New directions, better connections

The Alzheimer’s Association new comprehensive training program will help you improve the quality of care for people with dementia in assisted living residences and nursing homes.

More than 50 percent of long-term care residents have some form of dementia. The quality of life for these residents is directly related to the relationship they have with their direct care workers. The better the relationship, the better a resident’s quality of life.

Simply put, our training will help your direct care staff and supervisors make better connections to residents with dementia, resulting in a better quality of life for both your residents and staff.

And, with nursing home and assisted living populations on the rise, specialized training in dementia care is more important than ever.

Built on the best

Our dementia care training, tested in residential care settings, is based on the Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations for Assisted Living Residences and Nursing Homes. These recommendations, backed by 24 leading health and senior care organizations, were developed from the best and latest evidence in dementia care research and the experience of direct care experts.

Improving the quality of life for residents and staff

Our training stresses the importance of developing more personal, one-on-one relationships with residents. We’ve found that this approach helps care workers better understand the needs of residents and what they’re trying to communicate through various behaviors.

Direct care workers who understand both Alzheimer symptoms and the individual resident can make better decisions about the most effective ways to interact and provide care.

In addition, research suggests that when care workers see themselves as skilled providers and problem solvers, they have greater motivation, less stress and reduced turnover.

Finally, better care through better communication enhances a resident’s sense of dignity and self-esteem, and creates more meaningful connections with family members.

Training modules cover these care practice areas:

Understanding dementia

Learn about the effects of dementia; practice dementia care techniques.

Making connections

Engage residents with simple activities and meaningful interactions.

Reducing pain

Learn to observe signs of pain and how to provide complete pain reports.

Enhancing mealtimes

Draw on knowledge of residents’ needs and preferences to improve nutrition and hydration.

Preventing falls

Learn strategies to reduce risk of falls and preserve mobility.

Understanding Wandering

Assess reasons for wandering; prevent unsafe wandering.

Encourage restraint-free care

Aug 14, 21 & 28 9:00a.m.- 4:00p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church 5520 S. Flores San Antonio, Texas

Sept 11, 18 & 25 9:00a.m.- 4:00p.m. Zion Lutheran Church 9944 Leslie Rd. Helotes, Texas

For more information please call
Alzheimer’s Association at 210-822-6449

RSVP is required. Space is limited to the first 150 caregivers per workshop. CEs are available for nurses, administrators and activity directors.

“Through the Foundations program, I learned better COMMUNICATION and RESPECT toward others, and a better understanding of myself as a person.” John, certified nursing assistant “This program has been an EXCELLENT RESOURCE for our care communities. The program not only fosters awareness and PRACTICAL STRATEGIES for dementia care, but also encourages creativity in finding the best ways to enhance the lives of people with dementia.” Michelle Kutner, Alzheimer’s/Behavioral Program Consultant

“This grant from the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio comes with God’s love and encouragement as we partner with the Alzheimer’s Association to help Alzheimer’s patients and their families in our area.”
W. Frank Elston, FAHP, President and CEO, Baptist Health Foundation