Watercrest Columbia Assisted Living and Memory Care Achieves Recognition through the Alzheimer’s Association Curriculum Review
October 15, 2021
Watercrest Columbia Assisted Living and Memory Care is proud to announce that their illuminate memory care training program is recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association for successfully completing curriculum review and incorporating evidenced-based Dementia Care Practice Recommendations in the following topic areas: Alzheimer’s and dementia, person-centered care, assessment and care planning, activities of daily living, and behaviors and communication.
“The illuminate Memory Care training program was created with two objectives in mind: to provide our associates with a foundational understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, while teaching techniques to identify behavioral expression triggers and methods of person centered resolutions for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or related dementias,” says Sheena Jeffries, Regional Director of Engagement for Watercrest Senior Living. “Providing quality dementia care training results in improved communication and understanding between our associates and residents living with Alzheimer’s and/or related dementias. This improves relationships, reduces behavioral expression events and increases our associates’ confidence and job satisfaction.”
Senior living providers who train their staff with a training program recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association are eligible to purchase the ‘essentiALZ’ certification exam for their staff. This exam is an online individual certification exam that tests for understanding of quality dementia care practices. Professional care workers who pass the exam are certified in ‘essentiALZ’ for two years.
“The Alzheimer’s Association is pleased that Watercrest Columbia Assisted Living and Memory Care is aligning its illuminate program with our Dementia Care Practice Recommendations,” said Beth Kallmyer, MSW, vice president of care and support at the Alzheimer’s Association. “By taking this step, Watercrest Columbia has demonstrated their commitment to providing evidence-based training with a person-centered focus at its core.”
High-quality dementia care training can lead to improvement in communication between caregivers and people living with dementia, a reduction in dementia-related behaviors and an increase in job satisfaction and staff retention.
Watercrest Columbia is a signature Watercrest product offering 75 assisted living and 32 memory care apartments with premium accommodations, upscale amenities and world-class care. Residents enjoy pampering in elegant Spa W, aquatic therapy in the resort-style pool, and relish the flavors of locally grown, seasonal ingredients whether dining outdoors, bistro-style, or in the chef’s private dining room. The community is located at 1951 Clemson Road; for information, call 803-771-7500.
