Direct care providers – certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses – are the backbone of senior care. They assist with the daily needs of patients – from bathing and eating to exercise and medication management. They see patients regularly, develop bonds, and are often the first to notice new symptoms or behaviors. Yet they receive little training in geriatrics and dementia care.

A new course, developed by Charles Edwards, MD and Shelly Sedory, MEd, RN in partnership with Southminster trains these professionals to recognize the importance of understanding each patient’s story to develop trust, effectively manage and anticipate changes with memory loss, and support family caregivers throughout the journey. It also acknowledges the emotional and physical toll of direct care, and emphasizes the need for professional caregivers to care for themselves. Step into the Story: Understanding the Lives of Seniors in Your Care, launched in February, 2025.

The inaugural session began with gratitude. “This partnership honors what we’ve learned from operating a clinic here. Being onsite has allowed us to better understand the unique experience of living and working in a continuing care retirement community. Working together has enriched every aspect of this class.”

The course is organized into three sections: Medical, Psychosocial and Human Spirit. Students learn the nuts and bolts about brain health and memory loss, discuss the wisdom, challenges and opportunities that come with aging, and strategies to use what they know about the life of the resident to better assess their behavior and care for them. The course is sprinkled throughout with videos, some of which feature Southminster residents and team members.

The approach resonates. “This is different from the way I learned in school,” one CNA shared. “We’re learning the importance of stories – through stories! For example, if you know a patient is an artist, you can use art as a distraction in a challenging situation. This course sees and respects our role. It brings tears to my eyes.”

Shelly Sedory, MEd and RN is the primary instructor. “Direct care staff provide so much more than physical care. They are uniquely situated to develop relationships that provide early insights into changes the health care team needs to know about, they offer education and support to the patient and family members as dementia progresses, and they have endless opportunities to honor the lives of those in their care.  These professionals are the embodiment of our philosophy of calm, clean, safe and loved.”

Lisa McLellan, VP of Human Resources at Southminster, reflects “Every role in a senior community engages with residents. We are a team and it’s critical to respect and respond to the observations of every team member. In a field where there is so much turnover, this approach shows our direct care professionals they’re valued.”