The Memory Unit OT

We’re all taught in OT school that the client-unit is more than just the patient; it’s their families as well. So when we provide quality dementia care, we have to consider the needs of the family members and care partners. I’ve got 5 resources that you can provide to your client-units to support care partners.

1. Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Hotline. Did you know that the Alzheimer’s Association has a 24/7, 365 hotline service? Trained clinical consultants can be reached any time, day or night via phone, live chat, and email.

2. The Loaner’s Closet. In my community, The Community Caregivers Association started The Loaner’s Closet as a free service for families to obtain durable medical equipment. It works like a library. Families living in the community can borrow equipment for as long as they need, entirely for free, with the stipulation that they will return the equipment to The Loaner’s Closet once they no longer need it. It is entirely stocked by a donations system, and the facility is equipped with a cleaning/sterilization device to ensure the equipment remains in the highest quality. The link I’ve included brings you directly to the Loaner’s Closet in my community, but doing my own research there are plenty of resources nation-wide.

3. The CareTrainr App. This app is designed to help families train and communicate with their in-home caregiving staff. It’s features include personalized profiles that include information typically found on the Occupational Profile, a calendar for daily care routines as well as appointments, training videos to help train new caregiving staff, and a in-app communication feature for families and caregiving staff to communicate with one another.

4. ACLS Levels of Care. So this is somewhat of an intense handout, but let me tell you why I like it. This handout breaks down each level of cognition based on the results of the ACLS, and provides recommendations for the appropriate level of care. While these assist levels are targeted towards therapists and nurses, they allow us as skilled clinicians to support the recommendations that we make to families and care partners.

5. Stages of Dementia Handouts. In addition to providing a 24-hour hotline, the Alzheimer’s Association provides breakdowns for each stage of dementia. This includes signs and symptoms, strategies for diagnosis, and treatment ideas.

There are of course, SO many more resources out there for families and care partners. I would love to hear about your favorites!

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