#United States #Dementia Care #ESTEAM Health #High-Performance Caregiving #Rio Rancho

Enhancing Caregiver Training with The ART of High-Performance Caregiving

In a significant move for dementia care, ESTEAM Health has announced the launch of its new training initiative called The ART of High-Performance Caregiving. Set to be introduced on December 18-19, 2024, at Retreat Healthcare in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, this program aims to equip caregivers with essential skills necessary for providing high-quality support to aging individuals, particularly those living with dementia.

The initiative is grounded in a successful pilot program conducted in 2023, where the preliminary effects and benefits of arts-based training showcased improvements in caregiving strategies. According to Lena Ernst, Ph.D., founder and clinical director of Retreat Healthcare, the workshops provided caregivers with enhanced tools for problem-solving, creativity, and emotional resilience. This shift has positively impacted the care quality received by seniors.

"Through these workshops, our staff have widened their caregiving toolkits to include more problem solving, creativity, and resilience in their work behaviors and with our seniors living with dementia," stated Dr. Ernst.

Program Development and Collaboration

The ART of High-Performance Caregiving has been thoughtfully developed in collaboration with Creating Futures that Work, a noted leader in leadership and innovation training. This partnership has allowed ESTEAM Health to craft a program that integrates various elements including Exercise, Science, Technology, Engagement, Arts, and Medicine. This holistic approach empowers caregivers with the tools needed to better understand and assist the cognitive and emotional states of their aging residents.

Alyssa Janney, the founder and CEO of ESTEAM Health, emphasized the need for this type of training, noting, "These tools, while being fun, help staff understand and support the cognitive and emotional states of aging residents.**
By offering this training, caregivers are better positioned to tailor their interactions to elevate the comfort, dignity, and overall well-being of the residents they serve.

Evidence-Based Training

The training relies heavily on active learning experiences that have been validated by research funded by the National Science Foundation. Participants in The ART of High-Performance Caregiving will find success in engaging with arts-based activities, with no prior artistic experience needed.

Moreover, the program emphasizes key areas like flexibility, strength, mindfulness, cognitive strategies, and nutrition, all aimed at boosting the well-being of caregivers. This comprehensive approach goes beyond just building technical skills; it enriches caregivers’ emotional intelligence and capability to respond to the unique needs of their residents.

Following this pilot program’s conclusion, ESTEAM Health plans to roll out The ART of High-Performance Caregiving across the nation, enabling more aging care facilities to adopt this research-backed, compassionate training model.

About ESTEAM Health

Founded by Alyssa Janney, ESTEAM Health is dedicated to advancing the quality of care in aging facilities through its innovative training programs. By merging concepts from critical thinking, physical wellness, and positive psychology with experiential learning methods, ESTEAM Health empowers caregivers to provide person-centered care that is both high-quality and compassionate.

Future Implications

As our population ages, the need for compassionate, skilled caregivers in dementia care grows increasingly urgent. Programs like The ART of High-Performance Caregiving represent a significant step forward in ensuring that caregivers are adequately prepared to meet these changing needs. The emphasis on arts-based approaches and emotional well-being signals a new era in caregiver training that prioritizes both practical skills and the emotional aspects essential for nurturing relationships with residents.

For more information on ESTEAM Health and its training programs, please visit esteamhealth.com or contact Lane Davy at (505) 433-4054.