Methodist Hospital Establishes Dementia Program to Help Patients and Caregivers Understand and Address Disease Progression

In an effort to meet a growing demand for individualized dementia care in the earliest stages of disease and maximize quality of life for patients and caregivers, Methodist Hospital has established the Specialized Dementia and Memory Support Program.

“We understand how scary and overwhelming a dementia diagnosis can feel, but early intervention can make all the difference – especially in delaying disease progression,” said Samantha Pichler, MS, CCC-SLP, co-founder of the Specialized Dementia and Memory Support Program. “Many people don’t realize that there’s help available well before the later stages of disease, when therapy isn’t always as effective. Regardless, we’re here to educate and empower individuals and families with a personalized, compassionate approach – no matter the stage they’re in.”

As part of this specialized outpatient program – which operates on the second floor of Methodist Hospital – dementia care may include speech, physical and occupational therapy along with other providers, specialties and support services.

“Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to assess and treat multiple aspects of dementia at the same time while bridging the gap in care that’s often seen between diagnosis and the start of around-the-clock memory or skilled nursing care,” said Jamie Curtis, MS, CCC-SLP, co-founder of the Specialized Dementia and Memory Support Program.

With no set number of appointments and no requirements to “complete” the program, patients and caregivers are able to truly drive their experience. Specially trained therapists work to help patients preserve their confidence, dignity and independence when it comes to things like meal-time challenges, daily living tasks and activities, use of adaptive equipment and assistive devices, and more. A team of experts also works closely with caregivers to help them manage changes, minimize stress and frustration, and provide a supportive environment for their loved one.

Furthermore, because up to 80% of medical information provided by health care practitioners is immediately forgotten after leaving a clinic setting, Methodist Hospital’s team of therapists take the time to learn patient and family needs while breaking up education across all sessions and truly personalizing treatment plans and the resources they provide.

“Our No. 1 goal is to help patients and caregivers maintain a sense of control and improve their quality of life by stepping in as soon as a diagnosis is received to help them better understand and address disease progression,” Pichler added.

For more information about the Specialized Dementia and Memory Support Program, please call (402) 354-4670.