Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility in Coldwater has been selected as one of 20 nursing homes in Michigan to participate in a state-wide project focusing on dementia care training and consultation from 2011 to 2013.  Approximately 70 percent of all nursing home residents have some form of dementia, according to the National Alzheimer’s Association.

Staff will gain enhanced skills in problem-solving to help reduce resident distress, including agitation and distressing behaviors, that can occur with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.   “There has been documentation the training and education has helped some staff to handle behavior issues.  The staff at Maple Lawn has been very welcoming and easy to work with; our goal is to have fewer behavior issues and more content residents,” commented Julie Hurley, dementia educator for Maple Lawn.

 The Michigan Dementia Intervention Support Project (MDISP) for Nursing Homes is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Community Health with the use of state Civil Monetary Penalty funds.  As the regional dementia educator, Hurley is providing the co-training and consultation within Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility. 

Hurley has an extensive experience in working with dementia patients since 1997. She currently works as the program director for Pines Behavioral Health Senior Respite services.  She is a member of MDEN (Michigan Dementia Education Network) and has been a facilitator for the Alzheimer’s Association Support Group in Branch County since 1998. 

“Julie’s extensive knowledge in dementia is helping our staff learn more about the disease and how we can better relate and accommodate the large population we have of dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.  Over 100 staff members have attended the training,” said Jayne Sabaitis, Maple Lawn Administrator.

 Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility has been recognized by the governor and other agencies for providing quality care through extended-stay nursing care to seniors with varying levels of disabilities.  Rehabilitation services are also available for physical, occupational, and speech and language therapy for short or long term care.