The Ã山ǿ¼é Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) has established a nursing home consortium, AIM (Advance, Improve, Move), designed to support nursing home leaders with education and innovative opportunities to grow age- and dementia-friendly care.
How to Join
Become an AIM Nursing Home Consortium member by attending one of our quarterly educational meetings or opting in to one or more of our initiatives.
Educational meeting times and topics are listed below. You can , which provides information about how to join each meeting. Or you can email the Ã山ǿ¼é GWEP Grant Coordinator to express interest in attending: gamoney@usi.edu.
You can opt-in to one or more of our initiatives by completing the . Select all the initiatives you would like to participate in, and you will receive follow-up emails with instructions for next steps.
Review all the available opt-in initiatives on this webpage by scrolling down and browsing the categories.
Quarterly Meetings
Quarterly meetings featuring national and regional experts will be hosted on Zoom.
January 28, 2026, 1 - 2:30 p.m. CT
Topic: Mobility - Evidence-based Fall Prevention Programs: What are they? Why are they important?
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April 29, 2026, 1 - 2:30 p.m. CT
Topic: Oral Health and Dementia
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July 22, 2026, 1 - 2:30 p.m. CT
Topic: TBD
October 21, 2026, 1 - 2:30 p.m. CT
Topic TBD
The AIM Nursing Home Consortium is made possible through the Ã山ǿ¼é GWEP. Continuing education credits are provided by the Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning - funded by the Bronstein Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness.
Through AIM, nursing home leaders will have the opportunity to opt-in to one or more initiatives. These initiatives have limitations based on GWEP capacity, geographical limitations, and funding. Help us plan for our AIM activities for this year by telling us early about your interest. See details on each opportunity below.
Nursing homes participating in the AIM consortium will have the option to become a clinical site location for the Ã山ǿ¼é Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and/or Administrator-in-Training programs.
BSN: Host Bachelor of Science in Nursing students for clinical rotations to provide hands-on experience in geriatric care. More about Ã山ǿ¼é Nursing here. Learn about requirements and limitations here.
OT: Host Occupational Therapy students to support their clinical training in age- and dementia-friendly practices. More about the Ã山ǿ¼é OTD program here.ÌýLearn about requirements and limitations here.
OTA: Host Occupational Therapy Assistant students for practical training in enhancing mobility and daily living skills for older adults. More about the Ã山ǿ¼é OTA program here.ÌýLearn about requirements and limitations here.
AIT: Host Administrator-in-Training students to develop leadership skills in managing age- and dementia-friendly nursing home environments. More about the Ã山ǿ¼é AIT program from their website by clicking undergraduateor graduate.ÌýLearn more about requirements and limitations here.
If you would like to participate in one of our opt-in initiatives, please complete the .
Some opt-in initiatives will have participation limitations based on funding and capacity.
Administrator-in-Training working in nursing home kitchen
Nursing homes participating in the AIM consortium will have the option to participate in the following evidence-based programs:
Age- and Dementia-Friendly Information Session: Ã山ǿ¼é will provide nursing homes with essential knowledge on creating supportive environments for older adults, including those living with dementia, from a subject matter expert (SME) on your topic of choice based on our developed curriculum. See currently developed curricula below. We look forward to announcing additional curricula that are ready at future AIM meetings.
Mobility -ÌýThe Importance of Mobility in the Geriatric Population​: Enhancing Quality of Life and Independence
Alzheimer’s Association Project ECHO® Educational Series: The Alzheimer's Association is hosting several Project ECHO educational series. These are team-based sessions hosted over Zoom. There are various topics to choose from. They are actively recruiting for the series below.
Alzheimer's and Dementia Care ECHO Program for Professional Care Providers in Nursing Homes
Topics:ÌýOverview of Alzheimer's and Dementia, Person-Centered Care, Activities of Daily Living, Assessment and Care Planning, Transitions of Care, Dementia-Related Behaviors, Quality Improvement and Evaluation
When:ÌýTuesdays beginning April 28, 2026 until June 16, 2026 from 2:00 -3:00 pm CT (3:00 - 4:00 pm ET) via Zoom
Number of Sessions: 8 sessions over 8 weeks
Who can be involved:ÌýÌýThis program is open to professional care providerÌýteamsÌýfor people living with Alzheimer's and other dementia in Nursing Homes.ÌýIdeal participants include Nursing Home Administrators,ÌýLicensed Vocational Nurses, Social Workers, Activity Coordinators, and Resident Care Coordinators.Ìý
Attachments:ÌýProfessional Care Provider FAQ,ÌýProfessional Care Provider Flyer NH Spring 2026, Registration Form NH Fall 2025, Series Agenda Professional Care Providers NH Spring 2026
b. Alzheimer's and Dementia Care ECHO Program for Primary Care
Topics:ÌýECHO Introduction and Disease Causing Dementia, Signs and Symptoms of Cognitive Impairment and Cognitive Assessment Tools, Evaluation and Diagnosis in the Primary Care Office, Routine Care Planning, Person-Centered Communication, Care Management: Addressing Role and Needs of Caregivers, Referral and Specialty Testing, Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), Care Management: Cognition and Comorbidities, Developing Treatments and the Clinician's Role, Advance Care Planning, Coordination of Care and Transitions of Care
When:ÌýThursdays beginning April 16, 2026 until September 17, 2026 from 12:00-1:00 PM CT (1:00-2:00 PM ET) via Zoom
Number of Sessions:Ìý12 sessions over 6 months
Who can be involved:ÌýThis opportunity is specifically catered to careÌýteamsÌýin primary care, family medicine, and internal medicine. Geriatric and other specialty clinics are welcome on a case-by-case basis.
Attachments:ÌýPCP Clinicians Flyer, Health Systems and Medical Professionals FAQ, Project ECHO Primary Care Schedule
Alzheimer’s Association essentiALZ® Staff Training and Certification: Certify staff in essential Alzheimer’s care techniques to enhance their caregiving skills. Learn more about essentiALZ® staff training and certification .
A Matter of Balance Coach Training: A Matter of Balance (MOB) is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. The upcoming MOB coach training will take place February 24, 2026, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Eastern Time at Generations Area 13 Agency on Aging and Disability in room 320. More trainings can be scheduled if interest is expressed. Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. Become a certified A Matter of Balance coach so you can help older adults learn practical strategies to manage falls and reduce the fear of falling.
Generations Area 13 Agency on Aging & Disability - Room 320
1019 N 4th St, Vincennes, IN 47591
February 24, 2026, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET
RSVP to Alma Kramer at 812-888-4527 or akramer@vinu.edu
Dementia Live® Simulation: Certified Ã山ǿ¼é Dementia Live® coaches deliver immersive dementia training experiences on-site or at Ã山ǿ¼é that enhance empathy and understanding. More information about Dementia Live® .ÌýNote: Dementia Live simulation location must be within 30 minutes of Ã山ǿ¼é.
Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care® Trainer in-service: Ã山ǿ¼é has staff that are Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) Certified Trainers. They can come on-site and provide a PAC training session for staff to know how to better care for older adults, especially those living with dementia. More information about PAC .
Administrator-in-Training Preceptor Training: Online training with 8 hours of CEs scheduled for January 21, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern Time. In as little as 8-hours, you could complete an Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) board-approved preceptor educational program. If you are a Health Facility Administrator, this state approved course fulfills your required educational hours for preceptor eligibility. You receive 8 CEUs for attending. The training is very interactive even though it is virtual. It's not just a lecture!
If you would like to participate in one of our opt-in initiatives, please complete the .
Some opt-in initiatives will have participation limitations based on funding and capacity.
Student pouring water with arthritis simulator on hand
Nursing homes participating in the AIM consortium will have the option to host the following evidence-based programs:
1. A Matter of Balance Class: Offer classes to residents focused on improving balance and preventing falls. More information about A Matter of Balance here. You can host A Matter of Balance classes at your facility led by a certified coach by completing the opt-in initiative survey.
Please note: Interested nursing homes must be located in one of 12 Indiana Counties and 3 Kentucky counties for this opt-in. The Indiana counties include Greene, Knox, Daviess, Martin, Pike, Dubois, Gibson, Posey, Perry, Spencer, Warrick and Vanderburgh. The Kentucky counties include Union, Henderson and Webster.
2. Circle of Friends® Class: Generations, the Area 13 Agency on Aging and Disability is offering trained Circle of Friends Facilitators to run two Circle of Friends classes for nursing homes. If you are interested in being one of these partner sites, please indicate that by completing the opt-in initiative survey and selecting "Circle of Friends Class (Program to Reduce Loneliness)." Circle of Friends helps facilitate social engagement classes to help residents build meaningful connections and reduce loneliness. More information about Circle of Friends® . Certified Circle of Friends® facilitators will lead the 12-week classes at your facility for residents.
Please note: Interested nursing homes must be located within the service areas of Daviess, Dubois, Knox, Martin, Pike, Vanderburgh, Warrick, Spencer, Gibson, Perry and Posey counties.
3. Coming soon!
Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Homes: Implement AI technologies to enhance resident care and operational efficiency. If nursing home staff are unavailable to undergo facilitator training but want a Circle of Friends program for their residents, efforts will be made to arrange a class with our currently certified coaches if requested as such. However, there are geographic and capacity limitations.
Please note: We are currently in the pilot phase of this program. At this time, it is not yet available as an opt-in initiative.
4. Demenita Friends Sessions: Host aÌýcertifiedÌýDementia Friends Champion to lead an informational discussion on what dementia is, what it's like to live with the disease, and some tips for communicating with those who have it. Invitees could be residents, family members, staff, or community members. Attendees are then asked to turn their new understanding of dementia into practical action that can help someone in their community. TheÌýDementia Friends ChampionsÌýwill provide the materials needed, but they need an idea of howÌýmany attendees there will be. Ã山ǿ¼é will put the facilities in direct contact with theÌýDementia Friends Champions, and they can work from there on scheduling.
Please note: Dementia Friends ChampionsÌýcan travel to anyÌýfacility within their service areas of Daviess, Dubois, Knox, Martin, Pike, Vanderburgh, Warrick, Spencer, Gibson, Perry and Posey counties.
5. µþ¾±²Ô²µ´Ç°ä¾±³ú±ð®: Generations, the Area 13 Agency on Aging and Disability is offering trained BingoCize facilitators to run BingoCize classes for nursing homes. BingoCize is a health promotion program that combines the game of bingo with inclusive exercises for everyone! Older adults can play bingo and meet new people while learning about how to reduce your risk of experiencing a fall. Learn more about this evidence-based program .
Please note: Interested nursing homes must be in Generations' service area of Daviess, Dubois, Knox, Martin and Pike counties.
If you would like to participate in one of our opt-in initiatives, please complete the .
Some opt-in initiatives will have participation limitations based on funding and capacity.
3 student volunteers playing bingo with a smiling older adult
Coming soon!
Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Level 1 or Level 2 Age-Friendly Health System Recognition: Ã山ǿ¼é will support nursing homes in achieving recognition for implementing age-friendly health system practices. More information about IHI Age-Friendly recognition .
Listed below are some excellent resources provided by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement:
If you would like to participate in one of our opt-in initiatives, please complete the .
Some opt-in initiatives will have participation limitations based on funding and capacity.
Administrator-in-Training laughing with an older adult in a nursing home
Coming soon!
CNA Pre-Apprenticeship Program:ÌýProvide foundational training for individuals preparing to enter the Certified Nursing Assistant workforce.
CNA Apprenticeship Program:ÌýOffer structured apprenticeship opportunities for CNAs to gain practical experience and advance their careers.
Some opt-in initiatives will have participation limitations based on funding and capacity.
Ã山ǿ¼é’s Clinical Simulation Center has realistic mannequin patient to help students gain hands-on experience.
Past Opt-In Engagement
2024-2025 Clinical Sites
In academic year 2024-2025, the Ã山ǿ¼é GWEP was able to collaborate with various departments in the Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions and partner nursing homes to place clinical students in long-term care settings. Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Occupational Therapy Assistant students were placed in six, three, and two different nursing homes, respectively.
Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Homes
In collaboration with the Ã山ǿ¼é Engineering department, the Ã山ǿ¼é GWEP piloted various artificial intelligence trainings with staff at Bethel Manor and Ã山ǿ¼é HP 490 students.
PAC Trainer Certification
In May 2025, 25 participants became one of Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) Certified Independent Trainers. With over 15 hours of pre-work, 15 hours of in-person training hosted at Ã山ǿ¼é, 4 hours of post-work mentor calls, and a 2-hour practice workshop, these trainees left dementia care experts!
In May 2025, three nursing home partners received an in-service about Alzheimer’s Association resources for staff, family, and residents from a national Alzheimer's Association representatives.
Dementia Live®
In June 2025, three nursing home partners were provided Dementia Live® dementia simulation supplies and coach certifications for their facility. AGEucate's Dementia Live® simulation aims to provide participants with an immersive, firsthand experience of the sensory and cognitive challenges faced by individuals living with dementia, fostering empathy and improving person-centered care. Additionally, in October and November 2025, Dementia Live® coaches led dementia simulations for 6 health professions classes.
In June 2025, over 50 AIM Nursing Home Consortium partner sites received Alzheimer's Association flyers, brochures, and cards covering many diverse topics that residents and their families may want information about. These were either hand-delivered by a national Alzheimer's Association representative or mailed to their front door.
essentiALZ® Dementia Care Training and Certification
In June 2025, a partner facility, Oasis Dementia Care, had their social services designee complete the Alzheimer's Association essentiALZ® dementia care training and certification.
Circle of Friends® Facilitator Training
In August 2025, 16 participants became certified Circle of Friends® facilitators by attending the training at the 18th Annual Mid-America Insitute on Aging (MAIA) Pre-Conference. This evidence-based program is beneficial for reducing loneliness and social isolation in older adults.
So far, in academic year 2025-2026, undergraduate students in the Ã山ǿ¼é Administrator-In-Training (AIT) residency program have been placed in two different nursing homes. Additionally, nursing students have three different nursing homes to complete their clinicals. OTA has been offered 3 different nursing homes to complete their clinicals. Even more sites will be added for various health professions soon!
In October 2025, the GWEP team led geriatric simulations for future health professionals in both GERO 215 and Ã山ǿ¼é 101 classes. These kits emulated arthritis, hemiplegia, cataracts, polypharmacy, medication management, age-related hearing impairment, and various geriatric eye disorders.
In October 2025, a certified Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care® Trainer provided an in-service to both GERO 215 students and the STELLAR club - a club for Ã山ǿ¼é students interested in helping older adults. The training allows trainees to gain a deep, person-centered understanding of dementia and how it affects brain function and behavior. This knowledge equips caregivers, professionals, and family members to provide more empathetic, effective, and individualized support.