| Abstract | Background: Despite NASEM recommendations and initiatives from GWEP centers across the United States, a gap remains between the rising need for dementia care and the number of certified providers. The recently launched “GUIDE” Model from the CMS, with its specific qualifications and “dementia proficiency” requirements, could help establish a standardized national certification, raising dementia care standards. This report examines existing certification options and discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of certifying dementia providers.
Method: A Google search was conducted to identify dementia certification programs for healthcare providers in the United States. For each program, key details were tabulated, including the organization’s name, program title, target audience, outcomes (e.g., certification, credentialing, continuing education), location, cost, alignment with Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations, and other unique features.
Results: 12 dementia certification programs were analyzed. 10 programs included a person-centered care approach, and two fully aligned with care recommendations from the Alzheimer’s Association. Only two of the 10 programs had course descriptions that included modules on cultural competency and diversity considerations. Program topics covered diagnosis, behavior management, communication, and safety, with varying attention to cultural competency. All programs were delivered online. Program lengths varied between 3 and 40 hours. Program costs from $60 to $799 and renewals ranged from $37 to $150.
Conclusion: Our findings and the literature suggest that dementia certification for providers can enhance care quality, improve workforce knowledge, and support regulatory compliance, with the potential to boost workforce retention. Challenges include variable training quality, administrative burdens, and strain on providers. We recommend more affordable trainings, increased synchronous didactic content, enhanced experiential learning, and a standardized certification program. Policy and research recommendations include certification requirements for all dementia care providers, especially for medical directors, nursing directors, and CNAs; increased CMS and HRSA funding for dementia care training; and ensuring training programs
are culturally competent to serve the diverse populations living with dementia.
|
