Wyoming Caring with Confidence was launched in 2008 as a result of a study by the Wyoming Department of Health Workgroup on Older Adult Services. The Workgroup identified a need for mental health training for Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) working in long term care facilities. Many long term care residents suffer some form of mental health problem, and a majority of their care is provided by a CNA – but CNAs receive little formal training in mental health issues. The Workgroup’s findings were shared with the Legislature and resulted in funding for WCC through the Wyoming Department of Health Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division.
The program is conducted in a train-the-trainer model. Five mental health professionals deliver the class in long term facilities in locations throughout the state. From September 2008 to September 2010, 315 CNAs were trained, as well as about 100 other professionals. Outcomes reported by nursing home administrators included improvements in CNAs ability to identify mental health problems and manage problem behaviors. Administrators also reported improvements by trained CNAs in identification and charting of mental health problems.
The WCC curriculum was edited and consolidated in the fall of 2010 so trainings would be consistent across training sites. Five of the top trainers were retained to provide focused trainings in select facilities with an emphasis on training the majority of CNAs in a given facility. The revised curriculum was rolled out in early 2011. Twenty seven trainings are set to take place by June 30, 2011.
In addition to trainings, WCC also has a small lending library of DVDs that can be used in training CNAs, nursing home administrators and mental health staff. For more information, contact the the WyGEC office at wygec@uwyo.edu or Ahad Abdurahmonov aabdurah@uwyo.edu.
Acute Care and Pain
Aging Changes that Affect Communication
Depression, Delirium, Dementia
Diabetes Mellitus in the Long Term Care Patient
Geriatric Syndromes
Normal Aging Changes, I
Normal Aging Changes, II
Observation and Recognition of Sensory Changes of Aging: Certified Nursing Assistant role in the care of aging patients
Alzheimer’s disease: Behavioral Aspects
Sleep
Teaching Older Adults
The Three Ds: Dementia, Delirium and Depression
If you would like to learn these modules, please, contact Ahad Abdurahmonov at aabdurah@uwyo.edu to receive the module. WyGEC needs to collect participant profile forms and evaluation forms for reporting and evaluation purposes. WyGEC can issue a certificate of completion of these modules for those who need it.
