Residential Care Training for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders

1. Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and 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 into ultimate brain failure. It compares and contrasts the normal aging brain with the Alzheimer’s brain and aids the caregiver in recognizing the differences between age-related changes and the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers will learn what is currently known about the cause of Alzheimer’s disease and how it is diagnosed, along with what they can do to support the brain health of patients. Caregivers will learn to recognize specific symptoms commonly observed as the disease progresses and how to respond in a therapeutic manner to maximize the well-being of patients.

2. Progression of AD and Management of Associated Symptoms and Challenges (Part 1)

This chapter will help the caregiver understand the stages of Alzheimer’s disease and the specific symptoms common in each stage. They will learn about the process of diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Caregivers will understand the process of retrogenesis and how it influences the actions of the person living with Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Progression of AD and Management of Associated Symptoms and Challenges (Part 2)

Behavior problems are often one of the most serious challenges faced by caregivers of persons living with Alzheimer’s disease. This chapter will reframe the problem of behaviors 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 common causes that frequently generate untoward actions and reactions and to implement specific strategies for responding in a calm, understanding way that meets the needs of the person.

4. Promoting Independence and Quality of Life (Part 1)

This chapter discusses how to help patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) maintain independence with activities of daily living and how to overcome difficulties frequently encountered when assisting persons living with ADRD. Specific examples of feeding assistance for use by the caregiver to help the person remain independent for as long as possible, including the hand-over-hand technique, are demonstrated.

5. Promoting Independence and Quality of Life (Part 2)

This chapter discusses how to help patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) maintain independence with activities of daily living and how to overcome difficulties frequently encountered when assisting persons living with ADRD. Caregivers will learn skills for assisting with bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting while helping patients remain as independent as possible. A case study of a common challenge is presented to reinforce learning.

6. Therapeutic Activities for Persons With ADRD

This chapter will explain the value of both active and passive activities for increasing the social engagement of persons living with ADRD. Caregivers will be able to identify activities that are therapeutic and help reduce anxiety and promote physical and mental health and wellness. The chapter will explore various activities that are simple for the caregiver to employ that are beneficial to persons living with Alzheimer’s.

7. Building Relationships With Family Members

Families often experience high levels of stress and anxiety related to the Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis of a loved one. This chapter offers the caregiver valuable insights into the dementia grief process that families often experience and teaches various approaches for responding in a supportive and caring way. It also discusses the issues, concerns, and conflicts that can arise between families and caregivers, and teaches the caregiver a process to follow to mediate these conflicts and attain a positive outcome.

8. Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment

This chapter will teach the importance of creating and maintaining a safe and supportive environment for those living with Alzheimer’s disease. It will provide the caregiver with strategies, skills, and techniques for reducing falls and preventing injuries. The chapter also gives caregivers specific strategies for reducing stress and avoiding burnout in the caregiving role.

9. Principles of Ethical Care

There are common conflicts that may arise when caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease. This chapter teaches the caregiver approaches for managing conflicts associated with truth telling, autonomy, and justice. It also explains the role of the caregiver as a mandated reporter in abuse situations.