Course Code: REL-PAC-0-LADTSCU8-V2
Hours: 8
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.
Discuss the impact of frequently occurring medical conditions and their symptoms in those with Alzheimer’s disease.
Identify at least two strategies to improve nutrition and hydration in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
Discuss end-of-life care for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Discuss strategies to create meaningful and engaging activities for a person with Alzheimer’s disease.
Identify at least three benefits of activities for a person with Alzheimer’s disease.
Describe the use of different types of activities in the person with Alzheimer’s disease.
Identify at least three myths related to dementia.
Recall at least one theory of care for the person with dementia.
Describe at least three effective interventions for providing care to people with dementia.
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 3
Section 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 4
Section 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
Part 5
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: Dementia Overview
What is Dementia?
Common Myths About Dementia
Quality of Life
Safety
Review
Summary
Section 3: Care Theories for People with Dementia
Care Approaches
Relationship-Centered Care
Activity-Based Care
Gentle Persuasive Approach®
Best Friends™ Approach
Review
Summary
Section 4: Effective Interventions
Dementia-Friendly Environments
Ways to Enhance Quality of Life
Tips for Daily Tasks
Safety Interventions
Review
Summary
Section 5: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributor
Resource
References
Part 6
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: Ethical Issues with Dementia
What is Ethics?
Justice
Veracity
Beneficence
Nonmaleficence
Autonomy
Ethical Conflicts
Making Important Decisions
Review
Summary
Section 3: A Caregiver’s Journey with Dementia
Norris and Madie
What Next?
Thinking Ahead
Behavior Challenges
Stress and Strain of Caregiving
Home Away From Home
End-of-Life Care
Review
Summary
Section 4: A Journey’s End
What is Grief?
Grief Process
Review
Summary
Section 5: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributor
Resources
References
Part 7
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: Medical Conditions Related to Alzheimer’s Disease
Pain
Identifying Pain
Managing Pain
Immobility
Pressure Injuries
Review
Falls
Sleep Disorders
Nutrition and Hydration
Aspiration
Constipation
Infections
Review
Summary
Section 3: Medications to Manage Alzheimer’s Disease
Medications
Review
Summary
Section 4: End-of-Life Care
What to Expect
Palliative vs. Hospice Care
Advance Directives
End-Of-Life Interventions
Review
Summary
Section 5: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributor
References
Part 8
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: Creating an Environment for Activities
Setting the Stage
Hazards
Benefits of a Structured Environment
Routines and Schedules
Therapeutic Environment
Positive Staff Approach
Review
Summary
Section 3: Meaningful and Engaging Activities
Jerrill
Activities and Psychosocial Needs
Benefits of Activities
Meaningful Activities
Review
Summary
Section 4: Activities For Everyone
So Many Choices
Review
Summary
Section 5: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributor
References
Subject Matter Expert: Bobbi Whittington, BSN, RN
Bobbi began her nursing career as a CNA in long-term care and found her passion for working with older adults in the post-acute setting. She received her LPN certificate in 1997 from South Central Area Vocational Technical School in Missouri. Continuing her education, she earned her Associate Degree in Nursing in 2007 from Texas County Technical Institute in Missouri and later obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing in 2013. Bobbi has over 24 years of clinical and managerial experience in the skilled nursing industry
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.
Instructor: Jennifer W. Burks, M.S.N., R.N.
Jennifer has over 30 years of clinical and teaching experience, and her areas of expertise are critical care and home health. She is certified as an OASIS Specialist- Clinical (COS-C) and is a Curriculum Designer in post-acute care for Relias. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Virginia in 1993 and her Master of Science in Nursing from The University of North Carolina, Greensboro in 1996. Her professional practice in education is guided by a philosophy borrowed from Florence Nightingale’s Notes on Nursing, “I do not pretend to teach her how, I ask her to teach herself, and for this purpose, I venture to give her some hints.”
Instructor: Jennifer Moore, RN-BC, CDP, WCC
Jennifer Moore, RN-BC, CDP, WCC started working in the senior care industry in 2000. She is a certified Gerontological Nurse, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Wound Care Certified. She has held positions including MDS Coordinator, Director of Nursing, Medicare Nurse Coordinator, Nurse Consultant, Area Manager, and Director of Quality Assurance. Her overall responsibility within each of these positions was to ensure residents received the highest quality of care. This included active participation in quality improvement initiatives, review of clinical records to identify areas of weakness, corroboration with the medical director to institute policies and procedures for resident care, and staff education/training. Additionally, she was responsible for maintaining an effective compliance program under a Quality of Care Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Office of Inspector General for a period of five years. She currently serves as the Director of Curriculum Design & Research for Relias. Within this position, her responsibility is to oversee the development of online training modules across the healthcare continuum. She has served as the subject matter expert for courses on re-hospitalization, clinical skill reviews, leadership, management, and various OSHA and regulatory compliance topics. In addition, she has presented at various state conferences on mandatory compliance, quality assessment and assurance (QA&A), and quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI).
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.