Dementia expert to present at Memorial Community Hospital

“Understanding Dementia” with Hillcrest’s Dr. Anna Fisher

The Alzheimer’s Association defines “dementia” as a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life (example: memory loss) – Alzheimer’s being the most common type of dementia. What does this really mean for your aging loved one and how might things change after a diagnosis?

Join Dr. Anna Fisher, Director of Education and Quality at Hillcrest Health Services, as she presents “Understanding Dementia” at Memorial Community Hospital & Health System on June 13 at 5 p.m. Guests will learn from a nationally-renowned dementia expert about dementia, best practices for communication and non-pharmacological approaches to care.

“We are learning that person-centered dementia care is about the preferences of the individual in response to the medical as well as the other components of care such as functional, social and emotional needs,” Dr. Fisher said. “It is much more of a holistic approach to the person’s care.”

Hillcrest Health Services has implemented the Montessori method in dementia care, which structures the environment and learning in an individualized way.

“Creative activities continue to inspire and motivate team members and family members to better understand the person’s care needs,” Dr. Fisher said. “We continue to align engagement techniques for individuals with dementia across care environments, which enable clinicians and caregivers to optimize person-centered care in the diverse settings.”

A certified dementia practitioner, Dr. Fisher is the president of the Consortium of Dementia Alternatives and is a subject matter expert in quality and nursing services education. An adjunct professor at Bellevue University, Dr. Fisher teaches in the Masters Health Administration program and was awarded the prestigious Maenner Award for Professorship. She is also co-producer of the award-winning NET television series “Now What?” focusing on elder care and dementia.

Dr. Fisher’s presentation on June 13 will be put on by Memorial Community Hospital & Health System, Hillcrest Health Services and Crowell Memorial Home. A light meal will be provided. This event is free and open to the public.

Memorial Community Hospital and Health System is located at 810 North 22nd Street in Blair. Enter through the main door and take the elevator to the lower level. The presentation will be in the Howard-Sievers Conference Room.