About professional training Training programs Web-based training Calendar

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

Professional training is available in each of our branches.
For training in your area, contact:

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The Alzheimer's Association Greater Richmond Chapter has been approved by the Department of Social Services to provide training required by 22 VAC 40-72-1120 of the Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities.

4-Hour Dementia Specific Training

This training is offered to professional caregivers and meets the requirements set by the Department of Social Services for persons working in special care units. The fee is $30 per person (non-refundable). Please contact the appropriate branch office for registration information. A minimum of 10 is required for an in-house training. Certificates of Attendance will be sent upon completion of training and payment. The training covers: Dementia: What Is It?, Communication, Behavior, and Environment & Safety. The following is a list of our upcoming training sessions.

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2013 Conference on Dementia
The Westin Richmond, 6631 W. Broad St., 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.  Click here for flyer with registration form.

Art and Dementia
Expression through art gives those struggling with memory loss a way to tell their stories.  Even when words are no longer possible, they can express their feelings in the language of paint, music, or dance.  Studies show that art activities reduce anxiety, stress and depression while improving motor skills, attention and focus.  This workshop will train professional care providers to facilitate an art program for people with dementia.  It will include practical tips and interactive activities.  To register, call 804-967-2580, e-mail fran.foster@alz.org, or complete the registration portion of the flyer and return by mail or fax to 804-967-2588.  There is no charge.  Lunch and breaks included. Training will be held at Markel Plaza Building, 4600 Cox Road, James Salons A & B, Glen Allen, VA 23060 from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm on the following dates:  

• June 11, 2013 - For Professional Care Providers - Click here for flyer and registration form. 

Building Your Skills for Dementia Care:  A Person Centered Approach
The Alzheimer's Association is offering new training.  Building Your Skills for Dementia Care:  A Person Centered Approach is a 22-hour modular training.  You may design your own training by choosing any combination of modules that you would like for your staff.  This training replaces the 12-Hour Person Centered Care Training and meets the training requirements of the Virginia Department of Social Services.

You may choose to have training in three half days of 4 hours each or you may choose to sign an annual contract and the Assocation will provide a training once a month.  These are just two examples of  how you can offer dementia training to your staff.  We are willing to offer this training in a manner that is approapriate for your staff.  The cost of the training is $100.00 per hour and you may have as many staff as possible training in these sessions.

Listed below are the modular options and the time that is required for each module:

 
If you would like to schedule a training program in your facility,  please contact Merle Kahn at 804-967-2575 or e-mail merle.kahn@alz.org or Mary Ann Johnson at 804-967-2582 or e-mail maryann.johnson@alz.org.

Building Your Skills:  A Person Centered Approach 

Richmond Area
This course is offered as a 12-hour 2-part series and the cost to attend is $50 per person which includes lunch each day for the series.  Registration is required.  Certificates of Attendance will be issued upon completion of training and receipt of payment.  Next training will be held at Markel Building, 4600 Cox Road, James Salon B, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Registration:  8:30 am -- Training:  9:00 am - 4:30 pm.  Click here for flyer and registration form. 

• May 20 & 21, 2013

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Three Old Folks on a Bench
Looking at Alzheimer's and Dementia Disease Through the Eyes of the Person with Dementia
This workshop presents information and training from the perspective of a person diagnosed with dementia disease, a caregiver and an aging adult.  As the three old folks have a conversation, they will interact with the audience. You will also experience virtually living with aging and cognitive issues.  There is no charge but registration is required.  Future workshops TBA.

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24-Hour Activities Training Program for Activity Coordinators
This training is designed to provide instruction for activity coordinators who provide services to residents/participants with dementia in assisted living facilities or adult day care centers.  Activity coordinators for special care units can meet requirements in section 22 VAC 40-72-1100 G 5 of the Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities (40-hours of training in adult group activities/recognizing and assessing activity needs to residents) by completing this 24-hour program, the first 11 hours of "Building Your Skills for Dementia Care:  A Person Centered Approach" training offered by the Alzheimer's Association and a 5-hour pre-requisite assignment.  The 5-hour prerequisite asignment is required of all training participants and will be sent to participants upon registration.  The assignment must be completed and brought to the first day of training or the participant will not be allowed to attend.  There will be no exceptions.  Cost is $50 per person for 24-hour activities training and lunch each day.  This program is presented by the Alzheimer's Association and Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs.  Future training TBA.

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In-Service Training

The Alzheimer's Association can also provide in-service training for your staff on the following topics:
• An overview of Alzheimer's and related dementia diseases
• Activities Overview
• Communication
• Bathing
• Behaviors
• Eating
• Dressing
• End Stage Issues
• Safety and Environment
 
If you are interested in having the Alzheimer's Association provide an in-service for your facility, please contact Merle Kahn at 804-967-2575 or e-mail merle.kahn@alz.org.

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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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