Modern Approach to Dementia Care

Visiting Angels Lake Norman specializes in care for those with memory loss in Huntersville, Mooresville, Statesville, Cornelius, Davidson, Denver and surrounding areas. Whether it's mild forgetfulness or more advanced dementia like Alzheimer's disease, our caregivers go through mandatory dementia courses from our experienced leadership and nursing team as well as video courses. Some of the video courses we utilize come from North Carolina's own Teepa Snow. Teepa is a nationally recognized dementia training expert. Our staff has worked with Teepa when she appeared in the Lake Norman area a few years ago. Her videos are widely viewed on YouTube.

Below is information from our local healthcare partner Senior Care Authority on Teepa's approach:

Teepa begins by reflecting on how society’s view of dementia has shifted over the years. In the past, dementia was often misunderstood, leading to fear, stigma, and sometimes inadequate care. Many people viewed those with dementia as merely confused or unreachable, without acknowledging the complex neurological changes behind their symptoms.

Today, there is a growing awareness that dementia is more than memory loss—it affects a person’s emotions, behaviors, and personality in ways that require careful, compassionate response. As Teepa explains, understanding these nuances has led to a more person-centered approach, which emphasizes seeing beyond a diagnosis and really seeing the individual. This shift encourages caregivers to connect with someone by recognizing their history, values, and personality, allowing for a richer caregiving experience and connection that respects their humanity.

Teepa’s Positive Approach to Care is based on the idea that caregivers should adjust their actions and communication styles to match the person’s changing needs. Another cornerstone of Teepa’s approach is the idea of “reframing” challenging situations. Instead of seeing behavioral changes as obstacles, caregivers can view them as opportunities to understand what might be troubling the person or how they might be feeling. By taking a step back, caregivers can better meet the needs of those with dementia, making daily interactions less stressful and more satisfying for both parties.

For complete information on the Visiting Angels Lake Norman approach to caregiving for those with memory loss and related dementia. Visit our home care information website. Or call 704-892-8886 or email smadow@visitingangels.com