Mental health provider becomes the largest to earn dementia accreditation
Photo courtesy of Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services has earned accreditation from the Dementia Institute for its Older Adult Unit, becoming the largest organization to date to receive the accreditation.
“As the needs of older adults and their families continue to evolve, we want to make sure our staff have the knowledge, skills and resources to provide the highest level of compassionate care,” said Gretchen Johnson, DNP, MSN, RN-BC, Vice President of Hospital and Acute Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Pine Rest. “This accreditation is an important recognition of the work our team is already doing and our commitment to continuing to learn and improve how we serve older adults and their families.”
The accreditation process included specialized education and training for Pine Rest staff focused on understanding dementia, communicating effectively with individuals experiencing memory loss, and providing purposeful, empathetic care tailored to each person.
The Dementia Institute was established in 2023 based on more than 30 years of experience caring for people living with dementia through its partner organization, Holland Home. The Grand Rapids-based organization provides dementia training and education, care and support resources, and research to elevate standards of dementia care.
“Pine Rest’s commitment to this training demonstrates the importance of making dementia-informed care part of the broader health care landscape,” said Curt Gritters, Director of the Dementia Institute. “Every interaction with a person living with dementia is an opportunity to create greater understanding, comfort and dignity. By investing in its staff, Pine Rest is helping ensure those principles are reflected throughout the care experience.”
The Dementia Institute’s training emphasizes purposeful and empathetic care tailored to each individual. In addition to health care professionals, the organization trains first responders, clergy, family caregivers, and others to better understand, communicate with, and care for people living with dementia.
For Pine Rest, the training builds upon the specialized behavioral health care provided through its Older Adult Unit. The unit serves older adults with behavioral health needs, including patients who may also be experiencing dementia, memory loss, or other cognitive changes.
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