P6: Strengthening Dementia Care: Advancing Through ADI Accreditation for Excellence and Acknowledgment

Abstract

Background: The ADI Accreditation Programme, launched in December 2020, aims to support all Alzheimer and dementia associations and other organizations, in improving care for people living with dementia. By providing a standards-based approach to knowledge and skills, ADI establishes benchmarks that program providers must adhere to. Successful completion of an evaluation allows carers, trainers, and program providers to earn ADI Accreditation, indicating that they have reached the required global standard for their training and learning activities, including culturally appropriate context to improve care quality. ADI Accreditation is open to ADI members, as well as other organizations including universities and training colleges.

Activities: Our Global Review Panel (GRP) Members consists of multi-discipline, cultural and regional experts in the global dementia field. Successful completion of an evaluation process: initial application, evaluation report, virtual/in-person or hybrid visit from our Global Review Panel Members, the program or providers can earn ADI Accreditation. The first provider to be accredited was Kiang Wu Nursing College (KWNC) of Macau on January 25, 2021. The pilot project involved Discussions on external and internal governance, trainers and program committees, students, graduates, and other stakeholders. A 3-day virtual visit to KWNC in September, including evaluation, involved carers, trainers, students, and collaboration with other organizations and people living with dementia, followed by a final review by the Global Review Panel in October andNovember.

Silverado Memory Care Communities became the first program to be accredited for their Dementia Care Program on December 22, 2022. In-person visits took place on August 16-17, 2022, involving trainers, stakeholders, family members, caregivers, associates, and staff. University of Bradford in the UK became the first university in UK/Europe to be accredited their Centre for Dementia Applied Science on December 22, 2022. In-person visits took place on June 20-21 June 2023, involving trainers, stakeholders, family members, caregivers, associates, and staff.

Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre at the University of Tasmania received their accreditation after virtual visit on 29-30 August 2023. involving trainers, stakeholders, associates, andstaff.

As of 2024 Dementia Australia Is currently undergoing the accreditation process along with some new potential opportunities.

Results: In 2 years, Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, Silverado Memory Care, University of Bradford and University of Tasmania received ADI Accreditation. Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau received 5 times more applicant.

Throughout the program, there has been an increase in awareness and understanding of the importance of high- quality culturally contextualized carer training achieved through accreditation.