Changing OUR Behavior: Understanding Dementia from a Person-Centered Perspective with Sonya Barsness

Sonya Barsness, MS, Gerontologist
Changing OUR Behavior: Understanding Dementia from a Person-Centered Perspective
Sometimes we talk about changing the behavior of the person with dementia, but we actually need to change OUR behavior, as people who care for people with dementia.
Changing our behavior starts with understanding dementia from a person-centered perspective, seeing how a person might be experiencing the world differently as they live with dementia, and finding ways to respond to a person with dementia that honors who they are and what they are telling us they need.
From the 2023 annual dementia education conference is a program of the Piedmont Dementia Education Committee and is designed for caregivers, both family and professional, who support those living with dementia. Dementia is a condition that affects a person's memory, cognitive function, ability to perform everyday functions, and triggers a wide variety of other challenges. Though caregiving can be a truly joyful experience, there is no doubt that at times it can be difficult and stressful. The goal of the conference is to offer a better understanding of what dementia is and how it may affect a person, and to share ideas, guidance, and tools that support you in your role as a caregiver. More info at www.agingtoget...