Section 388-112-0132. What are the competencies and learning objectives for the long-term care worker dementia specialty training?

The dementia specialty competencies describe the behavior and skills a long-term care worker should exhibit when working with residents. Learning objectives are associated with each competency.

(1) Regarding the competency on an introduction to dementia, draw upon a basic understanding of dementia and demonstrate awareness of the unique needs of residents with dementia:

(a) Identify basic information on dementia, including causes and treatments;

(b) Describe how dementia affects resident needs and behaviors;

(c) List typical behaviors and symptoms a resident with dementia would most likely experience;

(d) Describe the differences that might be seen based on the type of dementia a resident has.

(2) Regarding the competency on dementia, depression, and delirium, respond appropriately to residents who have dementia, delirium, and/or depression:

(a) Identify and differentiate between dementia, depression, and delirium;

(b) Describe common symptoms of dementia, depression, and delirium and list possible causes;

(c) Compare and contrast among common symptoms of dementia, depression, and delirium; and

(d) Identify what symptom changes require immediate professional attention and how to access professional help.

(3) Regarding the competency on dementia caregiving principles, incorporate current best practices when providing dementia care:

(a) Identify current best practices in dementia caregiving;

(b) Describe current best practices in caregiving;

(c) Demonstrate the ability to support the resident's strengths using caregiving techniques to support those strengths; and

(d) Describe how to use cultural and life information to develop and enhance care provided to residents with dementia.

(4) Regarding the competency on communicating with people who have dementia, communicate in a respectful and appropriate manner with residents with dementia:

(a) Describe common dementia-caused cognitive losses and how those losses can affect communication;

(b) Identify appropriate and inappropriate nonverbal communication skills and discuss how each impacts a resident's behavior;

(c) Describe how to effectively initiate and conduct a conversation with a resident who has dementia; and

(d) Identify communication strategies to work with residents who have dementia.

(5) Regarding the competency on sexuality and dementia, protect a resident or resident's rights when dealing with issues of sexuality and appropriately manage unwanted or inappropriate sexual behavior:

(a) Identify ways in which dementia affects sexuality and sexual behaviors;

(b) Identify a resident's rights as they relate to sexuality and sexual behavior and discuss ways to support these rights; and

(c) Describe how to respond using nonjudgmental caregiving skills to residents' appropriate and inappropriate sexual behaviors.

(6) Regarding the competency on dealing with challenging behaviors, use a problem-solving approach when dealing with challenging behaviors:

(a) Describe how to use a problem-solving method to intervene in challenging behaviors or situations;

(b) Describe some possible common causes of challenging behaviors, including aggression, catastrophic reactions, wandering, and inappropriate sexual behavior and explore their causes;

(c) Describe how to implement a problem-solving process when working with a resident who has dementia; and

(d) Describe how to respond appropriately to a resident who is expressing a challenging behavior.

(7) Regarding the competency on hallucinations and delusions, respond appropriately when a resident is experiencing hallucinations or delusions:

(a) Define and differentiate between hallucinations and delusions;

(b) List different types of dementia-related hallucinations; and

(c) Describe how to appropriately and safely respond to a resident with dementia who is experiencing hallucinations and delusions.

(8) Regarding the competency on activities of daily living, make activities of daily living pleasant and meaningful:

(a) Identify and describe ways in which to support making activities of daily living pleasant for residents with dementia; and

(b) Describe strategies that support meaning and utilize an individualized approach when assisting a resident with dementia with activities of daily living.

(9) Regarding the competency on working with family and friends, respond respectfully, appropriately, and with compassion when interacting with families and friends of residents with dementia:

(a) Identify common concerns friends and family have when a loved one has dementia;

(b) Describe ways to be supportive and compassionate in interactions with family and friends of the resident with dementia;

(c) Identify how to find local resources for family support needs; and

(d) Describe a method to gather cultural and life history information from a resident and/or representative(s).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.520. WSR 13-02-023, § 388-112-0132, filed 12/20/12, effective 1/20/13.]

RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.520. WSR 13-02-023, § 388-112-0132, filed 12/20/12, effective 1/20/13.