Free Training for Professional Caregivers in Virginia

Professional training from the Alzheimer's Association Foundations of Dementia Care allows long-term care staff to learn essential skills for dementia care through role-playing exercises and discussions using realistic film clips and case studies. Certificates of attendance will be available.

Following are the modules and learning objectives offered at the May 18 training:

About Dementia

■ Define dementia and its symptoms ■ Discuss how these symptoms affect the ability of people to function ■ Describe some basic ways to help people with dementia

Enhancing Mealtime

■ Identify challenges faced by persons with dementia while trying to eat and drink ■ Describe how personal preferences will affect mealtime ■ Identify what should be observed at mealtime ■ Discuss the importance of remaining independent ■ Determine causes and approaches for handling mealtime situations ■ Describe environmental features that may influence mealtime ■ Identify ways to encourage independence ■ Identify caregiver approaches for making mealtime a pleasant experience

Improving Communications

■ List five communication challenges faced by people with dementia ■ Discuss non-verbal communication strategies ■ List five components of a positive physical approach ■ Discuss 10 guidelines for improving verbal communication

Understanding Wandering

■ Define wandering ■ State why wandering occurs ■ Identify situations that may lead to wandering
■ Explain the difference between safe and unsafe wandering ■ Identify people with dementia at risk for unsafe wandering ■ Apply strategies that promote safe wandering while preventing exit seeking ■ Describe the REACT method for responding to a wandering incident

To register, please call our toll-free 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 and provide the following information:

■ First and Last Name ■ Home Address ■ Home Phone ■ Email Address ■ Training Date and Location Preference

Visit our website to learn more about other upcoming trainings.