Getting Dementia Care Right

A certified nurse practitioner and gerontological nurse, Anne Ellett, M.S.N., N.P., is a dementia specialist, educator, writer, and speaker who continues to learn from people living with dementia. For more than 20 years, Anne has advocated for innovative and dignified support for people living with dementia through her association with Silverado Senior Living and then as founder of Memory Care Support, LLC. Prior to founding her own company, Anne held the position of senior vice president of Health Services for Silverado for more than 10 years. During that time, she was recognized for her work in the area of dementia care by the Center for Excellence in Assisted Living (CEAL). In addition, she was nominated to the U.S. Congressional Advisory Committee on Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation. Anne specializes in assisting long-term care and memory care operators across the country to develop best practices for innovative environments in dementia care. She is notably the developer of the Green House Project’s Best Life Approach, which supports people living with dementia. Recognizing that providing life-affirming support for people living with dementia is complex, Anne believes that excellent care is not possible without leaders and staff believing in the potential of people with dementia as well as in the staff themselves. In addition to her work in dementia care, Anne also teaches about mindful aging, referencing recent studies on nutrition and health to maintain brain health and reduce risk of developing dementia. She has a Master of Science degree in nursing from California State University, Long Beach. As a Master Gardener, Anne enjoys gardening at her California home or traveling with her husband when not working.

Introduction

Dementia Care–Why It Matters
What Would We Want?
Frozen
Actions, Reactions, and Interactions
Do No Harm
Measure the Meaningful
Advocacy
The Real Goal of Care
Best Practices
For People Living with Dementia and Their Supporting Partners