Opelika, Ala. (Oct. 2024) — The Harbor at Opelika has completed a thorough dementia and Alzheimer’s training for team members. The specific, hands-on training equips caregivers and nurses with the necessary tools to care for residents with Alzheimer’s or Dementia in a gentle, loving and knowledgeable approach.
The extensive three-day training is led by Renita Carnes, Director of Culture and Training, who is certified by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. The course covers topics such as diagnosis, prognosis and treatment, nutrition, activities and communication. The training is designed to help The Harbor’s care team understand the inner workings of someone with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
“Caring for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia can be a daunting task at times. We want to provide the best possible care for our residents by equipping our team members with a thorough and specific training,” Carnes says. “Only by understanding what these residents go through each day, can our team members be fully equipped to serve our residents with the highest quality of care.”
The training is offered to the The Harbor team every 6 months to renew certifications and train new team members. The Harbor at Opelika is committed to serving the Greatest Generation with honor, respect, faith and integrity.
The bi-annual training for team members at The Harbor is just one of the many features that makes living at The Harbor unique. The Harbor utilizes a life enrichment program, “The Purposeful Day”, which was created by co-founders, Barry Ray and Bryan Cook. “The Purposeful Day” program is designed to meet the specific needs of each resident and to continue giving them purpose in their later stages of life. The Harbor was also designed with a 1950’s theme, color scheme and décor that takes residents back to a happier time in life.
Another resource for family members, team members or community partners who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia is their Alzheimer’s Support Services. Led by Dr. Ron Harvard, this complimentary resource is designed to give support to families and caregivers who are navigating the pressures of caring for a loved one with memory loss.
“This unique training is such a great tool for our team members to care for our residents with love, gentleness and expertise. If you have a loved one that is experiencing signs or symptoms of memory loss, give The Harbor at Opelika a call today. We have amazing resources to set you and your loved one up for success,” said Doug Veazy, COO of Legacy Senior Living, management company of The Harbor at Opelika.
