HealthCare Interactive Launches Online Training to Improve End-of-Life Care for People With Dementia

MINNEAPOLIS, April 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Minneapolis-based HealthCare Interactive, the online training partner of the Alzheimer's Association, is launching its CARES End-of-Life Dementia Care online training program for professional caregivers at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) Management and Leadership conference on April 30 in Washington D.C. This nationally recognized program represents a new approach to end-of-life care, especially for people living with Alzheimer's disease or other form of dementia.

"NHPCO is excited to announce the new CARES End-of-Life Dementia Care training program during the keynote address at our annual conference," says NHPCO President and CEO Don Schumacher, PsyD. "CARES is unlike other online training in that it is primarily video and features interviews with real families, caregivers, national experts in the field of care and people with dementia. It offers strategies for care professionals to support people and their families through the entire dying process."

According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.  The disease progresses through the three stages (early, middle, late) often lasting four to six years, and as many as 20 years. In the final stage, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment. They cannot carry on a conversation, are unable control movement and need help with personal care.

"End-of life care is often an uncomfortable area for many professional caregivers," says John V. Hobday, CEO and Founder of HealthCare Interactive. "Care becomes even more challenging when a person has Alzheimer's disease or dementia and is unable to make their needs, desires, and final wishes known. CARES End-of-Life training teaches professionals person-centered tools and strategies for providing care with increased confidence. It will enhance the way end-of-life care is delivered in many organizations around the country."

The online program provides five hours of training for professional caregivers (skilled care, assisted living, and home care). Caregivers who complete the program can also get certified by the Alzheimer's Association in essentiALZ Plus End-of-Life Dementia Care certification.

About HealthCare Interactive

HealthCare Interactive is the leading national provider of online dementia care training programs. It is addressing the growing national crisis of memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease by developing the most innovative training products for professional caregivers and family members available in the marketplace today.

CARES content incorporates evidence-based strategies from the Alzheimer's Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations developed in collaboration with more than 30 leading health and senior care organizations. For more information and to watch a video sample, visit www.hcinteractive.com/endoflife.

Video - http://youtu.be/z0HwCb0X6Ck

SOURCE HealthCare Interactive