Partnership aims to train CNAs in dementia care

The National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care (NCBAC) and the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) have partnered in an effort to ensure the proper care of elders who have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and live in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).

The NCBAC provides professional credentials in dementia care, whereas NAHCA’s mission is to elevate the professional standing and performance of certified nursing assistants (CNAs) through recognition, motivation, education and development. Both organizations aim to provide CNAs nationwide with dementia training and certification to improve overall person-centered care for those who have Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Through the partnership, NAHCA’s professional development coaches, who are certified Alzheimer educators (carrying the CAEd credential from NCBAC), will supervise the dementia training of direct care workers at the SNFs to which they are assigned. After evidence-based training, the workers will take the exam leading to the certified Alzheimer caregiver credential. Those passing the exam will be able to use the initials CAC after their names to indicate to employers and the public that they have the skills necessary to provide proper care to those who have Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Lois Bowers

Lois A. Bowers was senior editor of I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living from 2013-2015.