Safe Walking: A Strength’s Based Approach to Wandering

1.5 continuing education credits (general course) available  In this course participants will learn about the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias that can result in a person getting lost when attempting to find their way or achieve a goal. This can happen at any stage of the disease. Participants will also explore common reasons as to why someone with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias may attempt to leave their environment and what they may be trying to achieve. The ultimate goal of the course is to reframe the term “wandering” as a behavior that needs to be controlled to “walking” an activity that creates a sense of purpose and has been shown to enhance overall health and wellbeing. Finally, participants also learn how to create a safety plan to address the risks associated with wandering. From this course you will learn to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and how a person can get lost or wander at any stage of the disease.
2. Describe what it may be like to walk in the shoes of someone wandering.
3. Explain an alternate perspective of wandering as the act of walking.
4. Identify strategies to reduce the risks associated with wandering while supporting physical activity.

1.5 CE credits available for social workers licensed in an ASWB accredited state, as well as New York State licensed social workers. (Please note: New Jersey is not currently covered under our ASWB accreditation, please check back soon). The Alzheimer's Foundation of America  #1898, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit.  ACE provider approval period: 7/25/2023 – 7/25/2024. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 general continuing education credits. Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0222.  For all disability accommodation needs, please contact education@alzfdn.org.