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Millions of people around the world are living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, and numbers are only expected to grow. The American Alzheimer’s Association estimates that by 2050, almost 13 million Americans will be living with the disease. “It’s certainly not going away,” says Holly Henderson, Director of Memory Support Services for Provision Living. “There will need to be a lot more Holly Hendersons in a lot more places,” she jokes. It may not be possible to make copies of Holly and her 25 years of experience in memory support, but Holly and others like her are working to train other caregivers through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP).
Holly is a certified instructor through the NCCDP, meaning she has met a high bar of professional experience, industry knowledge, and instructor training. The Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Seminar, which is completed in a single 8 hour day, features 11 different modules with key learning outcomes. These learning objectives are covered in a test for those looking to complete their certification. Instruction starts with a detailed overview of the current state of dementia and Azheimer’s care, including current research and treatment options. The course then moves to discuss more specific strategies for dementia care, like how to set up a safe and engaging memory support environment, how to identify important behavioral expressions, and current medication options.
The seminar taught by Holly is one of the first required criteria for individuals pursuing the Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) certification through the NCCDP. In addition to the course, certification requires 1 year of healthcare experience and ongoing education in the field. Holly sees her course offering as a way to get people on the path to certification, and is happy to serve as a resource for those that are continuing the journey towards completion. Participants also depart the seminar with a large binder of additional reading and training materials which aid in the continued learning elements of the certification. “I always say to people that this is a journey and you aren’t just sitting in a class – it’s that you are agreeing to be a student of this disease and are committing to continuing the learning,” explains Holly.
With 25 years of professional experience as a memory specialist, Holly is able to bring her personal knowledge and passion for caregiving to her seminars. “Memory care is so much more than a locked door,” says Holly. “It’s that emotional space that the residents occupy.” Holly has been able to see how dementia care has evolved for the better over her long career in memory support. “When I was coming up in the industry, many people would just throw medication at seniors, or send them to the ER,” explains Holly. Holly sees her role as a trainer as a way to continue to move the industry forward, and give caregivers the best possible “toolbox” for working with their dementia patients. This toolbox is invaluable because it gives caregivers more resources to help memory support residents within communities instead of sending them for outside hospital care. “That’s why I do what I do – when we don’t have to send someone to the ER but can instead retain them in our community because we know how to help them – that’s so important for the care of our residents,” Holly explains.
Holly’s most recent Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Seminar filled up very quickly due to high demand, but plans are in the works to host additional training sessions in early 2023. Holly was beyond thrilled with the high interest in the seminar, and sees it as a great sign for things to come in the industry. Several individuals that Holly has worked with or trained have now gone on to become trainers themselves. “There’s nothing better than hearing people I’ve worked with say that they want to go on to teach others. Just to inspire that growth – that’s what it’s all about,” says Holly.
Sign-ups for future seminars will be posted on Provision Living community social media pages, and on the NCCDP website.
Amazing people like Holly are part of what makes Memory Support different at Provision Living communities. Learn more about our round-the-clock, safe, and comfortable memory support communities by visiting us online or scheduling a tour at a nearby community.
