{"id":30275,"date":"2025-09-19T07:43:33","date_gmt":"2025-09-19T11:43:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shannex.com\/?p=30275"},"modified":"2025-09-19T07:43:36","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T11:43:36","slug":"driving-improvements-in-dementia-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shannex.com\/fr\/news-announcements\/driving-improvements-in-dementia-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Driving Improvements in Dementia Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Alzheimer\u2019s disease and other forms of dementia affect more than 55 million people worldwide, a number that continues to rise. On World Alzheimer\u2019s Day<\/strong> (September 21), and every day, we\u2019re committed to raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and driving meaningful change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To support this mission, we\u2019ve partnered with the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia<\/a> to launch the Promising Practices Hub<\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>a digital platform where healthcare professionals can connect, share resources, and collaborate on best practices to enhance dementia care. These efforts reflect our shared commitment to education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families impacted by dementia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, we speak with Courtney Richardson, Manager \u2013 Behavioural Health at Shannex<\/strong>, whose passion for dementia care highlights the vital role of community, knowledge, and empathy in improving quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What inspired you to get involved in Alzheimer’s advocacy?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Since graduating from Nursing School in 2009, I have worked in mental health in some capacity.  In 2018 I worked at Harbourstone Enhanced Care<\/a> as an Occupational Health Nurse (OHN). While working in mental health I was a strong advocate in the importance of decreasing the stigma around mental illness and maintaining dignity throughout the life span for people living with poor mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once starting at Shannex I noticed the need for similar advocacy for people living with dementia and it was an easy transition of my focus.  Being safety-focused in my role as an OHN, I watched the upward trend of staff injuries related to responsive behaviours among our residents.  Strongly advocating for a better approach to behavioural concerns to ensure staff and resident safety became an important focus topic for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Can you share any personal connection or story related to Alzheimer’s?<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I do not have any close personal ties to people who have lived through dementia, however, I have watched loved ones close to me supporting people living with Alzheimer\u2019s and seeing their struggles firsthand. Helping not only the people living with Alzheimer\u2019s but also the caregivers is imperative which makes growing the awareness in the community even more important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are the most pressing challenges facing Alzheimer\u2019s research today?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Further research into the cause and possible risk factors needs to continuously be explored. In my role, I feel there needs to be a better understanding of the behavioural changes associated with dementia and a higher focus on how to approach those behaviours at all levels of care. The importance of dignity and maintaining choice and risk throughout the lifespan needs to be a bigger focus on how we care for people living with the disease. An infinite number of topics continue to be explored, and all are important, which makes recognizing Alzheimer’s Awareness Month important to ensure we stay focused on advocacy within our communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Promising Practices Hub<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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The Promising Practices Hub, hosted on the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia\u2019s website, is a digital resource designed to inspire and inform. Featuring standout projects from the Society\u2019s annual conference, the Hub also offers a curated collection of tools and insights for those working in dementia care. It provides healthcare professionals with a collaborative space to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and advance meaningful\u00a0improvements\u00a0for individuals living with dementia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ACCESS the promising practices hub<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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