Professional Training

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Seminar

Take the path to certification as a Certified Dementia Practitioner through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners!
All health care professionals and front line staff who work in the health care industry are encouraged to attend. This is the required seminar for those pursuing CDP certification to qualify through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. To see if you qualify, please visit the NCCDP website at www.nccdp.org. You can also come just for the education!
 

Tell me More!

What does this training cover?

The seminar will cover the following modules: Diagnosis, Prognosis, Treatment, Communication, Feelings, Depression, Repetitive Behavior, Paranoia, Hallucinations, Wandering, Hoarding, Aggressive Behaviors, Catastrophic Reactions, Intimacy and Sexuality, Personal Care, Pain, Nutrition, Activities, Environment, Staff and Family Support, Diversity and Cultural Competence, Spiritual Care and End of Life.
 

Who should take this training?

• This credential can be earned by any health care professional or others working in healthcare.
• Upon completion of the full training, participants are able to apply for Certified Dementia Care Practitioner certification through the National Council of Certified Dementia Care Practitioners.
• You will receive a Certificate of Completion documenting the training hours earned that may be eligible for CEUs, depending on your field.
• This seminar is approved for 7 CEUs for nurses with the CEU Network in most states for an additional fee of $28. Information will be provided to you during the class.

Classes are offered in-person only. Space is limited; registration must be received in advance. No form of taping is allowed in the seminar. A Student Handout Notebook will be provided.

Meet the Trainer

Professional Training Facilitator

Melissa Long, CTRS, CDP, CADDCT, BF-CMT, DCCS, DCC-CI, Director of Education and Support

Melissa is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine with a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation and Leisure Studies and a minor in Health Studies. Melissa is a certified recreational therapist, certified dementia practitioner and educator, certified best friends dementia trainer, certified dementia capable care specialist and trainer. and a Licensed BCAT® practitioner.  

Melissa has been providing care to older adults for over 20 years. She is also the recipient of the ATRA Frank L. Basile Clinician of the Year 2016, 2024 Pride in Our Community Leader of Loudoun County Pride, and National Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Trainer (CADDCT) of 2024. She has presented at numerous conferences and has published evidence-based practice programing.  

She has had the opportunity to live in Romania and provide sensory integration for orphans. She also held the position of Social Coordinator for participants in the Cerebral Palsy - International Sports and Recreation Association (CP- ISRA) World Championship. Through Melissa’s experience both clinically and in the community, she brings and provides out of the box thinking and support to both clients and caregivers daily.