Local Dementia Care Specialists Share Their Expertise with Patients and Families in These Three Things: a Guidebook for Navigating the Dementia Journey

By Nancy Kennedy

It has often been said that good things come in threes. In fact, there is a Latin phrase, “omne trium perfectum,” which means that everything that comes in threes is perfect. This principle seems to apply perfectly to the Dementia Care provided by a trio of professional dementia care specialists who offer extraordinary expertise and empathy to the care of persons with dementia and their families.

Tina Opina, Lisa Jenkins and Terri Averi are a dynamic and deeply committed threesome for whom the care of persons with dementia is a mission and a passion. They represent three distinct professions but they blend their individual capabilities with masterful synergy. Tina Opina,CDP, is a Certified Dementia Care provider and serves as Dementia Coordinator. Lisa Jenkins, MSSA, LSW, CDP, is a social worker and is Senior Behavioral Health Coordinator. Terri Averi, RN, MSN, is a registered nurse who serves as Supportive Care Manager. Together, the partners and other staff provide individualized, respectful care and supportive services that help persons with dementia live safely in the community.

Now, Tina, Lisa and Terri have taken an unusual and creative step - a giant leap, really - in their commitment to caring compassionately for their patients. They have written and published a book, “These Three Things: A Guide to Navigating the Dementia Journey,” designed to help caregivers address common challenges in the care of persons with dementia. “These Three Things” is a toolbox for both professionals and family members who often face daily struggles with behavioral and communication issues. According to Lisa Jenkins, the book was a joint and equal effort. “Tina, Terri and I work well together. When we meet, ideas just flow. We began writing the book a few years ago, writing together although each of us ‘owned’ a piece of it. It just evolved. We recognized that caregivers frequently need practical, immediate help, and we could provide that through this book,”

Three Things, three authors, three solutions for every problem - and a treasure trove of valuable, proven, practical tips and techniques that provide genuine solutions. Tina explains that the book helps the caregiver respond in the moment, in a creative and effective way. “The book spans the entirety of dementia. It includes a self care section, acknowledging that this is hard work and you need to care for yourself with the same practicality. You cannot pour from an empty cup. It’s okay to have emotions, to feel exhausted and sad.” Adds Lisa, “I believe that our book provides hope to caregivers. It can be very lonely, but our book reassures the reader that someone understands. Here is a solution: you can pick up this book and find answers. Our book answers the question, ‘How??’”

“Three Things” is published by Springer Link and features a format that facilitates its purpose of providing fast, practical help. “It is a small book, with information presented in a simple, readable style. Caregivers have little time so we made the book easy to read,” says Terri. There are nine chapters, each focused on one aspect of the dementia journey, including sensory changes, behavior and emotions, communication, and brain health. Each chapter describes common scenarios that might occur when providing care and offers three interventions or actions to solve the problem or keep it from escalating. “Caregivers have to think fast when there’s a problem, whatever the cause. It could be about mealtime, or morning hygiene, or going to see the doctor. What should I do, how can I manage this? Our book gives you help and also educates you,” says Terri. “There are 99 situations described.”

“These Three Things: A Guide for Navigating the Dementia Journey” is available as a hardback, on Kindle,or as a downloadable PDF or eBook. It is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart and libraries.

Tina, Lisa and Terri believe that These Three Things is a resource that can be transformative for caregivers. “It will help you develop skills and greater confidence. Many lives are touched by dementia and we want to help people find more joy in the caring and connection they have with their loved one,” says Terri.

For further information about Community LIFE, visit www.commlife.org.