Because South Mountain Memory Care specializes in caring for our special population of residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia, we employ multiple Certified Dementia Practitioners to ensure the proper care of your loved one.
Four out of five of our managers are Certified Dementia Practitioners, which means they are specially trained and passionate about understanding and meeting the needs of this precious community.
What is a Certified Dementia Practitioner®?
A Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP®) is a healthcare professional, front-line staff person, or clergyperson who has completed Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia training and the CDP® certification process. The CDP certification represents a commitment to excellence in dementia care, which in many ways is different from non-dementia-specific healthcare.
The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) encourages continuing professional development through educational opportunities and a biennial recertification requirement.
In times past, dementia care focused more on supporting the caregiver than the patient. Being a caregiver can be difficult and taxing, but healthcare should mean caring for the health of the patient. That attitude has shifted to getting into the patient’s world and dealing with their reality. Instead of isolating the patient or forcing them into the “real” world, caregivers pay attention to the patient’s perception of reality in order to avoid confusion and agitation. This approach reduces difficult behavior, benefitting the patient and the caregiver.
What are the benefits of CDP® Certification?
- CDPs deal with a population that requires special care. This training equips caregivers with the advanced skills needed to meet their unique needs.
- This person-centered care can improve the quality of life for dementia patients.
- This certification adds value to the caregiver’s credentials.
South Mountain Memory Care, with our unique culture, “small house” model, and abundance of certified caregivers, offers you the peace of mind of knowing your loved one will be cared for as if they were our family—which they are!
South Mountain Memory Care is committed to providing individualized, compassionate care to support our residents in achieving a well-balanced lifestyle. We strive to allow our residents to remain independent while emphasizing safety. Our focus is to enrich their life—mind, body, and spirit—by bringing new initiatives into their day-to-day regimen while maintaining the activities they find comfort in. South Mountain Memory Care offers the peace of mind you deserve. When it comes to those you care so deeply about, we understand because we care, too.