Some studies indicate that up to 80% of skilled nursing residents have some type of dementia-related disorder including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and Lewy Body dementia. In order to provide high quality care to these individuals, staff require ongoing and effective person-centered training on a multitude of topics including providing direct care, communication, and supporting complex behaviors. Employees, especially direct care staff, need knowledge, skills and the right attitude to provide the best care possible to individuals who are cognitively impaired by some dementia-related illness.
Training That Leads to Change
Various types of training including online courses, live, in-person sessions with small groups and hands-on skill development can all make a significant difference in the quality of care provided to individuals with dementia. The availability of training, then, is an important factor in creating change in quality of care and of greater importance, is the quality of training that is provided to employees. Effective and high-quality training can lead to numerous positive changes and outcomes including improved functional abilities and increased quality of the residents, improved staff communication, and the ability to successfully handle complex resident behaviors.
Barriers to High-Quality Training
Smart organizations invest heavily in effective and sustainable training because they are aware of the benefits and outcomes associated with it. Still, there are large and small barriers that get in the way with training and education. Some will require minor adjustments and others may be out of leadership’s control. Some challenges to good training include lack of employee interest or motivation, low attendance or participation, staff time, staffing levels, employee turnover, lack of organizational support, a culture that doesn’t value ongoing learning, and financial limitations. These are all challenging barriers that must be identified and properly dealt with in order to provide training that will lead to change.
Final Thoughts on Sustainable and Impactful Dementia Training
Providing high quality training involves identifying and removing any barriers that may stand in the way of improving quality and creating lasting change. The organization and its leaders must commit to skilled training and strong support of their workforce. Knowledge, skills and positive attitudes are all part of the formula to effective and sustainable training. Quality of care, communication, and resident’s quality of life all depend on them.