Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias affect 55 million people worldwide. In the United States, 5.8 million people aged 65 and older are affected. It is a progressive disease that affects the brain by causing cells to die and the brain to shrink. This affects one’s ability to think and act and prevents those affected from being able to function independently. As the disease progresses, complications occur including dehydration, malnutrition, or infection, leading to death. On average, a person will live 4-8 years following diagnosis.
Caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias can be challenging and at some point, patients may need to move from care at home to care in a facility. Ensuring your staff have the training needed to work effectively with residents is important. Having the tools and resources for this specialized care will provide for a safer environment for the resident and staff, decrease burnout and improve the quality of life for the person living with the disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers online training and certification through their essentilALZ© program. This is designed for professional care workers using evidence-based person-centered practices. To get pricing information, click here.
Need resources for family care partners? The Alzheimer’s Association has those too. They offer a 24/7 Helpline available 365 days a year-800-272-3900. Families, care partners, people living with dementia and the public can ask confidential questions to specialists and master’s-level clinicians. This service is free. They also have free online education programs for non-professionals and those living with the disease. They are also available to do Community Education. Contact Michelle Kutner mkutner@alz.org at the South Dakota Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Another Dementia related resource for staff or families is The Conversation Project’s starter tool kit for having goals of care conversations with/for someone with dementia.
