About Irene

The journey to understand people with dementia began in the mid 80's when going to work in a long term care facility became a frightening experience. Instead of changing jobs, my journey to understand these people began. By 1989, the view was that dementia was part of aging and everyone had the same disease. In reality, every resident with dementia was different and each responded differently to interventions and medications.

Today, after reading, taking courses and learning whatever became available about the normal brain and the dementia's, the experiences of the people with dementia in our care have meaning.

As a result of this learning process, Irene holds certification in Canada as a Gerontological Nurse and a Certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse.

While obtaining the BSN at the University of Victoria, all of her major papers were turned into articles on dementia care. For a listing of articles see Publications and for access to the journal go to
www.nursinghomemagazine.ca.

Today, Irene is a clinician who assists with problem solving through helping the staff understands who the person with dementia is and what they could be trying to tell us by their behaviours. This is accomplished by gathering all the information including "mapping" or charting of the behaviours, by reviewing the disease process, the meaning of the cognitive tests and the CT scans. It is by identifying the person's strengths and deficits that appropriate interventions and care approaches can be developed. Some of this information has been compiled into a chart with examples of care approaches based upon whether it is strength or a deficit. (For further information see list of articles especially the articles "A window into the mind" March 1998, March 2003).

It is crucial that everyone who has contact with people with dementia understand the world as seen through their eyes. The sharing of this knowledge has been through presentations, poster presentations at Alzheimer conferences, teaching through the colleges, article writing, and publication of my book and now through the web site. (For upcoming presentations refer to Presentations).

This journey has made me aware of the importance of preventing triggers of the dementing process. As we live longer we need to maintain the health of our brain. (See Tips for some ideas)

- Irene