Legend of McKinney Associates Complete Certified Dementia Practitioner Training

October 10th, 2019 | Press Releases

Legend Senior Living^® associates are essential to delivering on the company’s mission and values. Legend stresses the importance of ongoing training and education to all associates.

Two associates from the Legend of McKinney – Colin Pettiford, Sales Director, and Joni Ryan, Sales Assistant – recently completed Certified Dementia Practitioner^® (CDP^®) training. There are now three associates in the residence who have earned CDP certification.

“The CDP training helps me be a resource to families and offer my expertise when questions come up that deal with a loved one having dementia,” Pettiford said. “It’s important to me, personally, because to be truly considered an expert in senior living, I need to be well-rounded in the skills and knowledge regarding the diseases that many of our residents face.”

To earn CDP status, they completed training developed by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). It’s open to all health care professionals, front line staff and first responders.

The NCCDP was formed to promote standards of excellence in dementia and Alzheimer's Disease education to professionals and other caregivers who provide services to dementia clients. Associates must renew their certification every two years, during which time they must complete a minimum of 10 hours of dementia or Alzheimer's continuing education.

A CDP professional provides families with security and comfort in knowing that they have completed extensive training in key aspects of dementia care, including communication techniques, disruptive behavior interventions, and tools for addressing concerns such as wandering, aggressive behaviors, poor nutrition, and sexuality.

“I think it’s very important for families to know we have CDP associates in the building, that they care enough to want to learn more to be able to understand what their loved one is going through,” Ryan said.

Legend of McKinney is purposefully designed with the residents in mind. For memory care residents, the atmosphere is designed with all the familiar warmth and comfort of home. Common areas, beautiful outdoor spaces and activity areas provide opportunities for companionship, while well-appointed suites and secluded quiet rooms satisfy the need for privacy and personal space.