Member’s Dementia Training for Staff Leads to Resident Appreciation

June 20, 2023

Member’s Dementia Training for Staff Leads to Resident Appreciation

Home » Member’s Dementia Training for Staff Leads to Resident Appreciation

BY Gwen Fitzgerald

LeadingAge member is first in nation to earn NCCDP recognition for dementia care.

“They just get what we are going through, and it’s nice.” That sentiment from a resident receiving dementia care reflects an award-winning approach to providing care and services to older adults with memory challenges at LeadingAge member Broadmead, a life plan community in Cockeysville, MD, outside Baltimore.

Through its Center of Excellence in Dementia Care, Broadmead provides eight hours of training for all employees—not simply for those whose jobs require direct interaction with residents. But training high school students, who interact with residents as part-time employees, was tricky. It required working around class and sports schedules and numerous other activities. Broadmead administrators stuck to their vision and found a way to get the students trained. They prepared a special Sunday session and ensured that dining services employees also attended, as many of the students work in that area.

The commitment paid off. The changes have been so significant that more than one resident has commented. One resident observed that the training is impacting all team members; but it is especially helpful for newer team members who don’t have experience earned in the field. She and other residents noted that the high school student team members are patient, understanding, and flexible around residents’ needs and slower pace, and the students are very kind when they have memory challenges.

“Residents believe the training has made all the difference,” says Stacey Young, director, Center of Excellence in Dementia Care. “At Broadmead, we believe that memory care happens all over our community. Therefore we are committed to providing this training to all team members regardless of title, department, or status.”

It’s not only the residents who are recognizing the value of the training. In 2022, Broadmead was the first organization in the nation to earn the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) distinguished certification, Certified Memory Care Neighborhood Commendation. The commendation from NCCDP—which developed the training Broadmead uses—recognizes the organization’s stellar achievement in memory care services, practices, and employee education programs, to enhance care and quality of life for the residents it serves.