Evaluating a National Person-Centered Training Program to Strengthen the Dementia Care Workforce
This project will compare two training models of an evidence-based online dementia care training program for direct care staff in assisted living to a waitlist control: 1) essentiALZ training and 2) essentiALZ training + Project ECHO. It will examine the extent to which each model is implemented and achieves its intended outcomes to improve staff knowledge and attitudes, change care practices, and improve the wellbeing of staff, residents, and residents' family members. Results will inform next steps in dementia care training for the assisted living (AL) and broader long-term care workforce. To examine these outcomes, data will be collected from AL staff and families over the course of 6 months. Staff will complete questionnaires and participate in interviews (as applicable) at baseline, post-training, 3-months, and 6-months. Families will participate in interviews at baseline, 3-months, and 6-months.
⁃ AL Staff:
• Staff (part-time, full-time, and including contract staff) who provide direct care to residents at the participating assisted living community (e.g., certified nursing assistants, personal care aides, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, activity directors, social workers, and others) as determined by the administrator/health care supervisor
• Are 18 years of age or older
• Are able to read and speak English fluently
⁃ Family:
• Resident not expected to die or be transferred in the next six months at baseline
• At follow-up, resident lived in AL community at least one month during the three months prior to interview date
• Are a family member/legally authorized representative (LAR), or designated contact of a resident with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) of a participating AL community
• Are 18 years of age or older
• Are English speaking
• Visit the resident at least monthly