Louisiana Dementia Training: NF-4A

Course Code: REL-PAC-0-LADTNF4A-V2

Hours: 4

Type: Online Course

Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2029

Learning Objectives:
Explain how Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain.
Recognize at least one difference between normal aging, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Identify other conditions that may result in symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease.
Describe how Alzheimer’s disease affects communication skills.
Identify strategies and guidelines for communicating both verbally and non-verbally with those with Alzheimer’s disease.
Discuss the concepts used to identify the meaning of behaviors.
Describe how person-centered strategies and techniques are used to address behaviors.
Identify at least three strategies to manage caregiver stress.
Describe changes in ADL ability in each stage of Alzheimer’s disease.
Identify at least two successful care strategies used for assisting a person with Alzheimer's disease with ADLs.

Outline:

Part 1

Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Understanding the Brain

Brain Function

The Brain

Review

Summary

Section 3: Normal Aging vs. Dementia

Normal Aging

Dementia

Is it Normal Aging or Dementia?

Irreversible Causes

Reversible Causes of Dementia

Review

Summary

Section 4: Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

A Progressive Disease

Risk Factors

Modifiable Risk Factors

Review

Signs and Symptoms

Diagnosis and Treatment

Review

Summary

Section 5: Conclusion

Course Summary

Course Contributor

References

Part 2

Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Stages of Alzheimer’s and Communication

Defining Communication

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Review

Summary

Section 3: Verbal Communication Strategies

Preparation

Short Sentences

Yes or No Questions

Simple Choices or Statements

Step-by-Step

Repeating Words

Tone and Rephrasing

What Not to Do

Review

Summary

Section 4: Non-Verbal Communication Techniques

Non-Verbal Communication

Behavior

Facial Expressions and Body Language

Eye Contact

Gestures

Touch

Writing

Review

Summary

Section 4: Validation Therapy

Purpose of Validation

Using Validation Therapy

Conversation with George

Summary

Section 5: Conclusion

Course Summary

Course Contributor

References

Part 3Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Recognizing the Meaning of Behaviors

Behavior Spectrum

Meaning of Behaviors

Person-Centered Care

Behavioral Triggers

Problem-Solving Approach

Review

Summary

Section 3: Strategies to Address Behaviors

Plan of Care

What Can You Do?

Communicating Better

Common Behaviors

Medications

Restraints

Caregiver Stress Strategies

Review

Summary

Section 4: Conclusion

Course Summary

Course Contributor

References

Part 4Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: ADLs and Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Meet Mary

Defining ADLs

Functions of the Brain and ADLs

The Early Stage

The Middle Stage

The Late Stage

Review

Summary

Section 3: ADL Care Strategies

Key to ADL Success!

General Guidelines

Communication

Review

Assistive Devices

Hand Under Hand Technique

Person-Centered Approach

Meet Amy

Responding to Resistance

Review

Summary

Section 4: Specific ADLs

Bathing

Dressing

Grooming

Eating

Review

Toileting

Meet Mr. Black

Incontinence

Mobility

Review

Summary

Section 5: Conclusion

Course Summary

Course Contributor

References

Subject Matter Expert: Bobbi Whittington, BSN, RN

Bobbi is currently an SME writer for Post-Acute Care at Relias. She began her nursing career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in long-term care, where she discovered her passion for working with older adults in post-acute settings. In 1997, she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification from South Central Area Vocational Technical School in Missouri. Demonstrating a commitment to advancing her education, she obtained an Associate Degree in Nursing from Texas County Technical Institute in 2007, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing in 2013. With more than 24 years of clinical and managerial experience in the skilled nursing industry, Bobbi has dedicated her career to enhancing the quality of care for older adults.

Instructor: Elizabeth Kellerman, MSN, RN

Elizabeth Kellerman, MSN, RN worked as a critical care nurse in an Intensive Care Unit of a community hospital and that experience provided significant training in caring for older adults. Her experience and knowledge led her to nursing education where she taught at a community college as she received her Master's in Nurse Education at Western Carolina University. As a nursing instructor, she spent time in many types of care settings including medical-surgical inpatient and community living centers. Her passion for education and training has most recently led her to a position as Subject Matter Expert and Curriculum Designer for Relias.

Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: General Staff; in the following settings: Post-Acute Care.

Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.

Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.

Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.