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About professional training
The Alzheimer's Association, WNY Chapter, 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. Our training programs include:
•Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia for the Professional - An overview of the symptoms, stages and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Also discussed are the many causes of dementia as well as conditions that may complicate symptoms. This program also clarifies the terminology around dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
•Managing Challenging Behavior - Provides an in-depth, interactive look at behaviors. Highlights creative problem solving techniques and allows participant to become proactive in prevention or reduction of dementia related behaviors to real life resident care.
• Enhancing Communication in Dementia Care - Provides practical techniques for communicating with the person who has dementia. Verbal and non-verbal communication skills will be discussed, along with the decreased communication abilities that are part of both the aging and disease process
•Phases of the Family Experience - A comprehensive look at Alzheimer’s disease and dementia as it affects the entire family.
•Activity Based Alzheimer’s Care - Highlights techniques to promote quality of life throughout the disease process through activity program design and implementation.
•Sexuality and Intimacy – Gives participants a better understanding of how dementia can bring about changes in a persons expression of sexuality and how to better manage those changes.
• Campaign for Quality Residential Care 12-hour Training Session - Intensive two-day training for facility staff. Focuses on the basics of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, communication, managing challenging behavior, as well as sessions to help enhance mealtime and pain modules. These modules are designed to increase staff sensitivity to the needs of a person with dementia.
• Train the Trainer – A complete comprehensive program designed to give professionals the tools necessary to effectively train others in dementia care. Train the Trainer sessions are taught in our office and participants are given all training material necessary to be successful.
Individual Care Consultations - Our professional staff is available to provide care consultations for residents with dementia who pose behavioral challenges in the facility setting.
Facility and Environment Design - Our professionals will consult with your staff on factors related to facility environment in order to enhance quality of life in resident care for those with dementia.
Resources for Professional Care Providers - The Alzheimer’s Association – WNY Chapter has an extensive lending library of books, videos and DVD’s available. You are also encouraged to call the trained counselors at the chapter office for information and advice about issues surrounding Alzheimer’s care. Also available is the chapter- produced interactive training DVD, Behavior Management Training for Dementia Care.
Contact Michael Dollard, CHES, Education and Training Coordinator at 626-0600 or
800-272-3900 or Michael.Dollard@alz.org for more information.
Training programs
Our Dementia Care Professional Courses are designed to provide educators, professional staff and professional caregivers with the tools necessary to become effective trainers in dementia care. All teaching materials will be provided. All modules are taught at our main office in Williamsville. To register or for more information, including pricing, e-mail Michael Dollard or call (716)626-0600.
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.
