By Laura Katauskas | Bugle Staff
Recognizing the signs of dementia can lead to a critical diagnosis in patient care and the earlier it is noted the better.
In a unique educational partnership, associates specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia care from Senior Star at Weber Place have provided dementia training to the entire staff of the Daley’s Ambulance Service of Joliet.
Part of Senior Star’s mission as an industry expert on Alzheimer’s and dementia care, is its community outreach, taking the role of educator very seriously. This partnership came to be after an EMT from Daley’s, who provided non-emergency transport, underwent a training session about dementia.
Senior Star Executive Director Tom Johnsrud recalls an EMT commenting that often when a first responder is transporting someone from a private home to a facility, he or she may not know what or why something happened to an individual until they start recognizing the signs of dementia. All of a sudden, the padlock on the refrigerator door makes sense to the weight loss and paranoia that someone is stealing from them, common with Alzheimer patients.
“Recalling what was taught about dementia goes a long way to understanding what a resident is going through,” said Johnsrud.
He explains Senior Star’s industry expertise in Alzheimer’s and dementia care has allowed them the opportunity to have a greater impact throughout Chicagoland by training others who are in a position to aid seniors. As more is known about age-related diseases, it becomes increasingly critical to understand the needs of dementia and how those differ from others in crisis.
“There are so many misdiagnoses that greater awareness of dementia is needed to recognize the early signs,” said Johnsrud. “This is what we do. This is what we are all about and want to make sure we are doing all we can for the community. This is our obligation as an industry leader.”
In what began as a single training session, grew into a program that looked to train all first responders on staff. Senior Star believes this distinctive partnership has poised Daley’s to be better prepared as first responders to hundreds of older adults, especially those who have Alzheimer’s or dementia.
“Participating in this training is vital and should be the national standard of care for all first responders,” said Randy Manns, a paramedic and director for Daley’s Ambulance.
Manns, who has been with the company for 30 years, knows first hand the benefits of this training because his father was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.
“It was like unlocking the key to what those who have dementia are experiencing,” added Laura Daley, marketing manager and granddaughter of founder John Daley, Jr. “Our entire staff is very proud to have completed this training and we have already seen evidence of its value on calls where our paramedics are now able to recognize the behaviors of dementia and respond in a more effective manner.”
Daley’s has now made it mandatory for every new employee to participate in dementia training so that they are able to identify specific needs and respond appropriately. Their partner company, Bud’s Ambulance Service, which responds to 911 calls in 13 communities on the s south side of Chicago also will be requiring its first responders to complete this training.
“Our role as a community leader is to educate as well as provide innovative services to older adults. We see tremendous value in offering this powerful educational tool and philanthropic outreach,” said Johnsrud. “We are proud to play a key role in helping Daley’s serve hundreds of seniors in a more effective way.”
Daley’s, which has been in business for more than 60 years, serves the residents of Will, Cook, Grundy, Kendall and DuPage Counties with private ambulance service.