Staff Excellence and Hearthstone Training

The exceptional people who interact with Hearthstone residents throughout the day are what makes Hearthstone's program unique. At Hearthstone we are very fortunate to have over 200 dedicated staff members, every one of whom receives our unique training. Sue Blackler, Director of Operations and Training, is responsible for developing and overseeing our extensive training programs.

• Dementia Sensitivity Training (Alzheimer's 101) is taught by Hearthstone CEO Joan Hyde. This training was developed for Hearthstone by Nancy Mace, the author of the classic Alzheimer's caregiver's "bible," The 36-Hour Day. Designed to help all Hearthstone staff, those who work in the dining rooms, maintenance staff, even administrative and finance people understand the experience of dementia from the inside out. This unique all-day session is an initiation rite for all Hearthstone employees.

• Off-the-Floor Training is taught by Sue Blackler, and familiarizes all residence staff with the processes that make up the Hearthstone program, from forms to medication management to activities and "the flow." This program acquaints staff with the basics of all aspects of their job and the Hearthstone Way.

• Teamwork Training, led by Hearthstone President John Zeisel, is central to the way Hearthstone operates. In order for everyone in the organization to be able to respond to the needs of residents and families rapidly and effectively, each person must be empowered to make decisions with his or her coworkers at the level closest to the immediate need. To ensure that everyone knows how to use the expertise of their co-workers and have confidence in their own decision-making abilities, all Hearthstone staff learn the necessary teamwork methods to do what is right in each situation.

• Hearthstone Mentors at each residence are experienced Resident Assistants who have been trained to provide on-the-floor training for new staff members. In a formal program of training, they guide new coworkers through the daily routine, emphasizing the unique Hearthstone approach that is so successful in supporting independence and reducing the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

• In-Service Education is built into the Hearthstone Way. Every other week, Resident Assistants at each Hearthstone Residence attend a staff meeting where they review resident care issues and attend trainings on various topics such as helping residents with walking, medication management, or new approaches to dementia treatment needed to refine their skills. In addition, Hearthstone nurses meet individually and in small groups with Resident Assistants to ensure that they have the skills to meet the unique needs of each resident.

• Grand Rounds are led regularly at each site, often by Dr. Paul Raia from the Alzheimer's Association. At these sessions a small number of residents are chosen for in-depth review. Dr. Raia assesses and collects information about these residents, and then leads the resident assistants and other staff in a lively discussion of how best to work with that resident and approaches, medications and interventions that will enable the resident to flourish.