ANNISTON, AL – RMC Health System proudly announced this week its designation as a Dementia Friendly hospital by Dementia Friendly Alabama, marking it as only the second hospital in the state to achieve this significant recognition. This milestone underscores RMC’s commitment to compassionate, individualized care, particularly for those navigating the complexities of dementia.
This project was championed by Jamie Harris, AVP of Nursing, whose dedication to tailoring the patient experience to specific needs was the driving force. “Knowing that the number of older adults living with Alzheimer’s is projected to nearly triple by 2060, it became clear that we needed to adapt our approach to better serve this growing population. This designation isn’t just a label; it’s a promise to our patients and their families that we see them and we understand their unique needs,” shared Harris.
The hospital’s journey toward becoming Dementia Friendly started in January with comprehensive staff training. To date, 158 dedicated nurses and patient care techs have completed specialized training focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the specific needs of individuals with dementia and implementing evidence-based best practices in their care.
“The training has been incredibly insightful, providing us with practical strategies to communicate more effectively, create a calmer environment, and ultimately provide more dignified and respectful care for our patients with dementia. It’s about truly seeing the person behind the diagnosis,” explained Kandi Williams, Chief Nursing Officer at RMC.
RMC remains committed to continuous improvement, offering ongoing learning opportunities twice a year to ensure staff are equipped to deliver patient-centered care.
“At RMC, we recognize the significant impact of dementia, currently affecting millions of Americans and standing as the 6th leading cause of death in the US, and the 5th for those over 65,” affirmed Keith Parrott, President at RMC. “This designation from Dementia Friendly Alabama reflects our proactive commitment to not only meet the current needs of our patients but also to prepare for the projected rise in cases. We are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and understanding environment for every individual who walks through our doors.”
