Griswold Home Care North San Diego Owner Earns Prestigious PAC Certifications from Renowned Dementia Expert Teepa Snow

Understanding Dementia: A Growing Challenge

Dementia is a progressive brain disease projected to affect 13.5 million Americans by mid-century. Currently, an estimated 6.9 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Among them, approximately 200,000 are under the age of 65. By 2050, these numbers are expected to double.

This condition, characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, interferes with daily life and progressively weakens thought processing abilities. As dementia advances, it can cause drastic changes in mood, memory, and behavior, creating challenges not only for those diagnosed but also for their caregivers. Family members often face significant emotional and mental health burdens, with many experiencing depression and anxiety, making it difficult to provide adequate care.

“Now What?”—Finding Hope Through Education

After a dementia diagnosis, families often ask, “What do we do now?” For years, nationally recognized dementia educator and trainer Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, has provided guidance to families and professionals. Through her Positive Approach to Care™ (PAC) philosophy and caregiving techniques, Teepa has transformed the way people approach dementia care.

Teepa’s training programs and book draw from her extensive education, work experience, medical research, and personal caregiving insights. With over 30 years of experience in geriatrics, she has served as an Occupational Therapist, Director of Education for the Eastern N.C. Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and a clinical associate professor at UNC’s School of Medicine.

Her mission? To help families and professionals understand how it feels to live with dementia, fostering empathy and better care. Known for her engaging teaching style, Teepa integrates brain science and practical strategies into her presentations. Her unique approach has made her a sought-after speaker across the globe.

Empowering San Diego Care Partners Through PAC

April Kohnen, owner and director of home care services for Griswold Home Care North San Diego, is among the dedicated professionals inspired by Teepa Snow’s work. Recently, April earned her Positive Approach to Care (PAC) Independent Trainer and Coach Certifications, strengthening her proficiency in dementia care.

These certifications demonstrate April’s ability to train others in Teepa Snow’s PAC philosophy, equipping caregivers with essential awareness, knowledge, and skills development in a classroom, community, or support group setting. Through experiential and interactive training sessions, April provides education on dementia-related awareness, learning styles, and facilitation techniques that effectively engage learners.

What is Positive Approach™ to Care?

Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach™ to Care philosophy emphasizes understanding and supporting people living with dementia through practical care techniques. The PAC certification programs include foundational knowledge and core care partnering skills, such as:

• Positive Physical Approach™: Techniques for non-threatening and effective physical interaction.
• Hand Under Hand™: Methods to build trust and guide individuals in daily activities.

These strategies create meaningful connections between caregivers and individuals living with dementia, through a focus on relationships, authenticity, empowerment, compassion, and curiosity.

Supporting Families in San Diego

As a PAC-certified independent trainer and coach, April Kohnen is uniquely positioned to bring these valuable techniques to families and professionals in San Diego. Her dedication to education and skill-building ensures that care partners have the tools they need to navigate the challenges of dementia care confidently.

For families and caregivers wondering, “What do we do next?” April and Griswold Home Care North San Diego are here to provide guidance, and support.