To increase the knowledge and awareness of Alzheimer's disease for assisted living and long-term care staff. The number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease will continue to grow in the next few years. Families as well as facility staff will need to be equipped with the facts about this devastating disease as well as the tools to provide quality, loving care.

To increase awareness of abuse, educating potential reporters of abuse on proper reporting procedures and relaying information on the interventions available to older adults who are in abusive situations.

Abuse Education Review Panel Approval #572.

To learn the basic principles of professionalism. In addition, the author hopes to inspire the CNA to be proud of the work he/she does in long-term care.

To enable CNAs to enhance the quality of life for residents in long-term care settings by learning the importance of the basic principles of oral care.

To describe the responsibility a CNA has during the survey process and underscore the importance of the CNA's role. Participants will learn how important skills, knowing the residents, and familiarity with the residents' care plans will impact a positive survey outcome.

To present acronyms used throughout the long-term care facility. The CNA will be equipped with an enhanced understanding of their descriptions and meanings.

To provide nursing personnel with a working knowledge of psychotropic medications used in the long-term care setting. The participant will learn basic information on types of medications used as well as side effects that may be experienced/observed. In addition, Federal regulations pertinent to the administration of these types of medications will also be discussed.

To educate licensed nursing staff and administrators on the risk of infection in the long-term care setting. Participants will learn the regulations pertinent to the design and implementation of an Infection Control Plan (ICP) that will help reduce and prevent the transmission of infections. Federal and state (Iowa) regulations for an ICP will be reviewed.

To educate and empower professional nurses and administrators in identifying and reducing unintended weight loss and the incidence of dehydration in the elderly. Learn to proactively intervene to correct problems with nutrition and hydration, thus improving the quality of life for all residents.

To educate and empower professional nurses and administrators by demonstrating that most falls in the elderly are predictable and preventable. Learn to proactively intervene to provide a safe, restraint-free environment and to identify critical steps in reducing the risks of falls.