DCPA's Series 1 DVD set consists of a four-part training program designed for health care professionals. This program is ideally suited for any direct care worker, such as a certified nursing assistant, home health aide or personal care attendant, or for those who intend to further their education with Series 2.

Presented in a practical and user-friendly fashion, the program provides essential information for the safe and effective care of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and all other types of dementia. An accompanying CD-ROM includes numerous fact sheets and learning guides for each section, as well as test instructions, questions and answer sheets

Successful completion of Series 1 leads to qualification as an AFA Qualified Dementia Care Provider.

DVD 1: Basic Understanding of Dementia
Individuals with dementia have intellectual and psychiatric symptoms produced by damage to the brain. It is crucial that professional care providers understand these basic elements of dementia, as well as the impact of dementia on client functioning, thought and behavior. This DVD reviews two common intellectual problems produced by dementia: memory disorder and difficulties with communication. It also discusses two common psychiatric problems: hallucinations and delusions. These intellectual and psychiatric symptoms can distress healthcare professionals, caregivers and family members alike. The final segment of this DVD explains important methods of communication with the distressed family member. This basic understanding of dementia is vital to providing quality care.

DVD 2: Management of Activities of Daily Living
Dementia causes the loss of many functions, including the skills involved in activities of daily living. Professional care providers are responsible for assuring that individuals with dementia are safely fed, dressed and bathed. This DVD explains safe, effective ways to provide these essential supportive services. It includes common sense approaches to feeding, assuring adequate fluids, bathing, dressing, and prevention of falls. Correct care during these daily activities can increase the quality of life for clients and reduce risks to care providers during these close interactions.

DVD 3: Management of Behavioral Problems
Individuals with dementia commonly experience behavioral problems, including aggression, hostility, nighttime wandering, and sexually inappropriate behavior. This DVD discusses these serious behavioral challenges that confront professional care providers. It also provides thoughtful explanations on the causes of these behaviors and ways to manage these disruptive symptoms. Effective management of these problems can improve client comfort, the safety of professional care providers and the environment of the residence.

DVD 4: Principles of Basic Care
Older clients typically have other health problems in addition to dementia, making them vulnerable to health emergencies, injuries, abuse, and neglect. This DVD covers a range of basic care issues for professional care providers, including handling health emergencies, managing incontinence, dealing with the fallen client, preventing wandering, and avoiding abuse and neglect. Understanding these principles can help ensure a client's safety and reduce stress on the health care professional.

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