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Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging specialist certified as dementia practitioner

April 13, 2018

Adrianne DeVivo, a dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, was recently designated a Certified Dementia Practitioner by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. This credential is the highest standard in Alzheimer’s and dementia education.

The goal of the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners is to develop and encourage comprehensive standards of excellence in direct-care skills, education and sensitivity in dementia care. Certification confirms that the individual has extensive experience and has pursued continuing education, staying current with trends, regulations and new developments related to dementia. The certification process includes training in key aspects of dementia care including communication techniques, disruptive behaviors interventions, and tools for addressing concerns such as wandering, aggressive behaviors, sexuality, and more.

DeVivo, a Willimantic resident, began with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging in November. As a dementia specialist, she provides assessments (in person, over the phone and in home) to establish connections for older adults and families with essential community services, organizations, programs and medical services. In this role she develops effective strategies for caregivers and persons with dementia/Alzheimer’s disease to improve the quality of life through effective care plans, follow-up and support.

DeVivo was previously the Hartford HealthCare system advocacy manager and has also been a transitions coach, a behavioral specialist and unit director for Alzheimer’s care, and a community resource specialist for the state. She previously worked at Windham Hospital as the coordinator of Family Centered Care. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology from Eastern Connecticut State University and several additional certifications. She has volunteered with Special Olympics as a swimming head coach for more than 15 years as well as with youth groups, the Buddy Walk and Warm Up Winter.

Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging has eight additional locations: Bloomfield, Hartford, Meriden, New Britain, Newington, Southington (two) and Vernon.

For more information about the Windham Hospital location of Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging or to reach DeVivo, call 860.456-6877.

Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, a not for profit member of Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, is a resource and assessment center designed to enhance access to services and information related to attaining optimal quality of life for seniors and their caregivers. For more information about Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging or to access the free Dementia Caregiver Resource Guide, visit hhccenterforhealthyaging.org or call 1.877.4AGING1/ 1.877.424.4641.