer at Lifestream's Aging Well Conference
- Received certification as 'Master Trainer' for Dementia Friends Indiana
- Received certification to host location workshops specific to businesses
- Attended Brain Health and Memory Discussion
- Extensive networking opportunities to advocate for the initiative and for the occupational therapy profession in my community.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
“Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.” Psalm 71:9
The Future of Dementia Friends Jay County
Sustainability of this initiative was very important to me throughout the design and completion of my capstone project.
I am planning to remain in my hometown to continue hosting Dementia Friend workshops. I also have continuing interest from the community in location workshops and champion training. The goal is to continue growing the movement and remain consistent enough to apply for an official Dementia Friendly Community Certification years down the road.
I will be taking a job at a skilled nursing facility and plan to continue learning about dementia care through obtaining a Board Certification in Gerontology through AOTA.
To reach me in the future, email me at: amuhlenkamp13@gmail.com
References
Bruvik, F. K., Ulstein, I. D., Ranhoff, A. H., & Engedal, K. (2012). The quality of life of people with dementia and their family carers. Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders, 34(1), 7-14. https://doi.org/10.1159/000341584
Kovaleva, M., Spangler, S., Clevenger, C., & Hepburn, K. (2018). Chronic stress, social isolation, and perceived loneliness in dementia caregivers. Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services, 56(10), 36-43. https://doi.org/10.3928/02793695-20180329-04
Maki, Y., Takao, M., Hattori, H., & Suzuki, T. (2020). Promoting dementia‐friendly communities to improve the well‐being of individuals with and without dementia. Geriatrics & gerontology international, 20(6), 511-519. https://doi.org/10.1111/ggi.13896