About professional training Seminars and conferences

About professional training

The Alzheimer's Association is committed to helping professionals improve their knowledge and skills, builder stronger teams and deliver better care to people with dementia and their families. 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 CEU's.

 

Dementia Care Training - CCDI Training Level I

Purpose
The purpose of this training is to improve the health and well-being of residents who have Alzheimer's disease and other dementias by providing professionals with the skills they need to effectively identify and meet the needs of these residents and their families.  For caregivers working in CCDI (Chronic Confusion or Dementing Illness) units or facilities.

Objectives
At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

• Describe Alzheimer’s disease, its signs, symptoms, progression and effect on the brain and behavior.
  Discuss ways to effectively communicate with individuals with Alzheimer's disease, their families and other concerned persons.
• Examine techniques to assist persons with Alzheimer's disease with activities of daily living.
• Describe a person-centered environment and its benefits to residents.
• Identify and respond appropriately to challenging symptoms and situations.
• Describe a person-centered care plan.
• Discuss key family issues and dynamics such as role-reversal, grief, loss and guilt.
• Describe ways to ease adjustment to care facility residency for both residents and family members.
• List strategies for staff support and stress reduction.

 

Beyond the Basics - CCDI Training Level II

Purpose
This program expands on the topics presented in the six (6) hour basic education required by the State of Iowa for caregivers working in Chronic Confusion or Dementing Illness units or facilities. In-depth discussion on pain assessment and management, meeting food and fluid needs and implementing meaningful activities for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias is discussed.
 
Objectives
The content of this program is designed to meet the following learning needs:

• Review the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s.
• Compare and contrast findings of the Global Deterioration Scale with those of the Mini Mental Status Exam for persons with Alzheimer’s.
• Examine the medications used to preserve thinking ability, ease challenging symptoms and improve the quality of life for persons with Alzheimer’s.
• Explore the verbal and behavioral indicators of pain in a person with cognitive impairment due to dementia and pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions for pain management.
• Recognize other causes of dementia both reversible and irreversible.
• Apply the principles of Person Centered Care for someone with Alzheimer’s dementia including ways to communicate and the use of a Life Story Book.
• Manage challenging symptoms with a function oriented rather than custodial approach.
• Determine the components of quality end-of-life care and ways to support families with difficult decisions.

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Seminars and Conferences

Enhancing Communication with Persons with Dementia

Wednesday, October 14
10 am- Noon
NICC TownClock Plaza
680 Main Street
Dubuque, IA
$35 per person, includes CEUs

Professional caregivers will learn verbal and non-verbal methods to increase communication and understanding with person's living with dementing illness.  Pre-registration is required, call NICC at 1.563.557.8271.

 

Dementia Activities for Professionals

Wednesday, October 28
10 am-Noon
NICC TownClock Plaza
680 Main St.
Dubuque, IA
$35 per person, CEU's available

This program will educate professional caregivers about stage-appropriate activities for individuals with dementing illness.  Registration is required, please call 1.563.557.8271.

 

 

What's New in Dementia Care & Research

Wednesday, October 21

8:30am-4pm
Friendship Haven
420 Kenyon Road
Fort Dodge, IA

Featured presenters are:
Dr. Kathleen Buckwalter, PhD, RN, FAAN- University of Iowa
Nadine Schlienze, RN, CHPN- Paula J. Barber Hospice Home

Participants will learn more about the latest developments in Alzheimer care and research, as well as end-of-life care.  Registration deadline is October 14.  For information and a registration form, click here or call Jodi Ricklefs, Program and Services Coordinator, at 1.515.576.4884 or 1.800.272.3900 or send an email.   Presented in partnership with the Elderbridge Area Agency on Aging and Friendship Haven. This program was made possible in part by a grant from the Iowa Department on Aging.  The content does not necessarily represent the official views of the Department.
 

The Art of Caregving

Thursday, November 5

8am-4:30pm
Best Western Steeplegate Inn
100 W. 76th St.
Davenport, IA

This all day conference will explore the art of learning how to be an effective caregiver.  Hear from keynote speaker Bill Bridgwater, who will discuss his own personal experience as one who is diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's.   Connie Lucas, Program Specialist, will also provide breakout sessions to assist participants in planning and participating in activities.  Designed for professionals and families, the course is based on the philosophy that whenever we say "yes" to the person with the disease, healing moments are possible.  CEUs and contact hours will be provided. For more information, call Jerry Schroeder, Program Specialist, at 1.563.324.1022 or 1.800.272.3900 or send him an email. This program was made possible in part by a grant from the Iowa Department on Aging.  The content does not necessarily represent the official views of the Department.