Fundamentals of OT for Individuals With Dementia
By Mary A. Corcoran, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Order #OLD07
Earn 1 AOTA CEU (10 NBCOT PDUs/10 contact hours)
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Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy for Individuals With Dementia is one of 3 courses developed for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants by The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) in collaboration with The George Washington University in Washington, DC, about Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Two additional courses are available as well for related or further study (see below). There is no prerequisite or required sequence for taking any of these courses. Study one or more as your interests, experience, and continuing education needs demand.
Explore the basic principles for working with individuals experiencing dementia symptoms. Although there is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease and other dementia, much can be done to reduce disruptive behaviors, improve function, and ease the burden of care for families.
This course introduces the fundamentals of occupational therapy for the set of conditions collectively known as dementia, with an emphasis on Alzheimer's disease. It establishes the basic principles for working with individuals experiencing dementia symptoms.
Based on an understanding of the interplay between the social and physical attributes of the environment and dementia-related symptoms, learn to evaluate occupational performance, establish goals for reducing excess disability, simplify objects and tasks, communicate effectively, reduce agitation, and document intervention for reimbursement by Medicare. The course includes assessment tools, intervention suggestions, and resources for developing and implementing occupational therapy.
Sessions
- The Etiology and Course of the Disease: Behaviors and Symptoms of Dementia
- The Landscape of Interventions for Individuals With Dementia and Their Families
- Environmental Influences on Behavior
- The Notion of Excess Disability
- Simplifying Objects and Tasks
- Effective Communication
- Adjusting the Emotional Tone to Reduce Anxiety and Agitation
- Informal and Formal Evaluation of Occupational Performance
- Setting Measurable and Achievable Intervention Goals for Individuals With Dementia
- Bob Helps Us Put It All Together
Learning Objectives
As a result of the successful completion of this course, you will be able to
- Name at least 2 symptoms common to each stage of dementia
- Identify attributes of the physical and social environment that are likely to influence dementia-related behaviors
- Define the characteristics of excess disability
- List 4 principles for simplifying objects
- Match interventions with their purpose
- Name 3 formal measurement tools and their use in assessing dementia
- Identify measurable individual intervention goals
- Define principles for simplifying named objects and tasks
- Identify level of difficulty for various instruction methods
- Name 3 ways to calm an anxious individual with dementia
Content Focus
Category 1: Domain of Occupational Therapy: Activity Demands and Context(s)
Category 2: Occupational Therapy Process: Evaluation and Intervention
Target Audience
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, as well as post-professional graduate-level students. Educators and other health practitioners who manage services that include occupational therapy can also benefit.
Learning Level
Intermediate. Information is geared to those with a general working knowledge of current practice trends and literature related to the subject matter and with a focus on increasing understanding and competent application of the subject matter.
Continuing Education Credit
1 AOTA CEU (10 NBCOT PDUs/10 contact hours) will be awarded following the successful completion of a multiple-choice examination.
Faculty Biography
Mary A. Corcoran, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA is research professor, George Washington University, Washington, DC.
Additional Information
Ways to order: Call 877-404-AOTA (2682) Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m. EST, Fax 301-206-9789, or order online by clicking the Order Now link above.
An e-mail address is required for ordering an online course. Once your order has been placed, you will receive an e-mail confirmation within 2 business days granting you access to the course. Expedited ordering is available by calling 877-404-AOTA. An additional $15 processing fee will be charged.
Register as a Group and Save!
Please call 877-404-AOTA for group registration.
3-10 orders at the same time: Save 10%
11+ orders at the same time: Save 15%
Technology Requirements
- Internet access
- CD player on computer
- Printer (to print certificate of completion and content, if desired)
Click here to confirm your computer's compatibility.
Payment Questions
Call: 877-404-AOTA
E-mail: cecustomerservice@aota.org
Access Questions
Members: 1-800-SAY-AOTA ext. 2837
Nonmembers and Local: 301-652-AOTA ext. 2837
TDD: 1-800-377-8555
E-mail: cedept@aota.org
Exam
Immediately upon successful completion of the examination, you will be able to print your electronic CE certificate. If you need a certificate by mail, please see the course content for details.
To Retake Exam
If you are not successful in passing the Online Course exam, you may opt to retake it a second time for a processing fee of $12.00. To retake the exam, call 877-404-AOTA.
To Reactivate Course
If you failed to complete the course during the 365 days it was available to you, you may opt to have the course reactivated for a processing fee of $25.00. To initiate the reactivation process, call 877-404-AOTA.
For limited technical help, contact disthelp@gwu.edu
Related Courses
- Advanced Occupational Therapy for Individuals With Dementia
- Occupational Therapy for Family, Professional, and Paraprofessional Caregivers of Individuals With Dementia