I work in the Dementia world on the front line as a CNA. An orientation to the people and their profiles and care plans in any Dementia unit is “Standard Operating Procedure.” I know now that this orientation is inadequate and, quite frankly, not good care. The CARES/essentialALZ training has finally brought me into my residents’ world and given me the perspective needed to provide the care that they require. Even the simple understanding of how to approach someone has helped me enormously. My job is easier; I am not creating more work for myself, because I understand more about this terrible disease than just the biology behind it.
–Michelle, CNA, Assisted Living Facility Late Stage Dementia Care Unit

CARES® training is very educational and informative.
CARES interactive approach prompts great discussion.
CARES gives you examples of the right approach, not just tells you what the right approach is.
CARES teaches you how to communicate with not only your residents but with your co-workers.
CARES prompts/fosters team work
–Michele A. Glaser, Annandale Village, Suwanee, Georgia

C= Creative, A= Accurate, R= Realistic, E= Essential, and S= Superb. Thank you!
–Roy Cordes, MA, Psychology, Hayward, California

I recently completed the 10-module CARES program and found it to be very well done. I am a dentist who is new to providing care in several nursing homes and have found much of the information very useful. Your CARES program has provided an important service, the need for which will be growing.
–Scott Prusinski, DDS, Elwood, Indiana

Let me say that the CARES Late-Stage program is really great, and I learned a lot just from listening/following along with the words while the narrator spoke. Congratulations!!!!
–Kate, Massage Therapist, St. Paul, Minnesota

What a pleasant surprise it was to discover the Savvy Caregiver–an excellent, effective, and necessary program. I am an RN who for years taught in-home caregivers of people with dementia-related diseases. I highly recommend the Savvy Caregiver Complete Package to the courageous families who have made it their responsibility to care for their affected loved ones at home. The up-to-date information and guidance in this program will make care more effective in every way. Two thumbs up!!
–Robert Curtis, RN/BSN, Knoxville, Tennessee

My brother and sister, who have less access to classes, also felt the CARES online study program was very valuable. I have noticed an increased understanding and participation in our caregiving. We can communicate better as a team. Thank you!!
–Linda Freeland, Family Caregiver, Loveland, Colorado

I decided to give your CARES program a try for several reasons: the cost was reasonable; convenience of the program was a plus (offering 24-hour online flexibility); and the program appeared to be very appropriate for our needs. After our staff completed the program, they said…it was wonderful that they could sign in and out as needed; the flexibility was so convenient; it was nice that it did not have to be completed all at once; interactive features made the learning experience fun and interesting; it was interesting to have the different types of learning including graphs, videos, and audio; and the information was up to date and appropriate for all staff, including RNs and CNAs. The patient’s family also looked at the site and learned a great deal—and was very appreciative. Thank you and keep up the good work. We loved it!!
–Christy Makosh, Staff Manager, DeKalb, Illinois

I thought that the program was easy to follow and well done. I thought that your program was very affordable and easily accessible. We will keep it in our education plan for the future. Thanks for your assist.
–Lynette Schmitz, Director of Nursing, Maryhill Manor, Enderlin, North Dakota

Just wanted to pass along a few comments regarding the CARES dementia training program. The CNAs have been responding in a very positive manner to the program. They stop to make interesting comments, observations, or have discussions on the various topics (even when I’m not in the room with them and they don’t know I’m within earshot). I am very impressed that the aides are learning a lot from the modules—and from each other.
–Sharon, CNA Supervisor, The Holmstad, Batavia, Illinois

Access to each module was computer friendly. The input from family members was very important…a true reminder that every person’s input/experience with a resident is important and how crucial everyone’s efforts are on the care and the success of care for the resident and the resident’s family. This online training has been beneficial for me…I am thinking about employment after being unemployed for five years after the birth of my daughter. This online training program helped me re-enter the world of dementia. Family input is so important and it was good for me to hear and see the care. Thank you for this opportunity again.
–Tracy, CNA, Arnold, Missouri

I knew as soon as I went through the first screen on Clara Jones that I was going to like this training program.
–Tina, CNA, Chicago, Illinois

I had the opportunity to share CARES with the staff of the training department for the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health in Delaware (DSAMH). They previewed it and showed it to the nursing administrators on our geriatric units. They all were very impressed, and today I received an e-mail telling me that they would be offering eight sessions of the CARES program in their training catalogue next year. I am so very excited that the door is opening here, and I only hope that it is just the beginning. In honor of your grandmother and my husband, I hope learning how to care for dementia patients with dignity becomes the norm instead of the exception.
–Carol Lovett, Advocacy Committee, Alzheimer’s Association, Delaware Valley Chapter, Newark, Deleware

I have never used a computer before, but this program was so easy to use that I thought to myself, “Maybe I should get a computer!” [Note: Maria purchased her first computer a month later.]
–Maria, CNA, Chicago, Illnois

Our facility has used the CARES Online Dementia Care Training Program to in-service our staff, Board of Trustees, and family members on caring for individuals with dementia. It was an excellent training tool for several reasons. One reason why it was so effective was that the people in the modules were real residents, caregivers, and family members with real situations, making it much easier for viewers to relate to. The fact that it was interactive increased participation. I really appreciated how much emphasis was placed on how important the role of the caregiver, particularly the CENA, is in the care of the resident. My experience with HealthCare Interactive has been very positive, and I look forward to receiving updates on the program.
–Susan Vosburgh, Director of Nursing, St. Anne’s Mead, Southfield, Michigan

The CARES program was very thorough, and was filled with positive examples. I enjoyed how the program had a variety of learning tools, including interactive activities and printable reference tools.
-Kattie Turgeon, Worcester, Maine

The videos and the advice given in the CARES program gave me a great outline to follow on memory patient care. The CARES program is very educational and I learned a lot!
–Minnie Rogers, Administrator

I enjoyed the entire CARES program, as I work with residents that have dementia on a daily basis.This program really makes you think about particular residence in your facility and ways to help them.
–Roger Yearson, Social Worker

I valued the ideas CARES brought to the tables, and the fact that the program emphasized that nonverbal communication is still a way of communicating. CARES will be my guide to memory patient care.
–Aryn Graham, CNA, Enlivant, Concord, North Carolina

CARES was easy to use and understand. CARES is an informative program with lots of information but explains it well. It will help me effectively communicate with people living with Dementia.
–Briandy Perdomo, PCA, NY Connects, New York City, New York

I enjoyed how thorough the CARES curriculum is, and how it helps to better assess residents
–Sam Cantu, CNA

The CARES approach was great all around, and I specifically enjoyed the emphasis on how to approach, care and respond to a patient’s needs. CARES is a great program for everyone working in a LTC facility as well as teaching techniques to use with family/friends.
–Jeanna Valdez, Administrator

The demonstrations and explanations that CARES gives are very useful. It will keep me reminded to use all the care tips. The CARES program is very important, educational, and helpful to do the job.
–Heldrine Mbu, Professional Staff, Polar Ridge, Maplewood, Minnesota

CARES gave so much information on dementia and how it will be working with memory care patients. CARES will be very useful when working with dementia patients. It shows the best way to engage with them.CARES is very informative and I would highly recommend it!
–Kathleen Marie Keefe, CNA, Auburn, Massachusetts

The fact that CARES had videos and knowledge checks throughout the training was very valuable to me. The program helped me understand more of what’s going on in a patients’ life. CARES gives a good amount of understanding what’s going on in someone’s life if they have dementia.
–Emily Hodges, CNA, Tradition Assisted Living and Memory Care, Salt Lake City, Utah

CARES helped me understand Dementia better. I found the program very helpful when treating during therapy. Overall, CARES was very useful and informative.
–Deidre Pruitt, Therapist, Montgomery Health & Rehab, Montgomery, Alabama

The CARES program really explains everything in detail. It will help me to care better for my residents.
–Tiera Barlow

I can’t think of anything I didn’t like. I didn’t use the “read aloud” option very often because for me, it was more effective to read and take notes on the content. The reader has a very good speaking voice and is easy to listen to. I am very happy I selected this program out of the many dementia certification programs I researched. I am very glad that CARES is recognized by the CMS, that it is well-organized and thoughtful in its approach, that it holds the people with dementia in very high regard and their needs are explained with a great deal of care and respect. The fact that the program uses real-life videos of people who are living with dementia, as well as real-life caregivers provides a more impactful reinforcement of the training material. The viewer can see the actual result of the CARES approach in real life from the convenience of the student’s own home or office because the program can be entirely completed online.
–Julie White, Ozark, Missouri

The very detailed information and videos were a great part of the CARES program. It will help me take better care of my patients in the future!
–Florence Claude, CNA, Stafford, Virginia

I loved the information that was shared and the videos that showed the traditional approach and then compared it with CARES approach! The CARES program will allow me to share with my colleagues/cohorts the knowledge I have obtained and I will suggest that my colleagues who are in the healthcare/first line employees to take this training! The CARES program t is well-organized and thoughtful in its approach, that it holds the people with dementia in very high regard and their needs are explained with a great deal of care and respect. I would tell them that this program uses real-life videos of people who are living with dementia, as well as real-life caregivers, and that provides a more impactful reinforcement of the training material. The viewer can see the actual result of the CARES approach in real life from the convenience of the student’s own home or office because the program can be entirely completed online.
–Iman Sadaat, EMT, Alternative Behavioral Strategies,Salem, North Carolina

Cares has actual input from professionals and staff of actual senior living facilities, which is invaluable. I enjoyed how the program emphasized knowing how to try and keep the residents calm and try to see things from their point of view. Cares will help you have more patience with dementia patients
–Karon Warren, CNA, Folsom Center, Alabama

The videos were very helpful because I am a visual learner, and I valued how the CARES curriculum shows how to use the information in actual situations.
–Candice Treymond, CNA

I loved the knowledge obtained throughout the training program and appreciated the additional knowledge provided on resourceful tools one can use to obtain and resolve matters. I liked the contact information and details they shared pertaining to programs that I had not heard of before.I believe this will empower me to be aware of seeing older adult neglect and I believe should this happen on my watch. I would know who to call directly to have this matter resolved expeditiously. I would say that the CARES program is a wonderful and resourceful tool that any caregiver or health care professional can use. It will provide information for the caregiver on how to cope with their day to day stressors. It also showed resources that individuals; caregivers and health care professionals can use in the suspicion of perhaps older adult neglect.
–George Roberson, EMT

I enjoyed the simple application of new fact-based strategies that CARES has. It is a very thorough and easy to follow program
–May Gaskin, Social Worker

I enjoyed how the CARES curriculum emphasized learning about people with dementia. I believe by giving access to this program to everyone will help them learn how to strengthen their knowledge on memory patient care.
–Andrea Gutierrez, Cloverdale, Scottsboro, Alabama

The CARES program does a very good job teaching various ways of connecting with the person. Access behavior and how to respond appropriately were my favorite subjects to go over. CARES will help me to care and relate well with resident.Its a basic reliable and sustainable source of information for care workers.
–Jane Chima, CNA, Salem Home, Manitoba, Canada

I very much enjoyed the convenience of the CARES program! It’s ease of use and access are things that I very much valued.
–Dana Murrey, Trainer, Oakview Manor, Headland, Alabama

CARES did a very good job of showing a resident’s perspective when staff comes towards them.CARES helped me understand that slower and connecting make it easier for the resident and the employee.
–Joyce Free, Nurse, Shadescrest Health Care Center

“The CARES Program has a great approach to working with elderly people when they’re having a bad day. CARES will be a great help and I will apply what I learned from the program at work. Don’t hesitate to watch and learn from this program!”
–Marietta Lalic, CNA, Seasons, High River, Alberta, Canada

“The entire CARES program provided helpful tips and ideas, and using the CARES approach is something that I will do moving forward. The CARES program provides very knowledgeable material on how to approach patients with memory care conditions.”
–Micah Hanes, Dietary Aide

“Working at a facility with a Dementia Care Unit, there was nothing I did not like with the CARES Program. The 10 keys to success was a very good refresher course on memory care treatment.”
–Kerry Harley, CNA

“The different options CARES provided to use at work helped make my job easier. I work with different age group residents, and the CARES Program helped me tailor to specific needs.”
–Fatina Ashley, Social Worker

“The steps in the CARES program are spot on. I feel very enlightened and affirmed in that this is how I would have thought to care for a person with Alzheimer’s. The videos were extremely valuable in that the current Alzheimer’s [patients] were demonstrative on how to handle many situations.”
–Laura, Nurse, Oklahoma