Feasibility of Internet Training for Care Staff of Residents with Dementia The CARES Program

This study evaluated an Internet-based training module, CARES* (Connect with the resident; Assess behavior; Respond appropriately; Evaluate what works; Share with the team), to determine its feasibility for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in three nursing homes and one assisted living facility. Pre- and posttest questionnaires were administered to 40 CNAs to determine improvements in dementia care knowledge and perceptions of competence in dementia care. Dementia care knowledge improved significantly after CARES training. More than 85% of the sample agreed or strongly agreed that the CARES protocol improved mastery, improved care competency, and reduced stress related to care of residents with dementia. Open-ended feedback indicated that CARES provided CNAs with new information and skills pertaining to dementia care. The results suggest that Internet-based programs such as CARES represent time- and cost-efficient methods to deliver dementia care training in long-term care settings.