Home Health Aides (HHA), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) and Companions are in need of more concentrated dementia information when they are in training. In many cases they have limited exposure to what Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are all about. Yet, if they are working outside of a secured, memory care unit, more and more of their patients are showing signs of some form of dementia. It’s critical, as the dementia numbers increase, that they are more knowledgeable about this field.
Not only do they need more exposure during training, but also once they are employed. Monthly or quarterly in-services are important if they are to keep up to speed with their counterparts. Updated information, improved communication skills and understanding the “ins and outs” of challenging behaviors are all necessary in order for them to be effective caregivers with their patients.
Education / Training Options:
I provide in-services (classes required within the industry) and certification training modules on the specifics of Alzheimer’s disease and the related dementias. Educational programs are specifically tailored to the needs of the staff and the particular patients in their community. Many facilities do not have memory care units. However, their staff will continue to have patients who have a dementia diagnosis or are showing signs of the early stages. They too are in need on on-going in-servicing.
The comments below refer to 16 trainings I facilitated for a nursing home, with memory care, for their entire staff, which included administrators, department heads, nursing staff, activities department, maintenance department and physical therapists. The topics centered around developing leadership skills and team building; the basics and specifics of Alzheimer’s disease and the related dementias; and developing purposeful activities for dementia residents at all stages of the disease process.
*** “I want to personally thank you for the outstanding series of dementia in-services you presented to my entire staff. Each hour session was engaging for all staff, from activities to nursing. The preparations encouraged active participation and you certainly managed to have everyone participate!” “I can’t thank you enough for the time and effort you put into your dementia presentations. I look forward to seeing you next year and for years to come.” Stephanie, Administrator
Certified Dementia Practitioner Training:
I have credentials as a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT) from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). Through NCCDP I offer an 8-hour pre-certification course for professionals who want to become Certified Dementia Practitioners. Upon completion of this course, individuals are able to apply for their CDP certification. This course is available to anyone working in the health care industry, or a related field, who offers support and services to dementia caregivers and patients. It’s a thorough, detailed course that should be taken by anyone who comes in contact with our dementia families.
A comment from a participant in my Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Seminar:
I recently had the pleasure of attending an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Seminar led by the incredible Doreen Putnam. As a professional in the senior healthcare industry, I was thoroughly impressed by the depth of knowledge, compassion, and personal touch that Doreen brought to the seminar. Rather than simply lecturing, she seamlessly wove in personal stories and real-life experiences that made the content come alive. This interactive approach allowed our group to truly connect with the material and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The seminar covered a wide range of topics, from the latest research and advancements in Alzheimer’s and dementia care to practical strategies for supporting patients and their families. Doreen shared her wealth of knowledge with clarity and enthusiasm, ensuring that we left the seminar feeling empowered and equipped to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families and individuals that we work with.
I highly recommend this seminar to any professional working in this field. Doreen has a unique ability to connect with her audience and create an environment of learning and growth. This is an opportunity not to be missed for those who are passionate about providing the highest level of care and support to individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Thank you my friend, you are truly an asset to Pittsburgh!
Apryl Garrett, Editor of Seniors Blue Book, May, 2024