Dementia Specialty Training
Live Webinar Series
September 3 & 4 | 9 - 11 am and 1 - 3 pm
September 3 & 4 | 9 - 11 am and 1 - 3 pm
Course Description
Assisted living providers are required to comply with Chapter 388-112A WAC related to staff training and development. As part of these requirements, administrators or their designee(s) who want to train caregivers in the specialty topics of dementia must complete specialized training in order to qualify as a facility-based trainer. These intensive training sessions prepare administrators or their designated trainers to successfully pass the mandated competency tests required in the specialty topic of dementia. Training and testing are done over two days. This course’s final session includes a test; the attendees must be on camera to complete the exam.
The Dementia Specialty Training course is being offered virtually and requires participants to engage in each session to complete the course. Participants will need a quiet place without interruption as they will be required to engage in each session via video and audio to ensure participation in discussion and small group activities that are part of the course.
This intensive virtual training sessions is twofold: it will prepare administrators or their designated trainers to successfully pass the mandated competency test required in order to partially fulfill the expectations to become a trainer for caregiver employees; caregivers are also welcome to take this class to fulfill their training requirements (even if they have no plans to teach the class). A test is given on the last day of class; attendees must be on camera to complete the exam. Individuals who attend the full course and pass the exam will receive their certification to partially qualify them to apply with DSHS to become a facility-based trainer in that specialty field*.
*attendees must also complete a DSHS-approved adult education course and apply to DSHS to become an approved facility trainer. Guidance on how to complete this process will be covered in class. This course will not be recorded and must be attended live.
The Dementia Specialty Training course is being offered virtually and requires participants to engage in each session to complete the course. Participants will need a quiet place without interruption as they will be required to engage in each session via video and audio to ensure participation in discussion and small group activities that are part of the course.
This intensive virtual training sessions is twofold: it will prepare administrators or their designated trainers to successfully pass the mandated competency test required in order to partially fulfill the expectations to become a trainer for caregiver employees; caregivers are also welcome to take this class to fulfill their training requirements (even if they have no plans to teach the class). A test is given on the last day of class; attendees must be on camera to complete the exam. Individuals who attend the full course and pass the exam will receive their certification to partially qualify them to apply with DSHS to become a facility-based trainer in that specialty field*.
*attendees must also complete a DSHS-approved adult education course and apply to DSHS to become an approved facility trainer. Guidance on how to complete this process will be covered in class. This course will not be recorded and must be attended live.
Learning Objectives
- 8 Credit Hours
- The Attendee Will:
- review common signs, symptoms and types of dementia and identify the difference between dementia and conditions that might look like dementia.
- identify common hallucinations and delusions a person with dementia may exhibit, identify physical, emotional, and environmental causes of hallucinations and delusions.
- distinguish between positive and negative interactions and ways to enhance quality of life for the individual.
- recognize common emotions family members experience with a loved one who has dementia, identify some difficulties family members may experience or express about their loved one’s care and provide resources for families.
- identify safe and unsafe expressions of sexuality and steps to take in the best interest of the individual.
- identify possible medication side effects, ways to respond to side effects and recognize non-drug therapies to alleviate some symptoms of dementia.
- identify ways to assist with activities of daily living while focusing on an individual’s strengths.
- demonstrate an ability to recognize communication styles and ways to communicate effectively.
- recognize that past traumas can affect current thinking, behaviors and actions and will identify strategies to provide trauma informed care.
- demonstrate the sequence of steps to approach challenging behaviors.
- demonstrate an understanding of navigating challenging situations.
Vicki McNealley, PhD, MN, RN
Vicki is the Director of Assisted Living for the Washington Health Care Association (WHCA). Vicki is directly responsible for supporting WHCA member assisted living providers through regulatory clarification, nurse consultation, facility system evaluation, advocacy, and education. Vicki is responsible for developing and implementing WHCA programs to support providers in these areas. As staff liaison for the Assisted Living Quality and Regulatory Executive Advisory Committee, Vicki works with members to promote quality care and services at every level. She has extensive experience as a teacher, consultant and provider and has been involved in assisted living operations and policy work since 1999. Vicki has served as a national award reviewer for the American Health Care Association and worked closely with the American Assisted Living Nurses Association to develop its certification exam. Vicki is a registered nurse with a master’s degree in community health nursing and a doctorate degree in nutrition.