Now, more than ever, our staff need to know a resident’s story. From the moment we meet a new “admit,” the “facts” begin pouring in. Once we discover a person’s “real story,” the story of their lives, we can begin to meet needs, preferences, and interests on a more individualized basis. The key is for staff to know those personal stories. When an individual loses their memory, they are not able to recall those memories on their own. They need help from someone who knows “their” story. In this session, the audience members will explore the we play in developing an elder’s story; a process that ultimately helps staff better meet the needs of elders who have dementia, and helps us provide true, person-centered care. By doing so, we can truly impact an elder’s quality of life in a positive way.
