SilverTree Memory Partners
What is a dementia coach?
Expert Guidance, Compassionate Support
A dementia coach is a professional with an advanced understanding of dementia and Alzheimer's combined with experience supporting care partners, families, and individuals living with dementia. At SilverTree, dementia coaching is provided by a medical Speech-Language Pathologist who brings the added benefit of understanding the neurological and medical aspects of dementia.
A Partnership Approach to Dementia Coaching
Suzy Posluszny, M.S. CCC-SLP, CDP will help you...
Identify and address safety concerns to support aging in place
Know where to start and what supports are available
Manage stress, worry, and feeling overwhelmed
Establish a plan for daily care and household management
Help from out of town and feel connected to the process
Address support for care partners to avoid burnout
Understand memory loss and dementia and what to expect as the disease progresses
Balance caring for a loved one with your own life
Connect with local resources and trusted professionals
Learn strategies to improve communication and implement memory aides
Promote cognitive engagement and increase opportunities for social interaction
Understand how to minimize challenging "behaviors" and reduce agitation
What We Offer
Customized Coaching Packages
We will develop a coaching plan based on your goals and your loved one's needs. This plan will include goals, action items, and a road map.
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Based on the level of support you desire, a customized coaching package will be created for you to ensure you receive the help you and your loved one need.
Understand the Level of Dementia
The level of your loved one's dementia and cognitive functioning will be determined by shared information applied to dementia staging protocols.
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Once the level of dementia is determined, you will be provided with education and tools to better understand your loved one's capabilities and limitations. We use this information combined with family input to develop an individualized coaching plan.
Caregiver Support and Training
We believe that your loved one can remain at home as long as possible with the proper care approach. We will provide support and training, along with a personalized care plan, for caregivers caring for a loved one living with dementia or Alzheimer's.
We also provide emotional support aimed at reducing caregiver stress and increasing confidence.
Our First Session
You will meet with Suzy Posluszny in person (available in the Kalamazoo area) or online. During this session, we will gain more information about the challenges you face as a caregiver and identify the topics that you want to focus on in coaching. This session is also an opportunity for us to get to know each other and establish our collaborative care relationship. Following the session, you will understand how our work together will help you and your loved one and feel confident in the action plan we have developed as a team.
"Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn't know was possible."
~ Author Unknown