Responses:

• We use Relias – they have a training – Dementia and Communication.

• One of our staff members became certified through National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices as a trainer, and we utilize the NTG curriculum as part of our training and professional development effort.

• We use a training module in Relias for Dementia training.

• We currently use Open Future Learning for several of our trainings, including the Dementia training requirement.  OFL has a few options for Dementia and aging.  Below are descriptions of the courses:

  • Dementia Explained

    • About this module:

    • The good news is that the people with intellectual disabilities are living longer, but this also means they are developing all the conditions of older age. It is therefore very important to understand what dementia is, how it affects people with intellectual disabilities, and the support that people need.

    • This module includes video presentations from Diana Kerr.

    • On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

      • Explain what the term dementia means.

      • Describe the different types of dementia.

      • Understand how dementia affects people with intellectual disabilities.

      • Describe the changes in the brain that a person with dementia experiences and how these changes impact their reality.

      • Identify the early signs of dementia.

  • Dementia Strategies

    • About this module:

    • Dementia causes people to lose skills and abilities they once had. What people are not losing, however, are their feelings and emotions. So let's think about how we can make this part of people's life enjoyable and stress free. This module is packed full of easy to use and practical strategies that will help you be able to better support people with dementia. 

    • This module features presentations from Diana Kerr and scenario-based excerpts provided by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

    • On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

      • Respond to the reality of the person with dementia with a calming and reassuring approach.

      • Understand the benefits of and know how to best support the development of the individual’s life story.

      • Describe how to most effectively communicate with someone who has dementia.

      • Apply a wide range of practical strategies that will support the environment of a person with dementia.

      • Recognize and manage pain.

  • Growing Older

    • About this module:

    • It can be easy to miss the changes that are happening in the life of someone you support as they grow older, and they may find it difficult to tell you. This module will help you to keep in touch with the changes that may be happening, the implications of these changes and what you can do to help people to live a healthy and meaningful life, as they grow older.

    • This module was written by Christine Towers and features presentations from Christine Towers, Ian Davies, Rita Arnett, Gina Brelesky, Seth Keller, and Gary Kent.

    • On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

      • Understand the changes the people you support may experience as they grow older, and how this may affect them.

      • Understand how you can support people to age well through staying healthy, keeping friendships and connections, and adapting their lifestyle.

      • Help people to cope with challenges and difficulties they may face, particularly as they become frailer and lose some independence.

      • Support people at the end of their lives

• Dementia Training PowerPoint
• Dementia Training PowerPoint 2