Partners Hospice is now providing specialized care for patients with Alzheimer's and Dementia in an innovative new program called The GRACE Project.

The GRACE Project (which stands for Guidance, Respect, Affirmation, Compassion and Encouragement) helps patients, family members and staff to better manage patients with advanced dementia and improve their overall quality of life. This program is particularly effective in nursing home settings, where Partners Hospice has been referred to manage these patients? care throughout their final days.

The core of the GRACE Project is the rigorous training program that enables Partners Hospice staff to provide specialized care through a better understanding the disease process and providing them effective tools to assist these patients. The training program includes modules on effective communication, managing difficult behaviors, creating an optimal environment, physical caregiving skills and family dynamics. The first staff to complete the training were Home Health Aides, with nurses and social workers trained soon after.

The GRACE Project also includes complementary services, such as massage, aromatherapy, expressive art, and the use of 'comfort shawls,' specially hand knit by Partners Hospice volunteers to offer warmth and comfort. These modalities are extremely effective stress reducers and allow patients to engage in a pleasant, comfortable activity. Pet therapy and music therapy may be added down the road. An invitation to participate in these complementary volunteer services has been extended to the broader community as well as the employee base of Partners Home Care, where many volunteer knitters have already stepped forward.

"The combination of advanced clinical training and the use of non-traditional modalities, such as aromatherapy, really help our caregivers engage with Alzheimer's patients," says JoAnne Nowak, MD, medical director for Partners Hospice. "Our aides have re-learned how to give a bath, to touch and communicate differently to create a relaxing experience for an Alzheimer's patient and allow them to connect with their environment on a different level."

Partners Hospice is also taking this message out to the public, with Joanne Nowak speaking to community groups about the Dementia and the clinical benefits of this type of specialized care. The early success of GRACE in Partners Hospice will soon be replicated with programs available to Partners Home Care and Private Care clients.

For more information about GRACE, to make a referral, or to volunteer, please contact Partners Hospice at 781-290-4000.