Best Friends Approach to Dementia Care, Second Edition

“Congratulations on the 2nd edition of The Best Friends™ Approach to Dementia Care! It is an excellent resource for professional caregivers in a variety of care settings—long-term care, home care, day programs, assisted living, and acute care, and also for family caregivers. It is a beautifully written and well-crafted training tool that provides accurate and current information about dementia, latest research on triggers for responsive behaviors, and the power of personalized music, skillful communication, and meaningful engagement in resolving these behaviors. The pictorial representation of standard approach versus Best Friends approach and the difference in outcomes, with the stories of success in the sidebars, not only makes it easier for the reader to have a deeper understanding of the approach, but also help retain readers’ interest. The chapters on growing a volunteer program, and creating and sustaining a Best Friends program, offer a rich array of effective strategies for ‘Best Friends communities’ facing staffing issues and limited resources to build and sustain caring communities. Based on my experience as a Master Trainer of the Best Friends approach, I strongly recommend this book as an essential resource for anyone and everyone working in a care setting.” –Padma Genesh, BSc, MBBS, BA (Gerontology) Learning Specialist Learning and Support Services Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary