NASW Plays Key Role in Developing Recommendations

Social workers and other providers caring for individuals with dementia in their homes will find a valuable resource in Dementia Care Practice Recommendations for Professionals Working in a Home Setting, released by the Alzheimer’s Association this November in honor of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.

The document is the fourth in a series of recommendations for health care providers serving people with dementia and part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Campaign for Quality Care. (The first three sets of recommendations address assisted living and nursing home providers.) As one of more than 20 leading health and aging organizations that participated in an extensive consensus-building process, NASW played a key role in developing all four sets of evidence-based recommendations. Individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s also helped develop the recommendations.

Noting that approximately 70% of people with dementia or cognitive impairment live at home, the publication emphasizes a person-centered, culturally competent approach to meeting the changing needs of persons with dementia. Topics addressed include home safety, communication and decision-making, physical and behavioral symptoms, family caregiver support, end-of-life care, and provider self-care.

Click here to view Dementia Care Practice Recommendations for Professionals Working in a Home Setting and Dementia Care Practice Recommendations for Assisted Living Residences and Nursing Homes.

RELATED RESOURCES

• Find consumer-friendly information and resources on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
• Listen to, or read the transcript of, the Specialty Practice Sections teleconference, Helping Families Face the Early Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.
• Read the Specialty Practice Sections article, Hope and Help in the Early Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Specialty Practice Sections

Administration/Supervision
Social Work and the Courts
Committee Members

The National Association of Social Workers is seeking qualified candidates to serve as committee members for two new sections that will launch this year: Administration/Supervision and Social Work and the Courts. Please read the charge of the Specialty Practice Sections for details. Interested applicants must complete and submit a nomination form to be considered for appointment. Applicants must be active NASW members in good standing. Return your form by February 1, 2010 to the Specialty Practice Sections department at sections@naswdc.org.  Remember to include your name, your section of interest and your contact information.