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About professional training

The Alzheimer's Association is committed to helping professionals improve their knowledge and skills, build stronger teams and deliver better care to people with dementia and their families. Our training and education programs are geared to professionals working in both community-based and residential care settings.

Our programs and meetings have been attended by activity professionals, administrators, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers and staff trainers. Many of our programs offer CEUs.

Training programs

Training for Healthcare Professionals and Care Workers
On-line or On-site Training for Healthcare Professionals
Support Group Facilitator Training
Faith-Based Resource Liaison Training
Memories in the Making® - Alzheimer's Art Program
Healthcare Professionals / Continuing Education Courses
Training for Dignity: Basic Alzheimer's Care
Personal Care Training for Dignity: Advanced Alzheimer's Care
 

2008 California Guideline for
Alzheimer’s Disease Management

This new Guideline updates and expands the 2002 version. This guideline was developed by the California Workgroup on Alzheimer's Disease Management through a collaborative effort of healthcare providers, consumers, academicians, and representatives of professional and volunteer organizations that included a review of scientific evidence supplemented by expert opinion when research has been unavailable or inconsistent.

What is covered in the Guidelines?

• Support for a team approach to quality management of Alzheimer's disease
• Importance of an accurate assessment
• Treatment options - including a new class of medication
• Approaches to patient and caregiver education and support
  -including evidence that links positive patient outcomes
   to caregiver education and support
• Legal Considerations
• New evidence on management of the disease in very early and end stages  

One-page summary: Link to be added to view the one page California Guideline summary reference 
One-page summary (National): Link to be added to view the National Guideline summary reference
Full Report: Link to be added to download the full report (4MB pdf file)

Provider Checklist for Treating a Confused Elder
This checklist is based in part upon the California Guidelines. It provides treatment information including: History and Physical, Laboratory Tests, Diagnostic Tests, Social and Safety Issues, and Referral to a Social Worker or the Alzheimer’s Association.  
 
Link to be added to view the checklist.

Web-based training programs

CARES: A Dementia Caregiving Approach
This affordable, Web-based program has six one-hour training modules that are geared primarily to direct care workers, particularly nursing assistants. Each module uses text and streaming video to illustrate how to best care for people with dementia living in residential care settings. Topics include:

• Clara Jones and her Care Team
• Introduction to Dementia
• Understanding Behavior as Communication
• Making a Connection with the Resident
• Eating Well
• Recognizing Pain

For a description of the modules, pricing plans and a free demo, go to http://www.caresprogram.com/

Dementia Care Training for Team Leaders
This program provides guidance for those who supervise others involved in the care of people with dementia: nurses, unit coordinators, administrators, activity directors or others in leadership positions. After this training you will be able to:

• Identify and implement methods to facilitate teamwork.
• Select and use improved communication and supervisory practices.
• Identify techniques and deliver meaningful feedback to members of your team.
• Recognize and create an environment that motivates staff.

This course costs $25 per person and volume discounts are available.
For a free demo and to register, go to: The Dementia Care Training for Team Leaders site. 

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