Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders for Residential Care Providers
Presented by Linda M. Shell
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Many individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia-related disorders reside in nursing homes. It is of the utmost importance that caregivers have the skills to provide care for this unique population of those living with the disease. This course will teach caregivers about the progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia disease, basic communication skills, management of problem behaviors, and useful communication strategies for persons living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Caregivers will also learn strategies and techniques for promotion of independence in activities of daily living, creation of a safe and secure environment, approaches to ethical conflicts, development of therapeutic activities, and skills for working with families. There is also an important discussion for the caregiver on the causes of stress in caregiving along with actions they can take immediately to prevent burnout. This course is intended for nursing home providers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, nurses, social workers, and others whose responsibilities require them to have direct contact with persons living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia-related disorders in home health, hospice, long-term care, and skilled nursing facilities.
Meet your instructor
Linda M. Shell
Dr. Linda Shell is an advanced practice nurse, consultant, and educator with a passion for developing leaders, delivering quality care, and challenging the status quo of long-term care. As principal of lindashell.com, she collaborates with organizations across the country on education, leadership development, post-COVID…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia-Related Disorders
This chapter helps the caregiver understand the umbrella of dementia, other conditions that may mimic Alzheimer’s disease, and the progression of the disease, leading to ultimate brain failure. It compares and contrasts the normal aging brain with the Alzheimer’s brain and aids the caregiver in recognizing the difference between age-related changes and the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers will learn what is currently known about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and how it is diagnosed, along with what they can do to support the brain health of the person. Caregivers will learn to recognize specific symptoms commonly observed as the disease progresses and how to respond in a therapeutic manner to maximize the person’s well-being.
2. Characteristics of Alzheimer’s Disease
Behavior problems are often the most difficult challenge faced by the caregiver. In this chapter, caregivers will learn to identify the stages of Alzheimer’s disease and understand how the brain is changing from early-onset through the late stages. Behaviors will be reframed as actions and reactions to internal and external stimuli in the environment, using examples and case studies of situations commonly faced by caregivers. Caregivers will learn to investigate the common causes that generate untoward actions and reactions and apply specific strategies for responding in a calm, understanding way that meets the needs of the person.
3. Communication With Persons With Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders
In this chapter, caregivers will receive instruction in the basic skills of communication and learn to recognize and respond to the significant changes occurring in the abilities of the person to effectively communicate their needs. The importance of positive body language will be emphasized, along with verbal and nonverbal communication strategies that are calming and anxiety-reducing. A case study is used to demonstrate various techniques.
