This practical guide is intended to promote dignity, respect and value for everyone – especially those faced with the diagnosis of a progressive illness. It is intended to provide practical information for family and paid caregivers to help them alter lifestyles and living environments, thus ensuring a better quality of life and reduced stress levels for all involved. Whether paid or unpaid, it is important for care providers to stay informed and knowledgeable, with a commitment to honouring the routines of the person for whom they are caring, regardless of age or health issues. This will foster a greater likelihood of maintaining these familiar routines while integrating additional therapeutic activities that will further enhance quality of life. About the Author: Judith McCann Beranger, BA, BEd, MA, CCFE is the Employee Assistance Program for Teachers in NL. She holds a Master of Arts in Community Development and Psychology, and undergraduate degrees in Education, Religious Studies and Psychology. Judith is a Certified Canadian Family Educator, a Certified Comprehensive Family Mediator and a Certified Elder Mediator. She spent 16 years leading a clinical practice for an Alzheimer organization and supervised a day respite program for people living with progressive dementias. Judith assisted in the design of international standards for dementia care with the Commission on Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities. Judith has Chaired seven World Summits on Mediation with Age-Related Issues. In the early 1990s Judith pioneered an elder mediation program for families addressing health concerns and led research on elder mediation, drafted the international code of professional conduct (available in four languages) and was team lead for the development of the certification program for elder mediators. Judith was the recipient of several national and international leadership awards from Family Service Canada, Family Mediation Canada, Elder Mediation International Network and the Government of Canada’s Queen’s Jubilee Medal.
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