The Center for Lifelong Learning

Dementia Care Certification

The Dementia Care Professional Certification offered by Ivy Tech Community College-Bloomington in association with the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Indiana, addresses the continuing education needs of health care professionals in their efforts to deliver high quality dementia care. To earn the DPC, a total of 40 hours of course work comprising 9 individual courses is required. DPC classes will run the last Saturday of the month and be instructed by Natalie Langley-Crohn, MSW.

Fundamentals of Dementia Care

This 7-hour foundation class is designed to help all staff, but especially personal care staff understand the basics of dementia care. Topics include an overview of Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias, implementing person-centered care, communication strategies, understanding challenging behaviors, improving activities of daily living, and helping families. (.7 CEUs)

Look for an upcoming offering of this course Summer 2013.

Understanding Dementia

Understanding Dementia is designed for health care professionals who are new to the health care industry, or who are developing a familiarity with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. The course begins with an overview of dementia and the specific diseases and conditions that may cause dementia. The diagnostic process, dual diagnosis, and progress of Alzheimer's disease will be covered, as well as medications and non-pharmacological forms of treatment. (.4 CEUs)

30056-123
Natalie Crohn
Saturday
Feb. 23, 2013
8-11:45am
Main Campus, Room C236
$69

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Effective Communication

Utilizing interactive training, this course provides the learner with information on verbal, non-verbal, and written communication techniques for persons with dementia, residents' families, and co-workers. Special consideration of cultural influences, hearing and visual impairments, and documentation will be addressed. (.4 CEUs)

30057-123
Natalie Crohn
Saturday
Feb. 23, 2013
12:15-4pm
Main Campus, Room C236
$69

Problem Solving and Managing Behavior Issues in Dementia Care

The challenging behaviors of agitation, both aggressive and non-aggressive, are explained in this session. Potential solutions and techniques are presented, with specific emphasis on topics such as combativeness, incontinence, sexuality, and wandering. (.4CEUs)

30058-123
Natalie Crohn
Saturday
Mar. 30, 2013
8-11:45am
Main Campus, Room C236
$69

Physical Health and Safety

This course explores classifications of medications and how to understand and identify adverse reactions. Nutrition and hydration are addressed as well as goal setting and identifying strategies for care giving when changes in eating behaviors occur. Effective care planning to include preventative measures for falls and wounds will be addressed. (.4 CEUs)

30059-123
Natalie Crohn
Saturday
Mar. 30, 2013
12:15-4pm
Main Campus, Room C236
$69

Activities of Daily Living

This course will provide an advanced look at personal and daily care.  Techniques for activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and ambulation) will be discussed.  Using an interactive approach, this course provides participants opportunities to explore how daily living activities can become meaningful and incorporated into daily schedules. (.4 CEUs)

30060-123
Natalie Crohn
Saturday
Apr. 27, 2013
8-11:45am
Main Campus, Room C236
$69

Strategies for Better Care Environments

The potential of the physical environment, both internal and external, to play an active role in shaping and supporting independence, stimulation, and quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias will be explored in this course.  Special emphasis will be placed on principles behind design and the importance of utilizing the environment as a therapeutic tool. (.4 CEUs)

30061-123
Natalie Crohn
Saturday
Apr. 27, 2013
12:15-4pm
Main Campus, Room C236
$69

Managing Activities

This course addresses the use of activities throughout the day that are individualized for those with dementia. Tips, techniques, and examples will be used to provide a meaningful exploration of the possibilities that activities provide in allowing residents to lead the fullest life possible. Individual and group activities as well as environmental design that facilitate activities will be emphasized. (.4 CEUs)

20213-122
Natalie Crohn
Saturday
November 17, 2012
8-11:45am
Main Campus, Room C236
$69

30062-123
Natalie Crohn
Saturday
May 11, 2013
8-11:45am
Main Campus, Room C236
$69

Directing an Alzheimer's/Dementia Care Unit

This training is designed specifically for the unit manager, staff educator, and administrator.  A review of Alzheimer's disease and care practices, administrative practices, educating staff, regulations, and ways to reduce deficiencies will be covered. (.4 CEUs)

20214-122
Natalie Crohn
Saturday
November 17, 2012
12:15-4pm
Main Campus, Room C236
$69

30063-123
Natalie Crohn
Saturday
May 11, 2013
12:15-4pm
Main Campus, Room C236
$69