See below for our list of available online staff training courses. Click each course to buy it for a caregiver or staff member.
Looking for more staff training options? Check out our training manuals on Community Training Connection!
Please note: These courses are NOT approved for Administrator renewal CEUs. Please click here to learn about our administrator training.
Our Training Program covers all topics required by CA H&S Code 1569.625(a) for new staff to work in a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly.
PLUS! Medications: The SMART Approach
PLUS! Medications: The SMART Approach
PLUS! Medications: The SMART Approach
Activities of Daily Living – The Essentials for Staff – 3 Hours
Activities of daily living (ADLs) are the common, everyday, learned activities that people perform to maintain their health and wellness. A resident in assisted living will probably require some level of assistance with their ADLs. This course provides step-by-step guidelines as well as tips and tricks for helping residents get through their daily care routines.
Autism Spectrum Disorder for Staff – 1 Hour
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder that is diagnosed in early childhood and is thought of as a spectrum disorder and can have a wide range of symptoms and severity. This course provides an outline of autism spectrum disorder, how it may present itself, possible comorbid conditions, risk factors for ASD, and how this disorder affects individuals throughout a person’s life cycle.
Behavior Issues for Staff – 1 Hour
By approaching behavior as communication, we are able to listen to what a resident may be trying to tell us, discover the reasons behind their behavior, and take steps to meet the needs or concerns behind it. This course also teaches the user how to use a Functional Behavior Assessment and a Positive Behavior Approach. These concepts can be applied to address problem behaviors in residential care.
This course explains the basics of bipolar disorder including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. It also discusses how the disorder affects sufferers’ lives and some controversial aspects of the disease.
This two‐hour course provides an overview for facility staff of the most common health issues they are likely to encounter in long-term care, including dehydration, UTIs, constipation, incontinence, dysphagia and aspiration, pneumonia, chronic pain, medication use, and issues of the skin, teeth, eyes, cardiovascular system, and the bones and muscular systems.
In this course you’ll find basic information about some of the most common illnesses found in residential care. The information found here is intended for general knowledge as well as a guide for training staff in the event of a specific infectious diseases.
Good communication can improve the way that you operate through life, smoothing your way in your relationships with others. Effective communication can be particularly challenging in residential care. This course highlights everyday communication skills, cross-cultural communication, and common challenges in communication in residential care.
Cooking Up Compliance for Staff – 1 Hour
In a licensed residential facility, food service is central to daily operations. It involves more than just following rules; it strengthens a resident’s health, dignity, and emotional well-being. When we exceed these standards, we do more than comply with regulations; we provide essential nutrition and a respectful, home-like environment that helps residents feel truly valued. This course will connect you with the importance of state regulations, safety, and person-centered care.
There is evidence that music can spark compelling outcomes even in the very late stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Music can shift mood, manage agitation, stimulate positive social interactions, help cognitive function and motor movements. No wonder then, that the subject of the effects of music on dementia care has become so popular.
Dementia-Related Communication Issues for Staff – 1 Hour
All residents need the chance to express their thoughts and feelings. It is important to remember that because of the dementia, they also need additional time in order to express themselves. Caregivers should speak in simple, direct language. The use of gestures, pictures, verbal cues and written words are also a big help in communicating with residents.
As dementia progresses, the person’s ability to communicate will be increasingly impaired. It is important for caregivers to recognize their residents’ varying abilities to communicate and to find ways to help residents compensate.
Dementia: Basics of Care – 4 hours
In our ongoing effort to provide the most accurate and up-to-date dementia education, we’ve transformed ‘Dementia: Basics of Care’ into a comprehensive course with two integrated modules—‘Strategies for Support and Success’ and ‘This is Your Brain on Music’—offering students richer insights and practical tools to better support individuals living with dementia.
Caring for individuals with dementia requires empathy, patience, and an understanding of their unique needs. This course covers the progression of dementia, person-centered care, effective communication, and practical techniques such as the “Best Friends Approach” and the “Validation Method.” It also explores the growing evidence behind the use of music in dementia care—showing how music can improve mood, reduce agitation, support social interaction and cognitive function, and enhance quality of life, even in later stages. Together, these strategies help create supportive environments, promote independence, and strengthen daily care practices.
Dementia: Behavior as Communication – 3 Hours
Do you ever wonder about the motivations behind ‘problem’ or ‘maladaptive’ behaviors in individuals in your care?
By approaching all behavior as communication, we can listen to what an individual may be trying to tell us, discover the reasons behind their behavior, and take steps to meet their needs or concerns. As dementia progresses, a person’s communication ability will become increasingly impaired. Administrators and caregivers need to recognize that individuals in their care have varying communication abilities and find ways to help them compensate.
This course helps the administrator understand how dementia affects the daily activities of a resident. It provides tips and techniques to assist residents with dementia while allowing them to maintain their dignity.
Dementia: Strategies for Support and Success – 3 Hours
Caring for individuals with dementia requires a deep understanding of their unique needs, along with empathy, patience, and specialized techniques.
This course provides insight into person-centered care, the progression of dementia, effective communication methods, and hands-on strategies such as the “Best Friends Approach” and the “Validation Method.” This course also discusses creating a dementia-friendly environment, promoting independence, managing daily activities, and ensuring resident safety.
Dementia: Understanding the Disease – 2 Hours
This course provides an introduction to the effects that various types of dementia have on the brain and the resulting symptoms. It outlines the basic steps of diagnosis and discusses ongoing research. Dementia is not a single disease; instead, it is a term that describes a significant loss of mental ability due to various underlying disorders. It impacts intellectual capabilities, impairing vocabulary, judgment, reasoning, physical coordination, and math skills, which can disrupt daily life.
The term ‘Developmental disability’ is an umbrella term for any condition that disrupts normal development and function during childhood, with the effects often persisting through adulthood. Delays can be caused a wide variety of conditions affecting the brain. This course covers some of the more common types of developmental disorders, along with care techniques, particular needs that come with aging, and the basic provisions of the Lanterman Act.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that results in too much glucose, a form of sugar, in the bloodstream. DM negatively impacts multiple body systems. There are Type I Diabetes, Type II Diabetes, and a newer reference to pre-diabetes or borderline diabetes.
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of diabetes, its types and causes, clinical criteria for diagnosis, and treatment options, as well as screening and prevention rules to enhance the affected resident’s clinical outcomes and as result, their quality of life.
This four‐hour course will instruct facility staff in how to analyze the emergency needs of the facility and provide guidance for the writing and implementation of a disaster plan. Disasters of all kinds are reviewed, from weather emergencies to terrorist attacks.
This course provides essential knowledge on fire safety and compliance with fire codes, specifically for licensed California residential care facilities. Participants will explore fire prevention strategies, fire code regulations, emergency preparedness, and evacuation procedures. We’ll cover key topics such as fire classifications, required safety equipment, proper documentation, and mobility considerations for residents. Through interactive content and assessments, learners will gain the skills to ensure a fire-safe environment while meeting legal and regulatory requirements.
Hospice is a type of healthcare service that provides comfort and support to individuals who are nearing the end of their lives. The goal of hospice care is to provide relief from pain and other symptoms and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families during this difficult time. Hospice care in a residential facility makes it possible for the individual to spend their final days in the comfort of a home environment, rather than in a hospital.
The residents and staff in long-term care facilities are at higher risk of infection than the average population. Infections spread in healthcare settings account for as many as 380,000 deaths annually. Infections add to healthcare costs, increase hospitalizations, and lead to diminished quality of life for your residents. For these reasons, infection control must be one of the primary goals of care in your facility.
Infection Control Protocols and The Infection Preventionist for Staff – 2 Hours
The residents and staff in long-term care facilities are at higher risk of infection than the average population. Infections acquired in healthcare settings account for as many as 380,000 deaths annually. Infections add to healthcare costs, increase hospitalizations, and reduce your residents’ quality of life. For these reasons, infection control must be one of the primary goals of care in your facility. This course reviews the requirements for infection prevention and the role of the Infection Preventionist.
This one-hour class addresses issues for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals living in licensed residential care facilities, including regulations regarding training and rights, defining key terms, LGBT rights history, common situations for LGBT individuals in residential care, and preparing your facility to welcome LGBT residents.
Managing aggressive behaviors can be a challenging task, but there are several strategies that can be effective in reducing or eliminating aggressive behaviors. These strategies begin with identifying the cause of the behavior and involve teaching coping skills, providing structure and routine, and using professional help if needed.
This online course provides 4 hours of medication training based on the core of knowledge outlined in the new law. This course must be passed with 90% or better. It does not include the Shadowing requirement as set forth in AB 2609.
Exploring the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum for Staff – 3 Hours
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a serious psychological condition that is often misunderstood and underestimated. It is frequently referenced carelessly or humorously, yet it poses significant challenges as a mental illness driven by unwanted and intrusive thoughts that lead to dysfunctional behaviors. This condition can result in the loss of family, friends, or employment, and can also lead to depression and is co-morbid with many other mental health disorders.
Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become thin, brittle, and weak. Fragile bones fracture (break) easily, especially those in the hip, spine, and wrist. Injuries due to osteoporosis are among the most common and dangerous that can happen to an older adult. Given the number of residents affected by osteoporosis, facility administrators and staff should be aware of how best to help those with this disease, and how to help others avoid it.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor function, mental function, mood, and autonomic function. This course is divided into three parts: pathology, symptoms, and care practices. Parkinson’s will eventually become a disabling disease, but this course will help the administrator understand and care and treatment can help the resident slow its progress, maintain their independence for as long as possible, and protect their dignity.
Changes caused by aging can be found in all of the body’s cells, tissues, and organs. Because the systems of the body, all work together, these age-related changes affect one another. Though not everyone ages in the same way, this course will review these changes system by system.
Postural supports are devices and techniques that aid proper body alignment and support for people with disabilities or conditions affecting their mobility. These supports can include seating systems, cushions, braces, and belts.
Proper postural support is crucial for individuals with conditions like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or chronic pain. They can be customized to suit individual needs and improve comfort, prevent discomfort, and promote mobility and independence. Healthcare professionals or therapists may prescribe them.
It is key that residential facilities are equipped and ready to respond to disasters that endanger the lives of residents and staff, and damage property. While not all disasters may be anticipated, studies demonstrate that preparation, knowing how to respond when a disaster strikes, and remaining calm and flexible can save lives and reduce physical damage.
Psychosocial Needs of Elders for Staff – 2 Hours (RCFE Only)
A person’s psychosocial needs are just as important as their physical needs. A resident in a long-term care facility has the same need to feel worthwhile, loved, and secure in their relationships as anyone else. Though for some it may be more difficult, having these needs met can contribute to their overall health and quality of life.
This course discusses the effects of aging on psychosocial well-being, identifies seven dimensions of wellness, and describes practical ways to support the psychosocial needs of residents. Though health and functional capacity decline with age, quality of life does not have to.
This course explains laws and regulations pertaining to mandated reporters. This course discusses who is a mandated reporter, what constitutes abuse and the consequences of not reporting. It also highlights some tips for spotting signs of abuse.
Title 22 describes 22 personal rights that protect the residents of ARFs. Protecting resident’s rights is your responsibility in order to help them remain as independent as possible and maintain their dignity. These rights are in place to protect residents from intentional or unintentional harm or abuse, and to ensure that each person’s needs are heard.
In our work, we are guided by 45 personal rights for residents living in privately owned RCFEs which are the key to providing quality care to residents. Ensuring resident’s rights is a way to provide service that helps people to remain as independent as possible and maintains client dignity.
Restricted and Prohibited Conditions Regulations from the California State Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division restrict the type of care a person may receive in a licensed residential facility. This course outlines specifically which conditions are restricted (allowed under certain circumstances) and which ones are prohibited entirely.
Restricted and Prohibited Conditions Regulations from the California State Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division restrict the type of care a person may receive in a licensed residential facility. This course outlines specifically which conditions are restricted (allowed under certain circumstances) and which ones are prohibited entirely.
Sexual Harassment – Non-Supervisory 1 Hour
This training is designed to provide you with an understanding of sexual harassment and equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent and respond to sexual harassment incidents in the workplace. Understanding the impact of sexual harassment on you and your fellow coworkers and taking measures to create a safe and respectful workplace environment for all is important as a long-term caregiver. This training will provide you with an overview of sexual harassment, including its definition, types, legal aspects, and prevention strategies.
This training satisfies the 1-hour training regulations put forth in SB 1343 for non-supervisory employees.
Sexual Harassment – Supervisory 2 Hours
As a supervisor in a caregiving environment, you play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of both you and your staff. This training is designed to provide you with the necessary knowledge and tools to prevent and address sexual harassment incidents in the workplace. It is important that you understand the impact of sexual harassment on your staff, as well as the legal consequences and liabilities that may arise from such behavior. This training will provide you with a comprehensive overview of sexual harassment, including its definition, types, legal aspects, and prevention strategies. Additionally, we will cover your responsibilities as a supervisor in creating a respectful workplace environment, responding appropriately to sexual harassment complaints, and conducting thorough and fair investigations.
This training satisfies the 2-hour training regulations put forth in SB 1343 for supervisory employees.
Thyroid Disorders The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck that produces hormones to regulate metabolism. A thyroid disorder can negatively affect a person’s quality of life. This course explains what a thyroid disorder is, its impact on health, and how best to help residents with a thyroid disorder.
Explore the origins of HIV and AIDS in this introductory course. Understand the complex relationship between HIV, TB, and AIDS, and the challenges they pose to global health and the health of individuals in residential care. Learn about vital prevention strategies including education, testing, and treatment accessibility. Gain insights into recent medical advancements such as antiretroviral therapy and TB medications, and their impact on disease management.
As individuals age, it’s important to focus on maintaining the health of their urinary system. By prioritizing wellness, many people can more effectively navigate potential urinary issues with their bladder, kidneys, or urinary tract, ensuring a healthier and more active lifestyle. Encouraging regular health check-ups and promoting hydration can significantly support urinary health for those in your care.