Long-term care providers now can access a new interactive program for improving dementia care, developed by a prominent association of medical directors.

The free resource comprises two courses put together by AMDA-Dedicated to Long-Term Care Medicine (formerly the American Medical Directors Association). One addresses dementia care clinical practices for prescribers and one is aimed at non-prescribers. The aim is to equip caregivers so that they can provide person-centered care and scale back on the use of antipsychotic medications.

“Behavioral problems often can be prevented by an adequate program of activities and opportunities for social engagement and mental stimulation,” noted principal investigator Ladislav Volicer, M.D., Ph.D.

While providers have made great strides in reducing the prevalence of antipsychotic prescribing for dementia care, they sometimes resume the drugs if residents “get worse” after the medication is withdrawn, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid officials noted in a recent call. Behavioral therapies and strong care team communication therefore are essential for taking residents off antipsychotics and keeping them off, they emphasized.

The dementia care program is free, if participants take a post-course survey to help AMDA evaluate how the course affects resident care. Continuing education credits are available. Click here to learn more.