Caregiver Training

Trauma-Informed Care and Dementia

Trauma-informed practice in dementia care is a way of caring for individuals living with dementia that takes into account the possibility that they may have experienced traumatic events in their lives. More than 70 percent of older people have experienced a psychologically traumatic event. The effects of these events can continue into late life, and the onset of dementia can interact with trauma-related needs in important ways.

Trauma-informed care is an under-utilized yet potentially beneficial approach to care for older adults in many settings. An individualized response from staff which when effectively implemented can promote staff and participant safety, reduce the risk of re-traumatization, and minimize adverse events. 

Presenter

Christina Cunningham, MSSW

Chrissy is a Prevention Specialist with the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.