As a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Dr. Michele Steigleder is committed to caring for the psychological and counseling needs of dementia patients and their caregivers. The goal is to help your loved one maintain vitality and independence for as long as possible.
Until recently, dementia care, including Alzheimer’s, has focused primarily upon caregiver support leaving the psychological and emotional needs of dementia patients unmet and forgotten. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. Today, there is a growing body of research supporting the notion that psycho-social intervention can significantly improve the quality of life for dementia patients and caregivers alike.
Caregivers no longer have to “go it alone” and dementia patients can receive the psychological services they deserve.
Our Approach
I approach care services for each dementia patient with the same considerations I have for other individuals and families seeking counseling and psychological services. Individual treatment plans are designed to meet the needs of the patients and their caregivers. To build relationships I use a person-centered approach that shifts the focus of treatment from the disease of dementia to the person with the disease of dementia.
My interventions combine the principles and applications of psychology, social work, and family therapy. The model is collaborative. It offers physicians, families, caregivers and mental health professionals the opportunity to work together as a team to optimize quality of life for the dementia patient and his or her family.