For Melonie Tindall, dementia education is a passion, and she is on a path to train 696 Certified Dementia Practitioners in the state of Iowa, with plans to expand into other states. With a background in senior healthcare executive leadership and through her work as both a Certified Senior Advisor and Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT), Melonie is on a mission to educate as many caregivers as possible. In her current role, Melonie consults through her company Premier Senior Services and trains through America’s Dementia Coach.
Working with 47 Iowa facilities, Melonie will train 696 Iowa caregivers through a grant project from CMS’s Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Program. CMS has devised the CMP grants to give back to skilled nursing communities (SNF) to improve quality of life by equipping nursing home staff, administrators and stakeholders with tools and assistance to enhance resident care. “The blessing of the CMP grant program is that this is one of the many ways the healthcare system gives back to senior communities for the sole purpose of training staff and improving the quality of life for residents. “For me, I am passionate about ensuring we are constantly and consistently improving the quality of life for each and every resident living in skilled nursing communities.”
Currently only Skilled Nursing Facilities qualify for the CMP grant projects. The guidelines were recently revised and each of us who participates in these projects has had to really work to tighten our business belts. Each participating SNF must sign a letter agreeing to participate in the grant projects that they apply to be a part of. Facilities are allowed up to $5000 per year in five distinct categories of well thought out models to provide a higher quality of life to each of the residents served in SNFs. There are forty-seven buildings which are a part of the current Iowa state grant project. “Over the next year, we will be following these buildings utilizing a survey tool to ensure compliance and outcomes.” The beauty of CMP grant funding is that communities do not have to share any of the costs.
Throughout the course of the grant, quarterly reports are completed and provided to the state providing results of how the training is becoming a part of the culture of each community that has gone through the training. Throughout the year long grant, America’s Dementia Coach also provides additional resources so that community leadership ensures the effectiveness of the training the staff members have completed.
“So often we see staff caring for residents that have not been given the tools to provide quality care. We provide the tools for all staff to be able to provide the highest level of care possible.”
To mitigate any cost for the communities, America’s Dementia Coach pays for all costs related to the training and certification of each staff member completing the CDP class. As part of the grant application, these fees are factored into the application and are reimbursed to America’s Dementia Coach as part of the project. Having worked with CMP for many years both as a customer success manager and leading a team with a corporation that became a leader in the grants arena, she knows what goes into a successful grant and how to achieve positive outcomes. As part of the grant process, Melonie follows up and supports the staff members throughout the entire year. The use of a survey tool allows for both the state and regional CMP teams to see the effectiveness of the project throughout its duration. Survey questions reflect quality of life of residents which are specifically identified throughout the MDS including metrics such as decreases in antipsychotic medications as a parameter. Surveys are completed on a quarterly basis and are used as a tool to monitor the effectiveness of the training and the overall project.
“My motivation is not to become a name brand in the dementia world.” For Melonie, the goal is to ensure every person she encounters and who works with people living with dementia can provide the best possible care. “So often we see staff caring for residents that have not been given the tools to provide quality care. We provide the tools for all staff to be able to provide the highest level of care possible.” Caregivers cannot typically afford training such as this on their own, and so many facilities also do not have the resources or financial means to provide the excellent training that NCCDP offers. “Why would I withhold knowledge I have, when I can offer it to them through a wonderful program that CMS has established.”
Melonie Tindall, CSA, CDP, CADDCT Skilled Dementia Specialist
