Alzheimers/ Dementia Director

whoamiRN · Apr 25, 2006

I'm not sure what an "Alzheimer's Director" is. Is that like the Nurse Manager? I manage a 30 bed Alzheimer's and dementia unit, but I'm not sure if it's the same thing.

romie · Apr 26, 2006

In my state, a LTC that has a specially designated "Dementia Unit" (Alzheimer's Unit, Memory Care Unit, Special Care Unit, whatever you want to call it) has to have a designated director, according to the regulations. Often times it is a nurse, many times it isn't a nurse, but it is a professional with experience and training in Alzheimer's and dementia care. The unit director is responsible for everything on the unit-- the implementation of activities, CNA care, Med passing staff, RAPs, MDS, all assessments, the training of all the staff regarding dementia and behavioral issues.

whoamiRN · Apr 27, 2006

I guess that's my job, except I don't have to train staff or have them do "groups". This seems almost contraindicated to me as many Alzheimer's do very poorly when there are more than a few people involved. We do a lot of 1:1 interaction, sensory stimulation and things like walks and sitting outside.When residents are end stage, they either cannot or will not participate in any structured activity. That sounds like a lot to take on for you! As far as CNAs I have been very lucky and my staff are wonderful.

Renashia · May 14, 2006

Before taking the DON position at an Assisted Living, I interviewed for Alzheimer's Director positions in Oregon/Washington, pay was varied between 45,000-55,000 a year. With the difficulties associated with the unit I hope you would have a good game plan to change the culture of the unit. Sounds like about 1/2 the staff need to be let go. I'm not sure how much expereince you have witht he Dementias, but I would contact the local Alzheimer's association and get training materials and re-educate your staff. Introducing a new Alzheimer's care paradigm like "the best freinds approach" or "the eden project might get the ball rolling. Also contact local SCU in the area to get help. I think if you accept the job you will have to lay down some rules to the staff about conduct. I found that "My way or the Highway" was effective. You are the nurse and know what the residents need, don't let the caregivers run your unit.

I hope you do take the job, it sounds like those residents and families deserve better then what they have going on now.

romie · May 27, 2006

Thank you to everyone who has replied. I accepted the position and have been busy implementing changes every day. I have seen some improvements in CNA attitudes little by little. Most people who work on the unit really want to contribute to the well being of our residents, but I think they just lack information and just need a good role model in order to learn creative approaches. The bad apples I am still working on and I think they are quickly becoming aware that I know they are not really part of the team. I always make sure to thank line staff for their moments of excellence-including the housekeeper who took special care to clean a resident's room whose family member has a meltdown everytime they come to the unit. I try to include the CNAs in the careplanning process-- how is this resident doing, what information do you think I really should share with the family, ect.

I'll admit that it has been very stressful, but I am trying to be realistic-- I cannot change a culture overnight.

upstatenynurse · Nov 25, 2007

Congats on your new position!! I am an LPN who is also the Director OF Resident Services at a new assisted living facility. We have a separate unit for Alz/Dem residents which when full will hold 20 residents. Is there some ideas you may have to assist me with training / role playing my staff. We have tried directing them at in services but they forget everthing when dealing w/ residents. I suggested role playing at next staff meeting. Any ideas will be helpful.

Simplepleasures · Nov 25, 2007

My current employer offered me a promotion to Alzheimers Director. I wish to consider the position, but it is about twice as difficult as my current position. It is tough when it comes to dealing with CNA's with "attitude" who don't want to run group activities. The past two Alzheimers Directors either quit or were fired over CNA staffing issues.
My questions are as follows:
What salary should I ask for? How much do Alzheimers Directors in your facility make? Do CNAs in your facility run activity groups? How do you get them to comply?
This particular unit is a very challenging unit--environmentally it is a disaster, limited rec/leisure supplies. Staffing is very inconsistent but is consistently short-handed. The CNAs on the unit are absolutely terrible- thefts, attitude, laziness-- plus they run off every Alzheimer's Director hired! The residents are very very late stage- few communicate verbally, about half are incontinent. There are about 50 in the unit.
What do you think? Should I take the position? Does anyone have any advice? Please help!

Why is your facility using CNA's for activities, do they not have enough to do to take care of the residents physical needs? I worked with Dementia/ Alzheimers patients for most of the years I worked in LTC.It is counterproductive to put a large group of these residents together and then expect them to join in an activity. But mainly I wonder why your facility would entrust this to CNAs, not that a CNA couldnt do one on one , but Alzheimers patients need activity people that SPECIALIZE in Dementia/ Alzheimers. I think that so many LTC facilities are cutting back on auxiliary staff and putting even more responsibilty on nursing staff in order to make even more of those BIG bucks. SAD.

upstatenynurse · Nov 25, 2007

In my facility, we do have an activitities director but my Resident aides have activities such as having the residents set the tables for meals, clear the table after meals, fold laundry etc. we also have a baking activity on wed. afternoons. The RA's also do 1:1 activities such as brusing the females hair, polishing their nails and looking at magazines, lotioning hands of males etc.