Welcome to Empower Dementia Strategies!
With a unique blend of expertise in gerontology and a passion for advocacy, I provide tailored consulting services that meet your needs.
Facilities/organizations can submit an email (dreshbaugh@gmail.com) to inquire about workshops and trainings.
If you are interested in a virtual family consultation, please fill out this form. You will hear back within a week.
If you’d like to do a confidential virtual memory screening, email dreshbaugh@gmail.com.
Who I Am
I am the founder and director of the University of Northern Iowa Dementia Simulation House, and I oversee our cognitive screening and outreach programs. I lead Dementia Friends trainings in our community and across the state. My extensive experience includes working with nursing homes, assisted living facilities, area agencies on aging, hospices, and memory care communities to train and educate staff members.
In addition to my work at the simulation house, I have frequent speaking engagements across the state, region, and nation. These presentations aim to educate family caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community members about Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
My research focuses on various aspects of dementia care and interventions, particularly addressing dementia misconceptions. I have been published in research journals such as Educational Gerontology, Gerontological Nursing, Journal of Community and Public Health Nursing, Gerontology & Geriatrics Education, and Journal of Family Social Work.
I have had the privilege of sharing my expertise at national conferences, including the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education Conference, the Aging in America Conference, and the conference of the Association for Adult Development and Aging.
My Approach
At Empower Dementia Consulting, I adopt a strengths-based approach to dementia, focusing on what is present rather than what is lost. I believe in the importance of validation therapy, which involves stepping into the world of the person living with dementia to better understand their experiences and feelings.
I understand that dementia isn’t the only challenge in your life as a caregiver. Many caregivers juggle jobs, family responsibilities, and other life challenges. It is essential to find joy in the moment while caregiving for someone with dementia. By embracing moments of happiness, caregivers can enhance their own well-being and create a more positive environment for their loved ones.
I pride myself on being honest (sometimes to a fault) and real in my approach. I also appreciate the role of humor in this journey.
Family Consultations
I offer virtual family consultations designed to develop effective strategies for caregivers and family members. During these consultations, I can:
- Suggest Home Modifications: Recommend practical adjustments you can make in your home to create a supportive environment for individuals living with dementia.
- Discuss Placement Considerations: Engage in conversations about when it may be appropriate to consider placement in a care facility and how to navigate that transition with sensitivity.
- Set Individuals Up for Success: Provide strategies to help individuals with dementia succeed in their daily routines, enhancing their quality of life.
- Adjust Expectations: Discuss how to have realistic expectations that meet the person with dementia where they are in the moment.
It’s important to note that while I offer practical solutions for day-to-day challenges, I am not an attorney, medical doctor, financial planner, or pharmacist. I have a doctoral degree in Human Development and Family Studies as well as over 20 years of experience working with families impacted by dementia. My expertise lies in providing practical, evidence-based strategies to improve the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by dementia.
If you are interested in a virtual family consultation, please fill out this form. You will hear back within a week.
Organization/Facility Trainings
I provide tailored in-person training sessions for facilities and organizations. I can come to your facility for a presentation, a day, or even two days, depending on your needs. Together, we can design a program that meets the specific requirements and challenges of your staff and residents, ensuring effective and engaging training.
I regularly give presentations on:
+ Dementia and the Five Senses
+When It’s Not Alzheimer’s: Understanding Other Types of Dementia
+It’s Not Just About Memory: An Overview of Non-Memory Symptoms in Dementia
+The Caregiver’s Guide to Surviving the Holidays
Collaborative Caregiving
There is no instructional manual for caregiving for individuals living with dementia. I understand that I may provide you with 100 ideas, and perhaps only 5 will work—that’s the nature of dementia. But the key is that we can work together. We can collaborate to find what works best for you and your loved one. You are not alone in this journey; I am here to support you every step of the way.
What I Offer
I provide a range of services, including:
- Virtual Family Consultations: Personalized sessions designed to develop effective strategies for caregivers and family members.
- Educational Workshops: Targeted sessions for nursing home staff, caregivers, and family members to gain greater insight on dementia.
- Consultation Services for Facilities and Organizations: Personalized guidance for nursing homes and continuing care retirement communities on best practices in dementia care, including communication techniques, environmental adaptations, and staff training to optimize resident well-being.
- Resource Development: Assistance in creating educational materials and resources that support caregivers and individuals affected by dementia, ensuring that nursing homes and retirement communities are well-equipped with up-to-date information.
Contact Me
If you are interested in a virtual family consultation, please fill out this form. You will hear back within a week.
If you are a business or organization (e.g. memory care, nursing home) looking for consultation or training, email me at dreshbaugh@gmail.com.
When Dementia Knocks 