These days, many patients with dementia die in long-term care or skilled nursing facilities, although some recent reports indicate that more are now dying at home than they did 20 years ago. Now, there is a training program for caregivers that is devoted to managing the behavioral issues patients with dementia exhibit so that home care is possible for longer.
Home health care franchise business ComForCare now has DementiaWise, a specialized training program for family members of and caregivers for patients with dementia. The 8.5-hour course was designed by Deborah Bier, Ph.D, the director of special populations for the company.
According to Bier, who is a certified dementia practitioner and Alzheimer’s educator, the key to keeping seniors with the condition at home is building bonds and avoiding power struggles. Her program offers simple but effective best care practices for dementia patients to help them stay at home longer and tips for creating better days. The director also offered an example of the information the course provides; for example, body language should be intentional as soon as a person enters the patient's home. When a caregiver is displaying tension and anxiety, noted Bier, the dementia patient will pick up on it. DementiaWise teaches people how to monitor body language and facial expressions to avoid unnecessary upset for the patient.
The program was reviewed by the Alzheimer’s Association this past April and earned recognition in five areas: eating well, activities and social needs, ways to care for a person with dementia, understanding behavior and communication, and dementia and Alzheimer’s disease awareness.
A home care brand with close to 200 franchise locations in the US, the UK and Canada, ComForCare currently has franchise opportunities available in many major areas, including Texas, Florida and New York. To qualify for one of these franchise opportunities in a fast-growing market, applicants must have a net worth of at least $400,000, with $75,000 or more liquid and a strong credit rating. The franchise fee is $48,000, and it is included in the initial total investment average of $76,650 to $175,000.
