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.

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Training programs

Foundations of Dementia Care:

A training program to enhance skills and enrich lives

The Alzheimer’s Association nationally accredited dementia care training program will give your staff the specialized knowledge and skills they need to provide outstanding care to persons with dementia.  It is based upon the evidence and best practices that constitute the Alzheimer's Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations.

 

Our training program features:

·         Interactive, hands-on training

·         Person-centered care approaches for all stages of dementia

·         Practical, problem-solving techniques that your staff can use immediately

 

For more information on Foundations of Dementia Care curriculum, please explore the following links:

Dementia Care Training Brochure

Course Descriptions

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

To learn more about how to schedule Foundations of Dementia Care at your facility, please contact:

Suzanne Perry Slavens, MS, MPH ● Professional Outreach and Education Coordinator ● 713.314.1373

Lunch and Learn is an engaging, informative and brief “brown bag” program designed for professionals who are interested Alzheimer’s disease management. Examples of Lunch and Learn topics include:

·         Updates in Alzheimer’s research   

·         Behavioral changes associated with dementia

·         Communication techniques

·         Person-environment Interactions: Using the environment to promote well-being

·         Self-care strategies for the care-giver

·         Promoting participation and meaningful action among persons with dementia

Lunch and Learn topics can be tailored to fit the needs of your organization.  Additional content areas are available upon request.

If you are interested in learning more about our professional education and training programs, please contact:

Suzanne Perry Slavens, MS, MPH ● Professional Outreach and Education Coordinator ● 713.314.1373

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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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Seminars and conferences

Schlicting Education Conference

Mark your calendar for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Schlicting Education Conference for Dementia Care Professionals.  The conference will take place May 7, 2010 at the United Way Community Resource Center in Houston.  For more information contact John Meade at john.meade@alz.org or call 713.314.1307.

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