Training Program for Occupational Therapists Working with Skilled Caregivers in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Dementia impairs one’s ability to live independently and participate in everyday activities (CDC, 2019). Individuals with dementia (IwD) are often referred to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for around-the-clock care to receive support for their everyday challenges brought on by dementia symptoms. Although certified nursing assistants (CNAs) help IwD with everyday self-care tasks, they frequently lack specialized dementia care training. Consequently, CNAs experience low self-efficacy when providing care and managing challenging behaviors IwD may have. OTs have expertise and understanding regarding the stages of dementia and how the symptoms of dementia impact participation in daily occupations. OTs working in SNFs are adept in providing evidence-based interventions for IwD; however, there is an opportunity for OT practitioners to expand the impact of their services by providing workforce training for CNAs and developing collaborative working relationships with CNAs who provide direct care to IwD in their daily occupations. OTs as Collaborators and Educators (OTEC) training program provides resources for OTs to build the attitudes, knowledge, and skills necessary to build collaborative relationships with CNAs and effectively deliver a dementia training program. Based on formative survey data, OTs found the OTEC training program to be effective in supporting their roles as educators and collaborators as well as relevant in their clinical practice when working in SNFs. OTs who are skilled and effective educators will be equipped to create collaborative relationships with CNAs that empower them with the knowledge and skills they need when delivering person-centered and occupation-based dementia care