Resources for professionals

People with dementia and their caregivers would benefit from an educated and prepared workforce across all professions. With a better understanding of dementia comes compassion. A more dementia-competent workforce will help reduce stigma, increase acceptance, and enable those with dementia and their caregivers to live their best lives possible. Anyone working with the public should be given basic information about dementia, which will create safe and welcoming environments for all.

From employees to consumers, people living with the disease and caregivers are part of your world. We hope to provide resources that can help you strengthen dementia knowledge, find continuing education credits for your license, and support employees, employers and consumers.

Utah is part of the Dementia Friendly America initiative. If you don't see your profession below, we suggest you look at the Dementia Friendly Sector Guides.

Banks or financial institutions are used in many stages of life. People who have been newly diagnosed may be coming to organize their affairs, caregivers may be coming in for assistance. Bank employees may notice an individual with unusual behaviors from struggling with basic transactions to a significant change in poor judgement or overspending.

People with dementia can be more vulnerable to fraud and financial exploitation. There are signs you can watch for and training that could be helpful in protecting your customers or members.

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Dementia affects all of us. Employee support programs should be aware of resources for the people living with dementia and their care team. These resources could prevent someone from a crisis situation or help them get out of one.

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It is likely that first responders will have an interaction with someone who has dementia. It is important to know have tips on understanding the situation and how to respond. If you are looking for resources for the people you are helping, we suggest you refer them to their local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) as they will have the most up to date information on resources in your area. To find your local AAA visit eldercare.acl.gov and enter your ZIP code.

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Healthcare professionals are important in reducing the stigma and increasing awareness of diagnosis, treatment, and resources for people with dementia and their care team. There are many resources to aid health systems and medical professionals throughout the diagnostic process and continuing care.

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Professional caregivers work with individuals in all stages of dementia and can be a vital resource for families and care teams. Professional, also known as formal, caregivers go into homes, work in care communities, and assist other healthcare providers.

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Dementia can be viewed in many ways. Historically, dementia has been seen as an aging or older-adult issue. Due to the increasing numbers of people affected by dementia, it is important that we view this as a public health crisis. There is a lack of awareness and understanding of dementia which can result barriers to diagnosis, care, and resources. Public health interventions can help spread information, reduce stigma, and support people to work with their healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

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There are many opportunities in Utah for you, your family/friends, business or community to become more dementia aware. Utah is part of the Dementia Friendly America initiative and our statewide partners offer a variety of education and classes. To find classes near you check the statewide calendar or contact your local Area Agency on Aging. If you would like to request a presentation or class for your business or organization, please fill out this form.