Hello There!

​

My name is Laura Paredes and I am a Registered Nurse, Board Certified in Gerontology. I have been a registered nurse for more than thirty-four years working with and caring for the geriatric population most recently as the Director of Nursing of an assisted living and dementia care community for sixteen years.  I have a passion for dementia care and empowering caregivers to learn, succeed and recognize their importance and the difference they make in the lives of those living with dementia.  I have seen first-hand the profound difference understanding and education can make for the caregiver and person living with dementia. Together we can gain understanding, greater empathy, enhance the quality of life and promote excellence in the standard of care for those living with dementia.  Through the culmination of my experiences, passion, and wish to share and educate, Empathy Dementia Training was created.  Empathy is the ability to sense, understand and share the feelings and emotions of another, along with the ability to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling.  What a treasure to behold for a person living with dementia who may not be able to express how they feel with words. 

 

I have cared for many residents with various types of dementia diagnoses from onset through the end of life. During their individual journeys, I have collaborated with fellow staff, caregivers, families, physicians, and multiple interdisciplinary team members to accommodate individuality, foster person-centered care, and accommodate changing needs with disease progression.  Advanced Care Planning and knowing your loved one’s individual wishes is so important!

 

I have studied under one of Naomi Feil’s protégés master teacher Stephen Klotz and obtained my certification as a Validation Worker. Naomi Feil, founder of The Validation Method of Communication realized and created this beautiful philosophy. “Validation is a method of communicating and being with…It is a practical way of working that helps reduce stress, enhance dignity and increase happiness. Validation is built on an empathetic attitude and a holistic view of the individual”. 

 

These principles, my experiences, and the tools I have learned and utilized through the NCCDP have empowered, guided, and energized my passion.  I am grateful to have the opportunity to share this knowledge so that together we can continue to improve the quality of care and lives for those living with dementia and their caregivers. 

​

Additional Accomplishments:

• Certified Validation Worker 

• Certified Dementia Practitioner CDP

• Certified Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Trainer CADDCT

• National Assisted Living Nurse of the Year Award from NCAL

• Nurse of the Year Finalist through N.J. Biz Health Care Heroes

• Dementia Educator of the Year through NCCDP

• Alzheimer’s Support Group Facilitator through N.J. Alzheimer’s

• Member of the American Nurses Association