In September Lynn Norgang, RN, Executive Director of Lincoln Home, joined fifteen other administrators from across the country in Annapolis, MD for a week of training to become certified trainers of the Best Friends Approach to Dementia Care. Taught and developed by David Troxel M.P.H. and Virginia Bell, M.S.W, this comprehensive, compassionate approach is grounded in the understanding that relationships are the key in dementia care. The essential elements of friendship, 

respect, empathy, support, trust and humor are the building blocks. This evidence-based care model is easy for staff to embrace, is person centered and flexible enough to adapt to each person’s strengths and abilities.  

 

Lynn shares, “What I most love is that this relationship-based model stresses the role of care partners as friends, rather than just being care givers. This fall I will be training our entire staff of seventy plus employees at both Harbor View Cottage and Lincoln Home Assisted Living in the Certified Best Friends Approach. Our distinctive approach to resident care has been based on the Best Friends Philosophy for many years.  This certification strengthens and adds to the level of care we offer, placing Harbor View Cottage and Lincoln Home above and beyond in the Senior Living World.”

 

Lynn will be giving a talk to the public later this fall illustrating the concepts and benefits of the Best Friends Approach to residents and families. The Lincoln Home is located at 22 River Road, Newcastle, and can be reached at 563-3350.