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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
Professional Education Programs: We offer numerous, interactive programs for professionals and paraprofessionals who work with persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Professional trainers will conduct these programs in any setting where at least five individuals are gathered. Each workshop consists of a formal presentation, interactive activities and some follow-up materials made available to each of the participants.
• Dementia Ready Workforce Assessments –Our trained professionals observe direct care staff and provide written recommendations regarding environmental modification and staff training needs which would enhance patient care.
• Quality Care Campaign® -A comprehensive, national, research-based training program for direct care staff and supervisors of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This training is available in multiple formats (on and off-site) and is made up of 12 hours of hands-on training sessions focused on understanding Alzheimer’s disease, communication, managing difficult behaviors, adequate food and fluids, pain management, social engagement, and supervisor training.
• ABAC®- This one-day (8 hour), Activity Based Alzheimer’s Care program is for professionals who provide hands-on support for persons with AD. It provides them with meaningful activities that allow them to engage persons with dementia regardless of their level of disability.
• Activities Are Us – A four-hour, hands-on workshop for people who are responsible for planning and/or implementing activities for persons with dementia.
• First On the Scene- A two-hour, interactive program for first responders focusing on how to identify and interact with a person with dementia during an emergency situation.
• Leading the Way – A three-hour, interactive program for people who supervise staff working with people who have dementia.
• Sexuality and Dementia – A one-hour interactive program discussing the ethical, legal and practical ramifications of sexuality in an adult care setting.
• DDD- Dementia and the Developmentally Disabled – All of the above sessions can be adapted to include the specific issues facing persons with a developmental disability who also have AD.
We offer a large array of educational opportunities and support services for families, people with dementia, professional caregivers, first responders and the medical community. If you wish to learn more about this, or book a program, please call 518-438-2217 and ask for Gretchen Moore Simmons.
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
2007 Conference for Caregivers
Desmond Hotel & Conference Center
November 19, 2007
Anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia is encouraged to participate in the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York’s 11th Annual Conference for Caregivers. The event will take place on Monday, November 19th from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Colonie, NY.
Caregivers need the latest information and support for what they are doing. This conference is carefully planned to provide caregivers the tools they need in order to provide the best care for their loved one as well as for themselves.
For more information on the conference or to register, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York at (800) 272-3900.






