The Abilities Care Approach is an evidence-based program designed to meet the occupational needs of clients with dementia living in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Participation in the Abilities Care Approach level II psychosocial fieldwork experience has required additional training and support for students. To date this training and support has occurred during live sessions in the local region where the program was developed. The Abilities Care Approach online training program will be made available to occupational therapy (OT) practitioners and students in the 204 Ensign affiliated SNFs throughout the United States. The training program utilizes evidence-based, effective teaching methods to deliver content through a corporate learning management system. The program includes opportunities for student reflection, interaction with content, self-assessment of learning, and application. The program is designed to provide a strong foundation for OT practitioners and students using the Abilities Care Approach, and includes a review of the releevant evidence. The Abilities Care Approach is supported by recent evidence and provides critically needed OT services within an emerging practice area. Level II Abilities Care Approach fieldwork experiences have been successful and rewarding for students as well as the patients and staff of the skilled nursing facilities. The online training program will create additional opportunities for OT students to participate in the Abilities Care Approach fieldwork experiences.
