In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health podcast, we welcome Dr. Carolyn Clevenger, DNP, a distinguished gerontology nurse practitioner and professor at Emory University, to discuss the groundbreaking Integrated Memory Care (IMC) program.
Carolyn outlines the IMC's unique, nurse-led approach to dementia care, offering comprehensive services for both people living with dementia and their caregivers under one roof.
She details the challenges traditional care models present, the formation of the Integrated Memory Care Clinic based on caregiver feedback, and the multidisciplinary team involved in patient care.
Carolyn also highlights the importance of caregiver support, provides advice on resources for caregivers, and shares the positive outcomes of the Integrated Memory Care Clinicmodel, such as reduced hospitalizations and improved care.
Moreover, she discusses future initiatives, including the adaption of the Integrated Memory Care Clinic model for wider application and studies aimed at further supporting caregivers and patients.
The episode concludes with insights for listeners on finding quality dementia care and the potential for expanding this model of care nationally.
00:00 Welcome Dr. Carolyn Clevenger, DNP
05:51 The Unique Team Composition of the Integrated Memory Care Clinic
09:27 Supporting Families and Caregivers in Dementia Care
15:09 Resources and Recommendations for Caregivers
18:33 Challenges and Successes in Dementia Care
21:24 Research, Outcomes, and Future Directions
30:41 Final Thoughts and Advice for Listeners
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Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Clevenger is a clinical track professor and gerontological nurse practitioner. She is a nationally recognized educational leader in advanced practice nursing and in geriatrics and gerontology.
With a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, she is board-certified in both Adult-Gerontology Primary Care and Gerontological Nursing. Dr. Clevenger's expertise lies in gerontology, a field where she has made significant contributions, particularly in improving care for older adults.
As a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Gerontological Society of America, her leadership and dedication to gerontological nursing are widely recognized. Dr. Clevenger co-founded the Integrated Memory Care Clinic, an innovative clinical model that provides memory and primary care in a single integrated model for people living with dementia and their care partners. Her commitment to education, clinical excellence, and advancing nursing practice is evident in her role at Emory, where she shapes future healthcare professionals while continuing to impact geriatric care.