Bringing Alzheimer's Awareness and How ResiDex Is Leading the Way
With an estimated 7 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s Disease, the impact of the disease extends far and wide. Family members, friends, and caregivers often bear the emotional and physical strain of supporting loved ones as they face the progressive cognitive decline from this brain disease. As the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's affects memory, thinking, and behavior in ways that fundamentally alter a person’s life. (1) It’s important to understand that Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, but a serious neurological condition that requires increasing levels of care as it advances. In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Day celebrated in September, RTasks and our team are dedicated to raising awareness and supporting the caregivers and families who work tirelessly to care for those affected by this disease.
To improve care and help slow the disease progression, it’s vital to understand the symptoms and causes of Alzheimer’s disease. New research shows changes in the brain begin developing 20 years or more before memory loss and noticeable symptoms. (2) In the early stages, subtle changes like memory loss, difficulty completing routine tasks, or confusion with time and place may start to surface. As the disease progresses, mood changes and shifts in behavior often follow. While age, genetics, and family history play a large role in determining risk, lifestyle factors also matter. To help lower the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s, researchers recommend staying physically and mentally active, and eating a balanced diet. There is no single cause of Alzhemeier’s, but researchers have identified biomarkers, such as beta-amyloid
plaques and tau tangles, which are early indicators of the disease found through brain scans and spinal fluid tests. (2) By recognizing these signs early and adopting healthy lifestyle changes, care providers can help reduce risk and slow progression for those in their communities.
Direct care workers—classified as personal care aides, home health aides, and nursing assistants—play a critical role in providing care for older adults and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. These professionals work in a variety of settings, including private homes, residential care facilities, adult day services, and skilled nursing homes, delivering the majority of hands-on, day-to-day care. As the number of people living with Alzheimer’s grows, so does the need for skilled caregivers. By 2031, an additional 1 million direct care workers will be needed, making it the fastest-growing occupation in the U.S. (3) This growth reflects a societal shift toward “aging in place,” as more people prefer to receive care at home or in community-based settings.
Caregiving for those with Alzheimer’s, however, is particularly demanding. On average, caregivers of people with dementia provide 27 hours more care per month than those caring for individuals without dementia. (4) These time-intensive demands add significant strain on caregivers, often requiring specialized training to meet the complex needs of Alzheimer’s patients. As the demand for caregivers rises, ensuring they have access to proper education and resources—such as ResiDex’s dementia care training—becomes essential to providing quality care and improving outcomes for those affected by Alzheimer’s.
How RTasks’ Care Fundamentals LMS Supports Alzheimer’s Care
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there is a solution for strained care providers—RTasks Care Fundamentals Learning Management System (LMS). Our leading LMS offers a robust training program designed to support caregivers in delivering high-quality dementia care.?
Developed in partnership with Erin Bonito, a nationally-known dementia communication and care coach, our dementia training courses provide caregivers with the right skills for handling the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. With team members who have worked directly in memory care, ResiDex brings real-world knowledge to RTasks Care Fundamentals and platform features. Learn more about why RTasks is trusted by thousands of caregivers and communities to meet the demands of memory care services.
Focus on Communication and Person-Centered Care??
One of the key elements of dementia care is communication, which is why the course Dementia - Communication Skills is foundational to Care Fundamentals. It teaches caregivers how to effectively communicate with individuals who have dementia, a skill that is crucial for preserving dignity and improving overall care.?
Another important course, Dementia - Person-Centered Care and Care Planning, emphasizes the need to create individualized care plans that respect the personal history, preferences, and current abilities of each resident. By adopting a person-centered approach with RTasks, caregivers deliver more compassionate, tailored care.
Practical Skills for Daily Care and Engagement??
Care Fundamentals goes beyond theory and delves into the practical aspects of dementia care. Courses like Dementia - Strategies and Communication Tips for ADL Care and Dementia - Strategies and Communication Tips for Mealtime provide caregivers with actionable strategies for assisting residents with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
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Another course, Dementia - Meaningful Engagement and Activities, teaches caregivers how to create personalized activity plans that engage residents based on their past experiences and current abilities. RTasks Care Fundamentals allows caregivers to focus on improving the quality of life of their residents first and foremost.
Managing Behavioral Symptoms and Providing Comfort??
Caring for individuals with dementia often involves addressing behavioral changes that can be challenging for caregivers. The course Dementia - Understanding Behavioral Symptoms helps caregivers recognize that behavior is a form of communication for people with dementia, and it provides strategies to manage or prevent these symptoms. Additionally, Dementia - End-of-Life Care offers guidance on providing compassionate care during the later stages of the disease. This specific course helps team members support both the physical and emotional needs of residents, promoting comfort and dignity.
Continuing Education and Industry Recognition??
RTasks Care Fundamentals LMS doesn’t just provide training—it offers caregivers the opportunity to earn CEUs, which are required in many states. In fact, Minnesota directs assisted living directors to RTasks to fulfill CEU requirements through BELTSS-certified courses. This recognition highlights the quality and depth of the training offered, ensuring that assisted living directors are fully equipped to handle the increasing demands of dementia care.?
By investing in education, RTasks is helping providers improve care outcomes for individuals with Alzheimer’s, while also supporting the professional growth of their staff.
Best-In-Class Dementia Care with RTasks by ResiDex
RTasks Care Fundamentals LMS offers a comprehensive suite of courses designed to enhance dementia care through practical skills, person-centered approaches, and continuing education. By integrating these training programs, your team will be well-prepared to deliver exceptional care and support to those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Ready to improve your dementia care training? Discover how RTasks by ResiDex can help your organization provide top-notch care while meeting industry standards. Contact us today to schedule a demo and see firsthand how our Care Fundamentals LMS can transform your approach to dementia care. Let’s work together to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
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