Transforming quality dementia care
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High quality training drives the transformation of quality care. Research, as highlighted in the
Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations shows that high-quality dementia care training can lead to an improvement in communication between caregivers and individuals living with dementia, a reduction in dementia-related behaviors and an increase in job satisfaction for staff.
Through Alzheimer’s Association curriculum review and essentiALZ certification, residential and community-based provider organizations have the opportunity to ensure their professional training programs reflect current evidence-based quality care practices outlined in the Dementia Care Practice Recommendations. Providers who train their staff with a training program recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association are eligible to purchase the essentiALZ certification, an exam which tests knowledge of dementia care.
Curriculum review
Care providers and training companies have the opportunity to submit their professional training programs for review in relation to the five topic areas of the
Dementia Care Practice Recommendations, the benchmark for quality care across the disease spectrum.
The following five topic areas of the Dementia Care Practice Recommendations are included as part of this review:
- Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
- Person-centered care.
- Assessment and care planning.
- Activities of daily living.
- Dementia-related behaviors and communication.
Curriculum review recognition from the Alzheimer’s Association is valid for two years from the date of issue.
Once an organization’s curriculum is recognized they are eligible to purchase the essentiALZ certification exam for staff.
How can an organization differentiate themselves from other care providers?
Provider training programs that are recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association through curriculum review can celebrate this accomplishment with an approved statement from the Alzheimer’s Association to use when referencing the training program in internal and external communications. Organizations that purchase essentiALZ will also be recognized for the opportunity for staff to become certified.
essentiALZ certification
Developed by the Alzheimer’s Association in accordance with the Dementia Care Practice Recommendations, essentiALZ is an exam for any staff working in residential or community-based care which tests knowledge of evidence-based and person-centered care for individuals living with dementia.
Professional care workers that complete the exam are certified in essentiALZ for two years from date of certification.