In Colorado, regulations mandate dementia-specific training for staff in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living residences, and adult day care facilities. These requirements ensure that care providers are equipped to address the unique needs of individuals with dementia.
Training Requirements:
- Initial Training: Direct care staff must complete at least four hours of dementia-specific training within the first 90 days of employment.
- Continuing Education: At least two hours of additional dementia training is required every two years.
Training Content:
- An overview of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
- Effective communication techniques.
- Strategies for managing challenging behaviors.
- Promoting independence in activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Safety measures to prevent wandering and injuries.
Regulation: 6 Colo. Code Regs. § 1011-1:V-4.3 (2014)
