By Lin Sue Flood
Photos courtesy of Hospice of the Valley
Arizona is setting a bold new standard to better support families impacted by dementia. A groundbreaking state mandate requires all memory care facilities to provide up to 12 hours of specialized dementia training to their staff, plus four hours of continuing education each year. This extensive training combines online video modules with hands-on, in-person skills sessions.
Hospice of the Valley’s experienced Dementia Team is leading the way as one of the agencies the Arizona Department of Health Services has approved to deliver this comprehensive training. The nonprofit organization is unique in offering it as a free community service.
“This is truly great news for dementia care in Arizona,” said Dr. Gill Hamilton, medical director of Hospice of the Valley’s Supportive Care for Dementia program. “By sharing best practices and crucial skills with caregivers, we’re raising the standard of care for people living with all types and stages of this disease. This ensures they feel safe, valued and well cared for.”
Hospice of the Valley created 10 videos with realistic scenarios that mirror daily challenges caregivers face. Social worker Rebekah Wilson, a seasoned dementia care consultant with Aging Care Coach and Hospice of the Valley, plays a caregiver who models compassionate responses to common situations.
“Care is always about people, not tasks,” Wilson said. “These videos illustrate skilled approaches to providing comfort in mind, body and spirit — and also address the stress and burnout that caregivers often experience in the workplace.”
In addition to videos, the comprehensive curriculum includes written materials and assessments that cover topics such as communication and behavior challenges, safety awareness, and how to adapt emergency protocols for cognitively impaired residents.
“We designed these modules to be practical, engaging and deeply respectful of the people we serve,” said Calli Carlson, occupational therapist at Hospice of the Valley’s Dementia Care and Education Campus. “It’s about empowering caregivers with the confidence and tools they need to provide exceptional care.”
More than 1,500 caregivers across Arizona have already enrolled in Hospice of the Valley’s dementia training. Their feedback? The content is “interactive, engaging and refreshing — an innovative way to support professionals who want to provide high-quality care.”
Want to learn more? Visit dementiacampus.org/classes-support/memory-care-training or call (602) 767-8300. Find training opportunities, support groups and resources for family and professional caregivers at dementiacampus.org.
Lin Sue Flood is Community Engagement Director for Hospice of the Valley.
