Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council; create and maintain an at-risk adult training course focusing on officer response to individuals with Alzheimer's disease or dementia

New dementia response training for Georgia responders

The Georgia Public Safety Training Center must create and maintain a course on responding to at-risk adults, including people with dementia. It is available to all peace officers, emergency medical personnel, and behavioral health co-responders. Training covers investigations of benefits trafficking and related crimes, plus abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older adults and disabled adults. It also covers missing-person responses and ways to support victims that account for trauma and put their needs first. Dementia lessons cover interacting with people, recognizing behavioral signs, effective communication, and alternatives to physical restraints. They also cover contacting caregivers when someone with dementia is found wandering or during an emergency. The Center develops the course with the Forensic Special Initiatives Unit of the state human services department’s Division of Aging Services. The Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council approves the course hours and curriculum.