Alzheimer's Training: Coping with Challenging Behaviors
On June 20th, Right at Home was pleased to have Jennifer Schlessinger from Alzheimer’s Los Angeles come to our office and give an important educational presentation to many of our care aides. The program – Understanding and Coping with Challenging Behaviors – was an interactive experience that allowed care aides to learn about how to work with Alzheimer’s clients and tips on effectively navigating even the most difficult experiences. In addition, aides were encouraged to speak about their own past experiences working with and providing services to those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and together the group discussed best practices.
The objectives of the presentation were to Identify common causes of challenging behaviors by applying the IDEA! Strategy and to Identify at least 3 programs available through Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles that can assist families. After going over the definition of various types of dementia, Ms. Schlessinger when through the different types of behavioral symptoms one is likely to encounter and case studies were presented. Then, Ms. Schelssinger spoke about IDEA! A Systematic Management Approach to working with those afflicted with Alzheimer’s. IDEA! Is broken down as follows:
- 1. IDentify the Behavior by identifying specific problems
- 2. Explore by understanding the causes/triggers and meanings
- 3. Adjust and Problem Solve
She then went into specific details into each of the 3 aspects of the IDEA! Approach.
“We are so happy Alzheimer’s Los Angeles could make the time to come to our office and present to our staff,” said Right at Home owner Doug Dickstein. “Expanding the knowledge and skill set of our care aides is of paramount importance to us and the program Jennifer presented today was excellent.”
All in all, the 2-hour presentation was an intensive but energetic training exercise that continues to exemplify while Right at Home care aides are among the highest training and highly competent in all of Los Angeles.
Alzheimer’s Los Angeles provides free support and services to individuals with Alzheimer's and related dementias, their families and the community. To learn more, visit www.alzheimersla.org.
