Tribe’s new dementia care specialist believes in a “person centered” approach

By Danielle Harrison

Smoke Signals editor

When asked to describe how she feels about her new role as the Tribe’s dementia care specialist, Barbara Worthington called it her “unicorn job.”

“I’ve always looked for jobs like this but these roles just don’t exist,” she said. “Then, I saw this job and applied because it was what I’ve always wanted to do. That’s why I call it my unicorn job, because it shouldn’t exist but it does and it’s wonderful.”

Worthington further explained that typically, positions involving dementia care involve planning activities, caregiving or fundraising for various associations.

“These grassroots, community education and caregiver support positions don’t usually exist, so I’m thrilled,” she said. “This is my dream job.”

Worthington has been in the position for two months. Before that, she worked in social services at a long-term care facility and in case management at Northwest Senior and Disability Services in Salem.  

In her new role, Worthington is charged with increasing community awareness about brain health. This includes dementia signs and symptoms to look for, risk factors, encouraging screening and mini cognitive tests.

“We’re really trying to promote the cognitive test because that way, if there is some dementia attached, we can start early intervention and early treatments,” she said. “Even though there is no cure for dementia, you can certainly do things to improve (outcomes) and then have family conversations. … You can start getting a plan (in place) to keep you independent as long as possible.”

In addition to providing educational materials and resources, Worthington said her lived experience caring for family members with dementia helps her relate to struggles caregivers face.

“Basically, I just tell them all the mistakes I made and we go from there,” she said. “Also, I foresee being that liaison who can also talk to the health care provider.”

Worthington has an associate degree in nursing and a bachelor’s degree in gerontology and health education, which she said helps her with “techy talk.”

“I can explain it in both ways, if I need to get technical with providers and then talk to families and caregivers,” she said.

Worthington has created a survey for Tribal members with memory impairment and their caregivers or family members.

“It asks about what needs they have, if they’re done support groups, and what worked and didn’t work,” she said. “Just having conversations about what this community needs, not what I think it needs. I want to hear from people who are going through this and then I’ll tailor it to what they need.”

During World Alzheimer’s Month in September, Worthington is planning on having a weekly community-based activity promoting brain health, but without a lecture on the subject.

“So, the first one is a doughnuts and coffee, get to know you,” she said. “Then there’s a game night and a trivia night. This is about letting people know we’re here and easy to get to…I think strongly, it’s important to get a sense of community and establish more trust. I think if I just went in and started having an educational forum, would someone really want to listen to me if they don’t know me?”

Worthington has also been going door-to-door in Elder housing and introducing herself, passing out surveys and taking the opportunity to get to know people better.

“Eventually, we can have support groups and one of my bigger goals is to create a memory café…a place that the person living with memory loss and their care partner can come together with other people and we do activities together,” she said. “It’s inclusive, you don’t have to worry if anyone is having any behaviors because we’ve all been there.”

In her spare time, Worthington enjoys spending time with her husband, Mark and their daughters, Gabrielle and Katelyn. The family has two dogs and four cats. 

To contact Worthington, call 503-879-1353 or email Barbara.worthington@grandronde.org.