PCAD Program

Choose to learn about our dementia training program...

Through generous funding from the BHHS Legacy Foundation, our Dementia and Aging Research Department collaborated with Hospice of the Valley and created the Palliative Care for Advanced Dementia: A Model Teaching Unit or PCAD program. Palliative care focuses on the comfort of the individual with dementia and empowers staff members to anticipate the needs of the resident. Training also focuses on the person-directed approach to care.

To date, the PCAD program has trained hundreds of healthcare professionals, doctors and medical students and translated training concepts into other languages including Thai and Mandarin. Evaluation of current training methods and additional training tools are a current focus for the PCAD program so we can continue to serve as a resource beyond the walls of our community. Our goal is to train as many professionals as possible in best practices for people with dementia.

The PCAD program has received many accolades and was acknowledged with the 2010 Excellence in Research and Education Award from LeadingAge. In early 2011, our dementia services and PCAD training were featured in a New York Times exclusive article and a Channel 3 special segment.

To learn more about our dementia services or training program, contact PCAD Co-director, Tena Alonzo, by clicking here.