Why do I want to be certified?

The number one reason for becoming certified is to demonstrate to yourself that you are using the knowledge and materials presented in the 2-day workshop properly. Certification demonstrates that you know how to put DementiAbility Methods into practice.

Certification provides the opportunity to test your understanding of the materials by developing case examples and putting your new knowledge into practice. You will use all of the materials that have been provided in the 2-day workshop and test your understanding in a practice setting. Your final report will be evaluated and feedback will be provided.

Another reason for becoming certified is that many organizations are now asking for these qualifications when they are hiring people to work in organizations that provide dementia care.

How do I become Certified?

Click each link to download document

Certification for Individuals
Certification for Individuals
Certification Document for A Home

Example
Sample of Reflection Paper

If you have taken the DementAbility Methods Workshop within the last 2 years you may want to become DementiAbility Certified. In order to get certified you must:

  1. Work with 2 people who are living with dementia,

a. The templates to complete the process are on our website as PDF files and word files. You may complete the forms in hand writing or electronically. A typed report is recommended, not required.

b. You need to work with each person for a minimum of 10 interactions. You need to explore a variety of interventions, using the WOW and NISA. Do not record 10 sessions of the same intervention. The intervention may occur every day – as a routine. This does not provide enough breadth of practice to showcase your abilities to engage the individual across the various domains (function, fun, purposeful engagement).

  1. Select 3 or more people for a “Book Club” and arrange to run the book club for a minimum of 7 days. They may not be every day – they could be twice a week. The staff or residents or volunteers need to work with you to ensure this continues after you have completed your certification.
  2. Ask a supervisor to complete the Supervisor’s Form.
  3. Fill in all the forms for each case, including the Personal Profile, the All About Me, Needs, Interests and Roles and WOW Form.
  4. Create activities for each case and include photos in your report (faces of clients can be left out if you do not have permission to photograph).
  5. Develop at least one role and routine for each case. If the client is not able to follow an agenda the staff will be responsible for ensuring routines are followed. o You must document 10 interactions with each person using interventions that use the DementiAbility Principles using the Record Keeping Log.
  6. Write a “Lessons Learned” paper (at least 500 words). This final report will provide an overview of your experiences while implementing the DementiAbility Methods. It should include successes and challenges.
  7. Complete a written examination based on the topics covered in the two-day workshop and the required reading. This examination will be completed once all other assessment tasks are completed and submitted. (Note: Consider reading the DementiAbility Textbook.)
  8. All assessment tasks must be finished and all paperwork submitted electronically for marking and review. This means that you will need to take photos or scan any relevant templates, materials, cue cards, and signage that is used to create activities and roles for the two people with whom you are undertaking case studies
Documents & Templates for Certification

Certification Documents:

Certification for Individuals  (PDF) (Please contact Laura@dementiability.com for the Word version should you need it)

Certification Document for A Home (PDF)

Certification Checklist

All About Me  (PDF)

Look Who’s Certified

Cassandra Van der Linde

Regional Clinical Support and Memory Care Specialist

AspiraRetirement Living

Cultivating happiness in daily life

Shannon Coffey OT Reg. (Ont.)

BSO Responsive Behaviour Specialist (Retirement Homes)

Alzheimer Society of Hamilton

Becky D’Ostilio, RPN 

Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant

Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton

Karleigh O’Hara

Registered Practical Nurse/Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant with the Alzheimer Society

Sherri Davis 

Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant

Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region

Lauren Moniz, BA, CTRA, R/TRO

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

London, ON

Christine Shackleton, BA

Recreation and Leisure Services

Georgian College

Social Development Studies

University of Waterloo

Lauren Orlofsky, RSW, MSW

Case Manager

Geriatric Psychiatry Community Services of Ottawa

Tess Ewert Zehr, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Case Manager

Geriatric Psychiatry Community Services of Ottawa

Ottawa, ON

 

Scott Molley OT Reg. (Ont.)
Case Manager
Geriatric Psychiatry Community Services of Ottawa

Hsu Hsiao-Lin (Shirley)

Nurse

Academy Penghu County Fu Ai Social Welfare Development Association

Taiwan

Leanne Freund 

Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator/

Daily Life

Rest Haven Care Home

Steinbach, MB

 

Becky Donison RPN
RAI Coordinator/ Educator/ADOC
Long Term Care, Telfer Place

Simran
Recreation Facilitator
Kildonan Personal Care Home
Winnipeg, MB

Rae Ajayi
Recreation Manger and Staff Educator
Sumac Lodge
Sarnia, Ontario

Michelle Ingram
Forest Heights LTCC
Recreation Aide

Dana Hollingsworth

Registered Practical Nurse and BSO lead

McGarvell Place

London, ON

Jack Kunpei Zhang
BScN, BES, Minor in Gerontology
Registered Nurse, Eagle Terrace
Newmarket, ON

Shelby Kay Tomkins 
Personal Support Worker
Revera LTC
Oakville, ON

Chelsey Schick

Recreation , Volunteer and Spiritual Care Manager

Beacon Hill Lodge – Revera Inc.

Gurpreet Kaur, RN, BScN, MN

Behavioural Support Community Resource

Home and Community Care Support Services

Central West

Andii Millett

Recreation Worker

Broadway Lodge,

Vancouver, BC

Brandon Pope

Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant

The McCausland Hospital / Wilkes Terrace LTC

Terrace Bay, ON

Karleigh Wright, RN

Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant

Canadian Mental Health Association – Fort Frances Branch

Fort Frances, ON

Sara Galusha

Outreach Personal Support Worker

Canadian Mental Health Association – Fort Frances Branch

Fort Frances, ON

Stevie-Lee Kaemingh

Outreach Personal Support Worker

Canadian Mental Health Association – Fort Frances Branch

Fort Frances, ON

Veronica Howarth

Life Enrichment Manager,

Thunder Bay ON,

St. Joseph’s Care Group

Kelly Brunwin-Harding

Social Worker and Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant for St. Joseph’s Care Group

Hogarth Riverview Manor

Thunder Bay, ON

Brittany Hughes

RCA

Peace Villa Care Home

Fort St. John, B.C.

Valerie Leroy

Activity Worker

Sunset Lodge

Victoria, BC

Danielle Preston

Recreation and Volunteer Services Supervisor
HJ McFarland Memorial Home
Picton, Ontario

Helen Hunter

Master of Public Health (MPH).

Dementia Family Caregiver Network, Founder
Sidney, BC

Kim Fowler

Recreation Therapy Coordinator-GerontologyCertified Facilitator DementiAbility Methods

Village at Smith Creek

Kelowna, BC

Nikita Cava

Behavioural Supports Lead

City of Thunder Bay – Pioneer Ridge LTC and Senior Services

Donna Sprickerhoff

Therapeutic Recreationist

City of Thunder Bay – Pioneer Ridge LTC and Senior Services

Lori Sheppard

Housekeeping

Rest Haven Care Home

Steinbach, MB

Yvonne Champagne

Registered Nurse

Rest Haven Care Home

Steinbach, MB

Amy Renacia

Health Care Aide and Daily Life

Rest Haven Care Home

Steinbach, MB

Lorraine Friesen

Social Worker

Rest Haven Care Home

Steinbach, MB

Leahn Obviar

Food and Nutrition Services Supervisor

Rest Haven Care Home

Steinbach, MB

Ada Acosta

Health Care Aide

Rest Haven Care Home

Steinbach, MB

Eva Peters

Dietary Aide

Rest Haven Care Home

Steinbach, MB

Catherine  Ariza

Health Care Aide

Rest Haven Care Home

Steinbach, MB

Grace Garcia

Health Care Aide

Rest Haven Care Home

Steinbach, MB

Libby Hui-Yi Tsai

Associate Director of Care, Rockcliffe Care Community

Sienna Senior Living

Scarborough, ON

Maheen Ashfaq

RN, GNC (C)

Fairview Lodge

Whitby, ON

Sue Long

BSO RPN

Home Highland Wood

Haliburton, ON

Allison Corby

Social Worker

Fairview Lodge

Whitby, ON

Christiana Egi, RN, RNHN, NCExecutive Director

Alexis Lodge

Scarborough, ON

Laura Smith-Baldi

DementiAbility Trainer

Toronto, ON

Melissa Howarth 

Activities Coordinator

St. Charles Manor, Trillium

Victoria, BC

Twila Thomson

Executive Director

St. Charles Manor

Victora, BC

Linda Armstrong

MSW, RSW

The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County

Ottawa, ON

Misia McCallum
Dementia Care Coach
The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County
Ottawa, ON

Cynthia Dewolfe

Therapeutic Recreation & Supportive Counselling

The Dementia Society of Renfrew County

Ottawa, ON

Nathan Posteraro
National Manager of Memory Care at Revera
Mississauga, ON

Shaelyn Owen RSW, BSW

Reflections Manager

Revera

Calgary, AB

Paige Blaney, BSc., MPH
Reflections Manager,
Revera
Edmonton, AB

Benita Le Morvan 

Clinical Specialist – Occupational Therapist

Northern Health Authority,

Prince George, BC

Ana Tran

Resident & Family Experience Coordinator,

Rockcliffe Care Community

Scarborough, ON

Stephanie Bolduc

Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant /Conseillère en ressources psychogériatriques

Cochrane BSO Lead

North Bay Regional Health Centre/ Centre régional de santé de North Bay

Timmins, ON.

Zack Henderson 

Reflections Manager

 Evergreen, Revera Inc.

Calgary, AB

Grace Lin
Registered Practical Nurse
Exe. Director,
Honor Intellect Academy

Blythe Hsieh
Registered Social Worker
Deputy Director,
Honor Intellect Academy
Taiwan

Dan Han
Occupational Therapist,
Richmond Lions Manor,
Vancouver Coastal Health, BC

Jen Sandhu
Rehabilitation/Leisure Assistant,
Richmond Lions Manor,
Vancouver Coastal Health, BC

Lori MacLeod
Social Worker,
Richmond Lions Manor,
Vancouver Coastal Health, BC

Bev Smith
Rehabilitation/Leisure Assistant,
Richmond Lions Manor,
Vancouver Coastal Health, BC

Jo-Anne Kirk
Manager,
Richmond Lions Manor,
Vancouver Coastal Health, BC

Fereen Ali
Clinical Operations Supervisor,
Richmond Lions Manor,
Vancouver Coastal Health, BC

Jackie Samra
Clinical Operations Supervisor,
Richmond Lions Manor,
Vancouver Coastal Health, BC

Bonnie Daros
BSCN Psychogeriatric
Resource Consultant,
The Royal Ottawa Mental
Health Center

Heather Hawrelluk
Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant,
Therapeutic Recretion Specialist,
North East Region

Laura Goodyear
Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant,
Alzheimer Society Peel

Dawn Robinson
Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant,
Alzheimer Society Peel

Emily Little
OT Reg. (Ont.) Psychogeriatric
Resource Consultant,
Alzheimer Society Peel

Emily Piraino
MSc Psychogeriatric
Resource Consultant,
Algoma, North East Region

Kelly Jagger
Clinical Resource Worker,
Community Support Services
St. Joseph’s Health Center,
Waterloo Wellington

Corrina Cyr
Occupational Therapist
Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant
Geriatric Psychiatry Community
Services of Ottawa

Claudia Coulas
BSO PSW Valley Manor Nursing Home

Laurie Frank
Behaviour Support RPN,
St. Joseph’s Health Centre

Mary Prince
RN Psychogeriatric
Resource Consultant,
Renfrew County

Casey Walsh
BSO Specialist at
Waters Edge Care Community

Kelly Charbonneau
Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant
North East Behavioural Supports Ontario,
North Bay Regional Health Centre

Tabatha Gallant
Therapeutic Dementia Worker
Summerset Manor, Summerside PEI

Judy Wakabayashi

Occupational Therapy

Prince George, BC

Sheri-Lynn Koenig
Revera- Multi Level LTC
& RET Homes in Ontario

Audra Young
Revera- Multi Level LTC
& RET Homes in Ontario

Sharon Dalida
Revera Vancouver Region

Elizabeth Mpakati
Revera Edmonton Region

Kezia Toews
Revera Winnipeg Region

Jill Snyder
Revera Calgary Region

Karen Bauer
Revera Winnipeg Region

Nicole Round
Revera Ontario East Region

Jack Mahoney
Revera Ontario SouthEast Region

Nicole Foster
Revera Ontario SouthEast Region

Tamla Toy-Cripps
Revera Support Office

Lisa Young
Revera Ontario West Region

Wendy Dannenbamm
Revera Ontario West Region

Morgan Watson
Revera Ontario East Region

Amanda Martin
Revera Ontario West Region

Suzy Dunacn
Adult Day Program Manager
Haldimand-Norfolk Community
Senior Support Services

Cindy O’Brien
Recreation Assistant
Hastings Manor, Bancroft, ON

Denise McKormick
Assistant Director of Nursing
Haldimand-Norfolk Community
Hastings Manor, Bancroft, ON

Melody Buehler
Sunnyside Foundation Long Term Care,
Region of Waterloo

Annette Heffernan
Sunnyside Foundation Long Term Care,
Region of Waterloo

Brandon Restoule
Sunnyside Foundation Long Term Care,
Region of Waterloo

Nicole Cressman
Sunnyside Foundation Long Term Care,
Region of Waterloo

Nicole Leeney
Grandview Lodge Staff

Sue Bierecky
Grandview Lodge Staff

Megan Herkiner
Grandview Lodge Staff

Ann Toner
Grandview Lodge Staff

Sheri Stevens
Grandview Lodge Staff

Laura Jansen
Grandview Lodge Staff

Pam Caughell
Grandview Lodge Staff

Nadine Horton
Grandview Lodge Staff

Tracy Garr
Grandview Lodge Staff

Linda Oke
Kitimat, BC

Laura Elliot
DementiAbility- Certified at Billing’s Court Manor

Kathryn Penaligon
Billing’s Court Manor

Stephanie Dietrich
Mount Sinai

Vivien Lam
Mount Sinai

Shona Sen
Mount Sinai

Michelle Leer
Jubilee Lodge

Krista Loukes
Jubilee Lodge

Pam Norgren
Rainbow Adult Day Center

Gloria Kerr
Gateway Residential Care Facility

Louise Parkes
Jubilee Lodge

Suzi Greydanus
Parkside Care Facility

Marnie Bell
Stuart Nechako Manor

Emaculada Chesher

Lindsay Bourassa

Sukhvir Lotey
Villa Forum
Mississauga

Joyleen Ranseviaj

Maggie Szpak

Brenda Misch
Southampton Care Centre
Jarlette Health Services

Cheryl Noel
DementiAbility Lead

The Villa, Midland

Karen Lubianetzky
Avalon Care Center,
Orangeville, Ontario

Sarah Hessels
Life Enrichment

Royal Rose Place, Welland

Cassidy Bezemer
Coordinator of Volunteers

Alexander Place Long Term Care

Emily Dillman
Codirector of Care

Orillia, ON

Crystal Chittenden
Registered Nurse

Stayner Care, Stayner

Amanda Maltais
Life Enrichment

Val Caron, Dowling

Carol von Roenn
Life Enrichment Coordinator

Muskoka Landing Care Centre

Amanda Johnstone
RPN

Meadow Park Chatham

Wendy Dannemann
Staff Development

Forest Heights Long Term Care

Karen Gallagher

Julie Rice

Sarah Patterson

Kim Kitchin

Catherine Jane DeCoito

Jamie-Lee Pearson

Katherine C
Victoria, B.C

Michelle C.
Victoria, B.C.

 

Jean Anne Wightman
Victoria, B.C.

Naomi Dyon
Toronto, ON

Velma Mann
Lion’s Head, ON

Karen D’Alessio

Sandra Dewsberry

Anita Miller

Heidi Smythe

Kimberley Hooper

Sue Cason

Donna Ray

Anne Paradis

Lisa Friesen

Esther Murphy

Ramona Dunn

Jeanette Sears

Melanie Collum

Mary Drumm

Marci Hutchinson
Tilsonburg, ON

Denise Babcock
Odessa, ON

Yui Yi (Koko) Lung
Toronto, ON

Lindsay Varro
Tilsonburg, ON

Bev Little
Dunnville, ON

Judy Southon
Woodstock, ON

Patricia Godfrey
Woodstock, ON

Tammy Day
Bewdley, ON

Jackie Paterson
Omemee, ON

Melissa Holden
Woodstock, ON

Alison Samis

Shannon Nixon

Shannon Buell

Sheri Gilhula
Stratford, ON

Merav Gilboar
Toronto, ON

Susanna Kelusky
Peterborough, ON

Barb Caico
Barrie, ON

Jackie Fesserton
Victoria Harbour, ON

Mary Lloyd Clifford
Oakville, ON

Dale Grootjen
Strathroy, ON

Carrie Lidberg

Cheryl Thul

Cheryl Wingenback

Diane Hartell

Holly Hales

Joyce Nash

Lina Brochu

Jessica Corbier
Barrie, ON

Linda McCann
Dutton, ON

Carol Saba

Rebekah
Grandview Lodge, Dunnville, ON

DementiAbility Certified Organizations

Wyndham Manor
Oakville, ON
Royal Rose Place
Welland, ON
Haldimand-Norfolk Community Senior Support Services (Day Program)
Dunnville, ON
Richmond Lions Manor
Richmond, BC
Dunrovin Park Lodge
Mountain Ash Home Area & Maple House Home Area
Quesnel, BC
Dementia Society of Ottawa Renfrew County
Ottawa, ON
TCEA Taiwan 
Taipei City, Taiwan
Douglas Crossing
Memory Care, Uxbridge, ON
Grandview Lodge
Dunnville, ON
Resthaven
Steinbach, MB
St. Charles Place
Victoria, BC