It means understanding the person’s history instead of focusing only on behaviours.

One local client living with dementia had spent years working for the U.S. Postal Service. As her memory declined, she began taking mail from neighbours’ mailboxes because she believed she was still working.

Her family and care team created a small ‘post office’ at home with old letters and envelopes she could sort. The activity gave her familiarity and purpose while helping her remain safely engaged at home.

It happens. A Care Pro may need patience rather than confrontation.

One client told her Care Pro she didn’t need help and shut the door. Our office contacted her daughter, who helped reassure her. Once inside, the Care Pro prepared the client’s favourite eggs and gradually re-established their familiar routine.

By the end of the visit, the same client who hadn’t wanted her there became emotional when it was time for the Care Pro to leave.

Our Care Pros participate in Person-Centered Care training, and Home Instead Mabank office staff has been certified by the Alzheimer’s Coalition.

We also have a strong relationship with the Alzheimer’s Coalition of Henderson County.

That relationship extends to respite: our team provides four hours of respite care each week for the organization’s clients.

Yes. One daughter initially asked for just one afternoon each week because caring for her mother had become overwhelming.

Her mother developed such a strong relationship with Care Pro Theressa that the family eventually increased visits to two and then three days a week.

The daughter regained time for her own life, while her mother began looking forward to Theressa’s visits.