Full Definition

The quality of dementia care in a memory care community depends enormously on staff training. Texas HHSC requires minimum dementia training for memory care staff, but the depth and quality of training programs varies widely across communities. Understanding what training staff receive — and how ongoing education is maintained — is a meaningful quality differentiator.

Evidence-based dementia care training programs used in Texas memory care communities include: CARES Dementia Specialist (an online certification program recognized by HHSC), Positive Approach to Care (PAC) developed by Teepa Snow, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Virtual Dementia Tour and other educational programs, and facility-developed curricula aligned with best practice guidelines.

Good dementia care training teaches staff to understand the neurological basis of dementia behaviors (why a resident is agitated, not that they are being “difficult”), use communication techniques appropriate for different cognitive stages, respond therapeutically to BPSD rather than with restraint or medication escalation, and support residents’ remaining abilities rather than reinforcing dependence.

When touring a Texas memory care community, specific training questions to ask include: What dementia care training do staff complete before working with residents? How many hours of annual continuing education on dementia are required? Is any staff certified through a recognized dementia care program? What is the staff turnover rate (high turnover means constantly training new staff, reducing the benefit of any investment in training)?