By 2050, nearly 14 million Americans may be living with Alzheimer's dementia, an increase from the estimated 5.8 million in 2019.¹ As the population affected by dementia grows, the public health, healthcare, and other workforces urgently need additional competencies for coping with this challenge.

Strategies are needed to equip public health professionals with sound and credible information so that they are well-informed when engaging partners from multiple sectors including healthcare, community service groups, and the aging network.

To improve professional care for people with dementia, this 8-hour course provides some essential educational areas for interacting with the aging & dementia population including:
 

This class meets only ONE of the Certified Dementia Practitioner requirements. The CDP certification is not a profession; rather, it complements the professional credentials and training you already have in your chosen profession and your choice to work in the geriatric field. For more information on certification, go to www.nccdp.org.
 

 

 

Virginia Simmons CTRS, CDP, CADDCT, CFRDT

My name is Virginia Simmons, but please call me Gini. My desire to share my knowledge with others through informative and energetic seminars and workshops inspired me to start my own consulting business, Living Active Dementia. My experience in healthcare spans over 22 years in a variety of settings.

As a student at Old Dominion University, I began my healthcare career working with adults with intellectual disabilities. After graduating, I became a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist. In the subsequent years, I worked in a variety of settings, including Skilled Care, Inpatient Rehabilitation, Children's & Adult Psych, with a preference for long-term care. In my practice, I noticed I was able to connect with patients with dementia and pursued my education and certifications, becoming a Certified Dementia Practitioner, sharing my tips and techniques with staff.

Working in Assisted Living Facilities and Memory Care Facilities allowed me to form closer bonds with those I have come to love. Also, I have had the opportunity to work with various Adult Care Facilities providing Art Fusion Sessions. As a result, I shared my connections and techniques with others who were interested in learning.

To provide more opportunities for teaching, I became a Certified Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Care Trainer. To maintain a personal, one-to-one connection, I have had Personal Care Clients throughout my Healthcare career.

Additionally, I have volunteered with the Alzheimer's Association in multiple capacities, including 15 years as Logistics Chair for the Walk to End Alzheimer's Planning Committee.

Looking forward to sharing my experiences and knowledge I have acquired over the past 22 years during my seminar. I hope you will also share your experiences as well.
 

 

1. Alzheimer's Association. (2019). 2019 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimers Dement;15(3):321-387. Available at alz.org/facts.