Products from Alternative Solutions in Long Term Care that NCCDP Endorses

The Care Planning Cookbook for Activities and Recreation

Creating Moments of Joy Book

Activity Planning Work book for Dementia provides excellent activities for dementia.

Memory Lane DVD
Memory Lane’s family of products, from the creators of Baby Einstein® (now part of The Walt Disney Company) can transform caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s into a positive, uplifting experience on many levels

Grandfather's Memories To His Grandchild
Grandfather's Memories to His Grandchild is a beautiful record book that will be treasured for generations.

Validation Therapy Video -
Communicating with the Alzheimer's-type Population: The Validation® Method.
This practical documentary offers caregivers methods for communicating with disoriented very old people (probable Alzheimer's or related disorders).

Creating Successful Dementia Care Settings
Excellent set for long term care, assisted living, adult day care and home settings. Great practical advise.

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Associate Members

Duenas, Sharon

Dyson, Celestine M

Fracassi, Angelo

Fracier, Ann - Bethany Village Dayton Ohio

Karwowski, Karen

Lewanowicz, Lisa LPC

Neil, Carol J. RN MSN

Smaldore, Robert ACC

Wiesen, Marianne LNHA, ADC, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, Certification with ACHCA in LTC and Sub Acute, Certified Train the Trainer with the Alzheimer's Association

Wood, Ame Marie

Corporate Members

ACCU-TRACE,LLC

AgeCare, LLC.

Ageless Design Inc

Alternative Solutions in LTC

Alzheimer's Project of Tallahassee, Inc

Bergen Regional Medical Center

Bettye Williams Prints

Brentwood Manor

Bristol Manor Health Care Center

Cambridge Health Care

Canadian Nursing Home Magazine

CareOne LLC

Castle Hill Health Care Center

Cedar Hill Health Care Center

Certified Nursing Assistants

Chancellor Specialty Care Center

Creating Moments of Joy

Dementia Relaxation Videos

Digital Aquarium

Dorson Home Care, Inc

Dr. S Torr'Andell Diagnositc/Research Professional Corporation

Elder Rage

Encore Senior Living

Families of Loved Ones

Galleria del Lago

Gloucester Manor Health Care Center

GoodLife Adult Daycare

Gordon Social Work consultants for NJ

Great Falls Health Care Center

Harborview Health Care Center

Henry Fod Continuing Care Center

Hodes, Ulman, Pessin & Katz, P.A.

Hudson manor Health Care Center

ICare Health Services

Iconlogic

Idyll Arbor Long Term Care Resources

Kaleidoscope Company

Knoll Heights Village, Sparta NJ

Lincoln Specialty Care Center

Long Island Veterans Home

Luthern Homes and Services

MealCall

Memory Lane

Mothballs In My Attic

New LifeStyles Online

OMNI Health Systems of NY

Palisade Nursing Center

Parkway Manor Health Center

Pope John Paul II Pavilion/St. Mary's Life Center

Quality Care Consulting Company

Rahway Geriatric Center

Recreation Consultants

Right at Home of Middlesex/Mercer Co

Robinson Adams Risk Management

Rosemry Goulet Marian Convent

SeniorMag

Sentimental Productions

Sparta Police Department, Sparta NJ

St. Cloud Hlth Care Cntr Stratfod Mnr

The Activity Director's Office

The Buckingham at Norwood

The Canterbury at Cedargrove

The Fein Group - 732 238 6400

Triangle Traveling Store

Windor Gardens

Please feel free to post this newsletter on your web site or email it to a colleague. Enjoy the summer and remember to provide fluids during all activity programs and through out the day.

Lynn Biot Gordon LCSW, CDP
Sandra Stimson CALA, ADC, CDP
Lisa Reidinger LNHA, CSW, CTRS, CDP

In this Issue:

Alzheimer’s Poetry Project
Free Ceu’s are now online
New Certification for Dementia Supervisors
Certified Dementia Care Managers™ (CDCM ™)
Alzheimer’s and dementia seminars- 2007 Dates
Train the Trainer Seminars- 2007 Dates
Essex County NJ Law Enforcement Training
On-Line Instructor Evaluations
Instructor Updates
Welcome New Trainers

Alzheimer’s Poetry Project

Alzheimer’s Poetry Project
http://www.alzpoetry.com/book/
This is a truly inspiring and motivating site that every Activity Director should visit. They have many poems listed. You are challenged to begin your own Alzheimer’s Poetry Project as the benefits can be enormous for your clients, staff and families.

Free CEU's

Free Ceu’s are now online at www.nccdp.org/renewalcontinuingeducation.htm. Ceu’s are free to our members in good standing. In order to take the tests, the member will need to log on to www.nccdp.org and follow the prompts. To read the articles, the member must have a subscription to the Alzheimer’s Care Guide Magazine. The subscription may be an individual subscription or a facility subscription. The subscription code found on the back of the magazine will need to be entered into the Alzheimer’s Care Guide web site when creating an account for the CEU’s. Once you have done that, the CDP member will read the article and then log onto the NCCDP web site and take the CEU test. Once the test has been completed, the system will grade the test in live time. If there is a passing grade, the system will prepare a certificate for the CDP member to print. Each CEU test is worth 2 ceus. These CEU’s are intended to be used with the NCCDP for renewal purposes only. CDP’s are required to renew every two years and will need 10 ceus. Currently we have 12 tests online at www.nccdp.org. Effective October 1 2007, NCCDP will no longer accept ceu tests through the mail as everything is now available on line.

Online Instructor Evaluations

Evaluations are now offered online at http://nccdp.org/seminarevaluation.htm. For continued quality improvement, students are asked to complete instructor and course evaluations. We want to hear from you. Please let us know of your experience in the class and the type of materials that were provided. All NCCDP approved instructors should be providing hand out notebooks in 3 ring binders with tabs separating each section. If you were not provided the hand out notebook in your class, please notify the NCCDP.

Instructor Updates

New curriculum: updated power point presentation and master hand out notebooks are available. If you took the class prior to September 2007, you need to purchase a new CD and master hand out notebooks. Please see web site for details. These items will be available January 1, 2008. If you are providing training to law enforcement we now have available the power point presentation for Recognizing Elder abuse and neglect in the home and another module on Dementia and driving. Both of these modules can be emailed to you. Please go to http://nccdp.org/instructors.htm and click on INSTRUCTORS ONLY for order form for the new curriculum. Please use the same username and password that has been given to you for the Seminar Calendars.

New Trainers

NCCDP has approved over 75 trainers with in the US, Canada and Australia. The NCCDP approved trainers post their seminars on the www.nccdp.org web site and the calendar is continuously being updated.

Welcome New Instructors

Judi Ahram
Victoria Rosancrans
Jennifer Lenore Rowe
Kim Shields
Cynthia Pyle
Lynette Adams.

Cynthia Pyle is our first nurse practitioners approved to be a NCCDP trainer.

Seminars

The NCCDP is holding several classes for 2007. To register, please go to www.nccdp.org and click on the calendar. The seminar is approved for 7 CEUS for Activity professionals, NJ Administrators and NJ Social Workers. You will need to check with your governing body to ensure that they will accept NJ Ceu’s. We offer corporate discounts for three or more.

Alzheimer’s and dementia seminar is recommended for all health care professionals.
Dallas Texas October 27th 2007
New York City November 10th 2007
Las Vegas January 26th 2008

Train the Trainer seminar is recommended for in-service directors, corporate trainers and consultants. The seminar will provide all the materials for the student to immediately go back and begin implementing Alzheimer’s and dementia training. The course includes power point presentation, over head copies, master hand out notebooks, video, tests and supplemental books. For information please go to www.nccdp.org and click on Trainer. Seating is limited and it is recommended that students register early. This course is approved for 7 ceus for Activity professionals, NJ Administrators and NJ Social Workers. You will need to check with your governing body to see if they will accept cues from NJ. Upon completion of the Train the Trainer class, the student is an approved NCCDP Alzheimer’s and dementia Trainer and Certified Dementia Practitioner. To qualify for this class, the student must be certified or licensed in a health care profession, have a college degree or RN or LPN, and must have experience teaching seminars, in-services or seminars. Please see the Train the Trainer registration form. We offer corporate discounts for three or more.

Dates:
Dallas Texas October 27th 2007
New York City November 10th 2007
Las Vegas January 26th 2008

Essex County Law Enforcement Training

Through the generous grant provided by the Wallerstein Foundation and NCCDP, Essex County Law Enforcement will receive an 8 hour Alzheimer’s and dementia training. Each trainer from the 24 towns and cities will attend the training. In turn they will take back the materials and train the police officers in their specific towns and cities. Additionally, Project Lifesaver program implemented in Morris County, NJ will present training materials on Project Lifesaver.

New Certification

The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners announces a new certification for managers or supervisors of dementia units. Certified Dementia Care Manager ™( CDCM™) is the earned credential that recognizes the highest standard in Alzheimer's and Dementia education for those health care professionals that oversee, manage and supervise the day to day operations of dementia units. The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners exists to establish credentialing mechanisms in Alzheimer's and Dementia education and certifications for those health care professionals working directly with Alzheimer's and dementia patients

Purpose: To provide minimum standards and best practices for those holding management positions and oversight for Dementia Units. Oversight includes at minimum, coordination, implementation and development of existing and new Dementia Units, best practices and policies.

Qualifications: The manager / supervisor of the dementia unit must be 21 years of age and possess:

	Completion of a comprehensive Alzheimer’s and dementia education program by a “live” instructor which includes a minimum of 8 hours consisting of: Overview of dementia, Diagnosis, Prognosis, Treatment, Communication, Feelings, Depression, Repetitive Behaviors, Sun Downing, Paranoia, Hallucinations, Wandering, Hoarding, Aggressive Behaviors, Catastrophic Reactions, Intimacy, Sexuality, Pain Management, Bathing, Dressing, Toileting, Nutrition, Activities, Environment, Staff Support, Family Support, Diversity and Cultural Competence, Spiritual Care and End of Life Issues. Evidence of completion is a certificate from NCCDP approved trainer.
	A Bachelors degree in therapeutic recreation, social work, psychology, gerontology, health care administration or related health care field. Or LPN and or RN.
	Successful completion NCCDP approved CDCM training course which includes: Dementia unit best practices, policy and procedures and Alzheimer’s and dementia 8 hour course.
	Certified as Certified Dementia Practitioner in good standing with the NCCDP and or Dementia certification from a nationally recognized organization. NCCDP reserves the right to deny any application.
	Certified as a Certified Dementia Care Manager in good standing with the NCCDP.
	Current certification, registration, or license in a health care profession and good standing with the governing body and/or approved graduate degree from an accredited college or university.
	At minimum 3 years health care experience working directly with geriatric population.
	At minimum 1 year health care experience in a management role.
	Must meet all local health regulations, state and federal regulations where applicable.
	1 year experience providing training or in-services to health care staff.

Certified Dementia Care Manager Course
Upon completion of this course, the student will be certified as a Certified Dementia Care Manager.

Course includes: Two Days
1st Day: 7:30 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. 8 hours Alzheimer’s and dementia education
2nd Day: Dementia Unit Best Practices
Dementia Unit Policy and Procedures
Professional Ethics
Customer Service
Family Support
Professional Development

Benefits of Professional Certification:
Certified Dementia Care Manager (CDCM)

The Certified Dementia Care Manager (CDCM) is the earned credential that recognizes the highest standard in Alzheimer’s and Dementia education for those health care professionals who oversee the day to day operations of Alzheimer’s and dementia units. The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners exists to establish credentialing mechanisms for validating proficiency in Alzheimer’s and Dementia education, NCCDP approved trainers and Certified Dementia Care Managers. The NCCDP organization ensures the highest standards in Alzheimer’s and Dementia education through the training and certification process. The CDCM certification demonstrates the achievement of specialized training in the areas of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, Best Practices and Dementia Unit policy and procedures. The NCCDP is committed to educational programs and training that informs the CDCM about new changes that influence the certification process.

The benefits of Certified Dementia Care Manager (CDCM) certification are numerous to the health care manager who currently oversees the day to day operations of a dementia unit. Health care managers of dementia units have taken the steps to complete comprehensive training in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, have completed certification, and have the necessary educational tools to provide supervision, management and leadership for Alzheimer’s and dementia units. CDCM is essential for today’s Alzheimer’s & dementia unit manager as the dementia population continues to rise. The CDCM certification recognizes the need for standards in the area of Alzheimer’s and Dementia education, best practices, policy and procedures to provide quality services by trained health care professionals. Certified Dementia Care Manager (CDCM) works to enhance the use of new methods, theories and tools related to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care practices.

Certified Dementia Care Manager (CDCM) certification provides recognition, competency and a commitment in the area of Alzheimer’s and Dementia care education. CDCM certification can assist with job advancement. CDCM certification promotes the need for education from which all health care professionals can benefit.

A Certified Dementia Care Manager (CDCM) completes extensive training in the area of Alzheimer’s and dementia care, unit policy, procedures and best practices for dementia units. In addition the training includes comprehensive “Train the Trainer” resources in the areas of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. These resources include key aspects of dementia care including communication techniques, disruptive behaviors interventions and tools for addressing concerns such as wandering, aggressive behaviors, poor nutrition and sexuality issues.

There are numerous benefits to obtaining this professional credential both for you as an individual and to the health care organization.

Health care professionals need CDCM certification for many reasons.

- To create universal standards for Certified Dementia Care Managers.
- Enhance the safe and effective best practices in the field of Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
- To have a clear understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia unit policy and procedures.
- To understand the role of a CDCM and the oversight responsibilities.
- To expand their knowledge through training and education.
- To validate their Alzheimer’s and Dementia knowledge and skills.
- A desire for continued knowledge in dementia care.
- To enhance their professionalism
- Commands recognition from peers.
- Mandates that they abide by NCCDP Code of Ethics.
- Attests that their work is at a high level of Alzheimer’s and dementia expertise.
- Adds credibility to your profession.
- Enhances the Alzheimer’s and dementia care overall image within the community and among peers.
- Improvement in skills and knowledge.
- Provide higher quality of work to the Alzheimer’s and dementia patient.
- Greater understanding of the role the trained and certified CDCM provides in the health care community (facility) with the Alzheimer’s and dementia patient.
- Demonstration of commitment to one’s chosen profession in obtaining a higher level of Alzheimer’s and dementia education and certification as a Certified Dementia Care Manager (CDCM).
- Preparation for higher job responsibilities and employability.
- Clarifies and articulates personal values and CDCM ethics.
- Enhances self esteem through peer recognition.
- Increases self confidence in problem solving skills.
- Increases personal and professional credibility.
- Reinforces your commitment to professional excellence.

Additionally, A Certified Dementia Care Manager (CDCM) is of benefit to the health care community (facility) as these are health care professionals who have taken the added steps in learning and understanding the dementia patient and complications that arise with this diagnosis. It is a benefit to the health care facility to hire health care professionals who manage dementia units who have this certification. CDCM certification assist the employer in evaluating potential new hires, evaluate job performance and motivate other employees who seek CDP (Certified Dementia Practitioner Certification) or CDCM certification.

Certified Dementia Care Managers (CDCM) benefits for the health care professional are:

- CDCM certification advances skills and knowledge in the Alzheimer’s and dementia field.
- CDCM certification shows evidence of a health care professional commitment not only working with the geriatric population but specific sub population, the Alzheimer’s dementia client.
- CDCM certification is a model for other health care professionals to follow.
- CDCM certification provides more leaders for the health care field.
- CDCM certification promotes best practices in the field of Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
- CDCM educates the staff who works on the dementia unit and provides current information to the staff regarding Alzheimer’s and dementia issues.
- CDCM continually updates the policy and procedure manual and ensures the policies are implemented.
- CDCM educates the staff and insures all staff is involved in the daily activity program.
- CDCM promotes education and in turn promotes professionalism.
- Certification develops a sense of pride and provides the best Alzheimer’s and dementia care and activity program for the client.
- Having a CDCM shows the personal commitment as evidenced by their education and training above and beyond what their peers has.
- A CDCM brings dementia skills and knowledge to their agency, staff, patients and the families.
- A CDCM enhances and validates the ongoing dementia care that the health care professional provides.
- A CDCM professional provides families with security and comfort in knowing that their loved one is being cared for by skilled, caring and competent professionals who have complete extensive comprehensive Alzheimer’s training by the CDCM.
- One of the most important benefits is maintaining the CDCM certification, through continued education, every two years in order to maintain their CDCM certification.
- CDCM recertification insures that the professional is staying informed in the latest developments related to the Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis.
- Improved patient interventions and outcomes.
- CDCM provides better communication with families regarding their loved ones condition.
- CDCM professional promotes the need for certification for those entrusted to manage dementia units.
- CDCM professional promotes the need for CDP certification as a means to ensure competent trained health care professionals in the area of Alzheimer’s and Dementia care.
- Identify other areas of dementia education and skill development in Alzheimer’s and dementia education that meet the changing and challenging needs of the Alzheimer’s and dementia patient in the health care industry.

Benefits to the health care organization in hiring CDCM are:

- A trust and knowledge in the CDCM health care professional work.
- CDCM have training in Dementia unit policy and procedures.
- CDCM have training of best practices to be utilized in dementia units.
- CDCM are models to other health care professionals to follow.
- CDCM have experience in managing dementia units.
- CDCM have at minimum 1 year experience managing staff and bring management skills to the community (facility).
- Patient safety and satisfaction.
- Providing quality of care.
- Knowledge and interventions for difficult behaviors, ADL care interventions and appropriate activities.
- Reduced staff turnover due ongoing comprehensive Alzheimer’s dementia training provided by the CDCM.
- CDCM provides communication to the executive staff regarding daily dementia unit issues.
- Family confidence in facilities who have hired a trained and certified CDCM health care professional.
- Identifies leadership potential in a CDCM.
- Offer a competitive edge when hiring CDCM.
- CDCM individuals have the knowledge to provide supervision and management to health care professionals providing dementia care.
- CDCM is an investment in the dementia unit supervisor.
- Improved patient interventions and outcomes.
- To promote CDCM certifications as an institutional goal to validate best practices guidelines set forth by local, federal and aging institutions and organizations.
- CDCM provides audits and evaluations to ensure competency of staff.
- CDCM validates a health care professional is qualified to provide Alzheimer’s and dementia care and manage the staff on the Alzheimer’s and dementia unit.

The benefits for the patient, whose staff are managed by the Certified Dementia Care Manager.

- Sensitive care by trained health care professionals.
- Reduced risk for injury during ADL care by trained health care professionals.
- Provided appropriate activities for the Alzheimer’s and dementia client.
- Sensitive psychosocial support to the client and families.
- When necessary will receive end of life care from educated and trained staff.
- Family forums for education and support.
- Provided with a unit which is safe and maintained by safe and professional rounds.