Florida Blue and The DEAR Program to Improve Care for People Living with Dementia

Located in a quaint Winter Garden neighborhood, Orlando Health - Health Central Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is dedicated to providing professional, compassionate care that enriches and enhances the lives of residents living in long-term care and rehabilitation. 

The Dementia Special Care Unit at Health Central Park provides a safe, nurturing environment where residents are treated with the utmost respect and care. Thanks to a recent grant provided by Florida Blue, team members at Health Central Park will be bringing their expertise to hospital providers and caregivers in Central Florida. The Dementia Education and Resource (“DEAR”) Program aims to increase the quality of care for people living with dementia. The Health Central Park team will provide training in evidence-based, dementia friendly practices to hospital-based providers, and educate caregivers on how to best provide and advocate for their loved ones. 

The DEAR Program is slated to launch in early 2021 and will train over 1,000 hospital providers and staff, and 500 caregivers. The program will be instrumental in improving the quality of life for those living with dementia within our community by: 

• Increasing provider and caregiver knowledge of dementia symptoms and caregiving skills,
• Improving the hospital experience for patients with dementia, and
• Increasing the amount of time people living with dementia remain at home rather than in the hospital. 

“Dementia touches the lives of so many people in our community. The DEAR Project is an additional way our organization is providing the best possible care for patients living with dementia and their families,” says Heather Prinzel, RN BSN, Director of Nursing, Orlando Health Center for Rehabilitation.

Photo Caption: Health Central Park staff coordinated a party to celebrate a resident turning 101 years old.