Louisiana Dementia Training: NF/SCU-4

Course Code: REL-PAC-0-LADTSCU4-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.
Identify at least two strategies to create meaningful and engaging activities.
Discuss the use of different types of activities for a person with dementia.
Describe at least two common issues that family members of people with dementia encounter.
Identify at least three ways to use non-verbal communication when communicating with a person with dementia.
Describe two ways to effectively communicate with someone with dementia.
Describe four interventions for preventing elopement.
Identify the steps to take when a resident elopes.

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: Meaningful Activities

Psychosocial Needs

What is an Activity?

Meaningful Activities

Successful Activities

Person-Centered Care

Approach is Important

Individual or Group Activities

Review

Summary

Section 3: Different Types of Activities

Reminiscing Activities

Leisure Activities

Social Activities

Exercise

Sensory Involvement

Productive and Self-Care Activities

Review

Summary

Section 4: Family Issues and Concerns

What’s Next?

Planning Ahead

Behavior Changes

Caregiver Strain

A New Home

End-of-Life Care

A Long Goodbye

Meet Ann

Grief Process

Review

Summary

Section 5: Conclusion

Course Summary

Course Contributor

Resources

References

Part 3

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 4

Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Dementia’s Effect on Communication

Dementia

Dementia-Related Behaviors

Behavioral Changes with Dementia

Review

Summary

Section 3: Communication with Individuals with Dementia

Parts of Communication

Approaching Those with Dementia

Use Touch

Minimize Distractions

Be at the Person’s Level

Use Simple Terms

Your Tone of Voice

Using a Deeper Tone

Talk Slower

Wait for a Response

Review

Summary

Section 4: The Power of Touch

The Importance of Touch

Appropriate Touch

Gentle Touch

Just Be There

When Unable to Communicate

Watch Responses

Customize Activities

Helping Individuals Communicate

Review

Summary

Section 5: Conclusion

Course Summary

Course Contributor

Resource

References

Part 5

Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Preventing Elopement

Risk Factors

Preventing Elopement

Individualized Interventions

Review

Summary

Section 3: Responding to Elopement

What Do You Do?

Head Counts

Missing Resident

Resident Return

Summary

Section 4: 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.

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.