During the holidays, many of us are spending time with loved ones we don’t often see throughout the year. For some families, these gatherings may bring a new awareness of relatives who are experiencing cognitive changes or showing early signs of dementia. As that awareness grows, so does the need for support. The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) is one of those local resources for support.
Every OAW teammate is trained in DementiaLive®, a unique program designed to recreate what it feels like to live with dementia. This experience provides insight into the challenges faced by individuals living with the disease and mimics dementia symptoms such as tunnel vision, slowed processing and altered touch. All Outlook at Windhaven teammates are required to complete this training as part of their commitment to compassionate and informed care.
In addition to highly trained teammates, the OAW community also hosts “The Outlook of Hope” monthly support group for caregivers, family members and anyone in DFW navigating dementia-related challenges. The group is facilitated by Yashica Washington, OAW’s Assisted Living Director, and Wendy Thomas, Assisted Living Advisor. The support group is a free resource, open to all ages, and offers a welcoming space for encouragement and education. As families step into a season filled with both joy and change, OAW hopes to raise awareness and remind those facing dementia-related challenges that they are not alone.
By Amee McGough
