At the Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) Conference on November 13-15 in Cary, North Carolina, Holland Home received two additional PAC designations (“Knowledgeable” level) for their Breton Rehabilitation and Living Centre and Jay Mol Family Center. This is in addition to their already  “Aware” level PAC-designated Cook Unit, which achieved this recognition in November 2019. Holland Home was the first organization in Michigan and the fifth organization nationally to achieve the coveted “Designated Organization” accreditation from Positive Approach to Care® (PAC).
What is Positive Approach to Care®
Focused on changing the culture around dementia care, a Positive Approach to Care® offers strategies and skills to help enhance the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Authenticity, compassion, curiosity, and empowerment are some of the driving tenets behind this approach. Developed by renowned dementia expert Teepa Snow, PAC helps educate people on the effects of dementia while providing instruction on how to best communicate with, relate to, and care for those living with brain change.
Levels of Designation
Holland Home’s Cook Unit, designated since November 2019, is recognized as being at the “Aware” level. Organizations at this level are aligned with the PAC philosophy and techniques for dementia care and are working to apply their skills consistently with all staff in the organization. They have a PAC Certified Independent Trainer delivering at least five hours of PAC content to all staff annually and a PAC Certified Independent Coach who provides regular opportunities to reinforce skills. Holland Home exceeds these requirements with 3 trainers, 3 coaches, 1 PAC Certified Consultant, and 1 Certified Engagement Leader.
Holland Home’s two newest designations for the Jay Mol Center and Breton Rehabilitation and Living Centre were determined to be at the “Knowledgeable” level, demonstrating that they value and integrate an understanding of dementia into the orientation and education of all staff. PAC methods and techniques are evident in the majority of care interactions with support from the team of PAC Certified Independent Trainers, Coaches, and Consultant, and Engagement Leader.
Why is this important?
The aging population is growing rapidly to a point where by 2030, those 65 and older will outnumber children in this country. On top of that, the number of people 85 and older will have quadrupled between 2000 and 2040. Already, nearly 1 in 7 adults 65+ are living with dementia.  As a disease with no cure, proper care is crucial, and the demand for it will only grow. It’s important, too, that even beyond the medical community, we start thinking about how we can help those with brain change live better, safer, and more fulfilled lives. Holland Home has taken key steps to prepare for this growing need, proactively ensuring staff is as equipped as possible, loved ones are educated, and our community is growing more aware of the issues we are facing. These new PAC designations show a continued commitment to providing the care that those living with brain change need.