Professional Training

Dementia Capable Care Specialist Training

Dementia Capable Care (DCC) Training gives you the tools needed to be the best caregiver for those living at different stages of dementia. This training focuses on practical solutions to preventing and de-escalating behaviors, through online learning and an in-person session to address common scenarios.

This program was developed by the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), a leader in evidence-based, person-centered, ability-focused dementia and de-escalation training and consulting services. CPI’s Crisis Development Model℠ and Allen’s Cognitive Levels help to optimize function and quality of life and to prevent or de-escalate distress behaviors.

Tell me More!

What does this training cover?

• Dementia Training: The Dementia Capable Care Model teaches caregivers how to support persons at every stage of dementia using remaining abilities.
• Person-Centered Care Training: Shifts the care approach to focus on personhood and what individuals at all cognitive levels CAN DO, awakening their individuality, strengths, and potential.
• Behavior Training: Provides learners with prevention and de-escalation strategies to address distress behaviors without the use of chemical or physical restraints helping to maintain safety for all.
   

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 will earn the Dementia Capable Care Specialist Credential (DCCS).
• Your DCCS verified digital credential and badge is valid for 2 years. You will receive a Certificate of Completion documenting the Contact Hours earned that may be eligible for CEUs, depending on your field.
• Additionally, if you are a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), this training will count towards your certification renewal.

This course is offered in a hybrid format. You are required to complete 4 hours of on-demand virtual training prior to the scheduled session. The 4 hour in-person session will reinforce and build on skills from the virtual training, helping apply what you learned through practical examples. Scheduled sessions are listed below.
 
 

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.