Course Description:

Many individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related disorders reside in nursing homes. It is
of the utmost importance for caregivers to have the skills to provide care for this unique
population of those living with the disease. This course will teach caregivers about the
progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia disease, basic communication skills, management of
problem behaviors, and useful communication strategies for persons living with Alzheimer’s or
dementia. Caregivers will also learn strategies and techniques for promotion of independence in
activities of daily living, creation of a safe and secure environment, approaches to ethical
conflicts, development of therapeutic activities, and skills for working with families. There is
also an important discussion for the caregiver on the causes of stress in caregiving along with
actions they can take immediately to prevent burnout. This course is intended for nursing home
providers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, nurses,
social workers, and others whose responsibilities require them to have direct contact with
persons living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia-related disorders in home health, hospice,
long-term care, and skilled nursing facilities.