Alzheimer’s Disease: An In-depth Educational Program for Nursing Home, Hospice and Adult Day Care Staff

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that presents complex clinical, behavioral, and ethical challenges for healthcare providers in long-term and palliative care settings. This comprehensive educational program equips nursing home, hospice, and adult day care staff with essential knowledge and practical skills for managing Alzheimer’s disease across its stages, enhancing both patient outcomes and quality of care.

The course explores AD pathophysiology, symptom progression, and evidence-based care strategies tailored to the unique needs of older adults with cognitive decline. Participants will learn effective communication techniques, behavioral management approaches, and strategies for coordinating interdisciplinary care. The program also addresses the psychosocial needs of families and caregivers, as well as legal and ethical considerations relevant to end-of-life care.

Topics covered include:

• Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease: Epidemiology, risk factors, neuropathology, and stages of progression.
• Recognition and Assessment: Identifying early symptoms, cognitive changes, and behavioral manifestations.
• Communication Strategies: Adapting verbal and nonverbal communication techniques for patients with varying degrees of cognitive impairment.
• Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD): Nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions for agitation, aggression, depression, and anxiety.
• Person-Centered Care: Approaches to preserve dignity, autonomy, and quality of life in long-term care settings.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Best practices for care coordination among nurses, social workers, physicians, and caregivers.
• Family and Caregiver Support: Counseling, education, and resources to support families coping with AD progression.
• Ethical and Legal Considerations: Advance directives, decision-making capacity, and end-of-life care planning.

Important Disclosures:

• Conflict of Interest: Faculty and planners report no relevant financial relationships.
• Commercial Support: This activity received no external commercial funding or sponsorship.
• Non-Endorsement: Accreditation does not imply endorsement of any commercial products or companies.
• Off-Label Product Use: Any mention of off-label drug use is consistent with current clinical guidelines and evidence-based practice.