Qualify to become a Certified Dementia Practitioner!

"Don't just meet the minimum state regulations regarding dementia education ... exceed them!" The purpose of this program is to provide healthcare professionals who work directly with people living with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia with specialized training to ensure appropriate, competent and sensitive care. There is a continuing need for professionals who are trained to provide the best practice in assisting and understanding people who are living with dementia. Following successful completion of this program, participants are one step closer to receiving their Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP®) certification.

The National Council for Certified Dementia Practitioners represents the best practices in teaching dementia care knowledge with immediately applicable practice.

NOTE! Class participants will receive the Zoom invite /room password and all class materials the day before class begins. Register with the email address that instructor can contact you in order to receive class materials and completion certificate.

Training is TWO DAYS, November 18th AND 19th, from 10am to 5pm. Participants can join the class through ZOOM or in person (with prior reservation and proof of Covid-19 vaccination) at The Option Group's corporate headquarters in Hunt Valley, MD. Successful completion of the coursework requires participants to fully attend BOTH sessions.

Please note, out of an abundance of caution, the wearing of a surgical style, N-95 or KN-95 mask is required for indoor classroom participation. Temperatures will be taken upon entry into the offices. Thank you!

Fee for class is NONREFUNDABLE, however if a person is unable to attend class on chosen day, they may exchange their payment for participation in the next scheduled class.

14 hours of training in the subject of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia care, inclusive of, but not limited to, the following areas:

a. A description of normal aging and conditions causing cognitive impairment, inclusive of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, risk factors, symptoms, associated health conditions, early identification, intervention, diagnosis and treatment.

b. Person-centered Care and Culture Change

c. Effect of dementia on personal care techniques.

d. Depression, Anxiety and overview of mental illness, treatment and causation.

e. Nonpharmacological interventions for behaviors and pain management.

f. Delusions, hallucinations, hoarding and wandering.

g. Intimacy and sexuality.

h. Abuse and neglect.

i. The effect of cognitive impairment on expressive and receptive communication;

j. Verbal, non-verbal, tone and volume of voice, and word choice techniques;

k. Environmental stimuli, barriers and influences on communication and behaviors;

l. Identifying and interpreting behavioral symptoms, risk factors, de-escalation techniques.

m. Problem solving in teamwork and personal care with appropriate interventions

n. Understanding and creating opportunities for the therapeutic role of productive leisure and self-care activities, structuring the day for a person’s overall well-being.

o. Understanding a family’s needs and partnering for the goals of care.

p. Understanding psychosocial needs of a person

q. End-of-life care, including pain management and providing comfort and dignity.

r. Understanding grief and mourning.

s. Stress management, identification of stress triggers, self-care skills and developing support.

IF ATTENDING THROUGH ZOOM: Download Zoom prior to the class beginning and check that it is working properly.

CLASS MATERIALS INCLUDED! Class participants will receive all class materials and Zoom link 24 hours prior to the class beginning. When registering, please provide the email that is best for you in order to receive class link and written materials. If attending in person, bring your lunch with you.

Pamela Silberman-Mills, Educator / Dementia Specialist / Care Manager for The Option Group has over 25 years experience working in the aging services industry primarily with people living with dementia in their homes, Memory Care, Social Day and Assisted Living settings. She holds credentials as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Certified Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Trainer, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Dementia Care Manager and Assisted Living Manager and holds a Masters of Arts degree from the Erickson School for the Management of Aging Services at University of Maryland. Her passion is to generate and maintain programs that enhance the well-being of older adults living with dementia, through models of healthcare that create enriching and engaging environments for all. Her work has been published in Long-term Living magazine as well as adopted by upscale retirement communities as their corporate model. Most importantly, her heartfelt passion is for designing and implementing creative, insightful, person-directed services for older adults living with dementia, where each person can feel comfort, joy and achievement. You'll come to experience not just her passion, but humor and excitement in this class as you learn the best practices for working with people living with dementia.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Option Group, 11019 McCormick Road, Hunt Valley, United States