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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
The Connecticut Chapter Dementia Training Institute offers trainings to professionals in the dementia field such as in residential homes or home health agencies. Presentations can be tailored to the audience. All of the programs are evaluated by the participants to assess quality and product innovation. Customized in-services are also available. To learn more about professional training opportunities, call us at 860.828.2828
Foundations of Dementia Care (FDC)
This training, created by the National Alzheimer’s Association and backed by over 24 leading health care organizations, is comprised of several modules of education that are based on person-centered care tailored to the abilities and changing needs of each resident. Module topics include an overview of dementia, communication and behavioral techniques, hydration, activities, pain management and how to build an effective dementia-care team. Future modules will include management of wandering behavior, fall prevention, and restraint-free care. Modules are offered as a complete 12-hour training or individual trainings.
Specialized Dementia Care Education (SDCE)
Also known as “Train-The-Trainer,” this all day program is designed for professionals interested in improving the quality of care given at their facility or organization. Following completion of the course, the newly certified master trainers are equipped to conduct in-house seminars targeting direct-care providers of dementia care.
Activity Based Alzheimer’s Care (ABAC)
This full day, interactive training program has been designed by the National Alzheimer’s Association for activity professionals whose primary job responsibilities include activity programming, design and implementation. Continuing education credits are available for participants.
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
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.
Seminars and conferences
Join us for our annual Education Conference held every April
This annual full day conference is for both professionals and family caregivers. It is designed to share the best practices and interventions for caring for persons with dementia while focusing on the quality of life throughout the continuum of care. Workshop topics have included discussions of interventions for specific populations, related dementias, sexuality, counseling, support and much more. Past keynote speakers include Anna Ortigara, RN, MS, FAAN, Barry Reisberg, MD, Marilyn Hartle, MSW, LCSW, LaDonna Jenson, RN, David Troxel, MPH, Tiffany Chow, MD and many more.
