A web-based training program for direct care workers in long-term care communities: Providing knowledge and skills to implement a music and memory intervention. Issue 3 (2nd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tompkins, Catherine J.; Ihara, Emily S.; Inoue, Megumi; Ferenz, Jennifer; Pham, Shawn
• Is Part Of: Gerontology & geriatrics education. Volume 41:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 367
• Page End: 379
• Publication Date: 2020-07-02
• Subjects: Dementia -- direct care workforce training -- music and memory -- non-pharmacologic intervention -- person-centered; Geriatrics -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 362.6
• DOI: 10.1080/02701960.2019.1699074
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0270-1960

Abstract

ABSTRACT: As dementia increases and the availability of at-home caregivers decreases, the need grows for effective training for direct care workers. Direct care workers have demanding schedules with restrictive availability and lack professional incentives to pursue specialized training. This study explored the impact of the Mason Music & Memory Initiative ( M 3 I), a web-based, micro-learning training for direct care workers, combined with the implementation of the Music & Memory intervention. The training provided a foundational understanding of dementia and the person-centered music intervention. Twenty-five direct care workers, across two long-term care communities, completed the training modules over four weeks. All participants completed a pre- and posttest, determining their knowledge and understanding of dementia and the Music & Memory intervention adopted by their facilities. Many workers found the training to be informative and inspiring, noting improved behaviors in residents during the implementation of the M 3 I .