Understanding Behaviors as Forms of Communication

1.75 continuing education credits (general course) available  This general course highlights the importance of understanding the impact dementia and related illness has on a person’s ability to communicate. As a result, care partners and care professionals may need to shift their communication strategies and gain insight into the variety of ways individuals living with dementia may communicate, especially through responsive behaviors. Through this course, we will look to reframe what one may define as “problem behaviors”. These behaviors are sometimes exhibited by individuals living with dementia as actual expressions of need. We explore the myriad of ways individuals with dementia commonly communicate their needs through the stages of the disease, as well as ways we can support and simplify communication and decision-making to maintain independence for as long as possible. Participants will also explore strategies to proactively meet needs of those with dementia, as well as develop tools to de-escalate and diffuse situations if they arise. From this course you will learn to: 1. Define the stages and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. 2. Recognize distressing behaviors as expressions of an unmet need. 3. Identify effective communication strategies. 4. Apply appropriate strategies for responding to distressing behaviors. 1.75 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 1.75 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.