This self-paced online course provides caregivers with a comprehensive foundation for understanding dementia and delivering dementia-capable care. Covering the same material as the live 8-hour class, learners progress through interactive lessons at their own pace while building practical, real-world skills. The course explores what dementia is and what it is not, common types and symptoms, how dementia affects the brain and behavior, and how to respond to hallucinations, delusions, and challenging behaviors. Caregivers will also learn effective communication strategies, trauma-informed approaches, support for activities of daily living, working with families, and creating safe, supportive environments. Designed for flexibility without sacrificing depth, this course prepares caregivers to provide compassionate, person-centered care that protects dignity, safety, and quality of life.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define dementia and distinguish it from similar conditions (depression, delirium, UTIs, MCI, medication effects).

2. Identify common signs, symptoms, and types of dementia.

3. Describe how dementia affects different parts of the brain and influences behavior and function.

4. Recognize common hallucinations and delusions and identify physical, emotional, or environmental causes.

5. Additional skills and strategies to support quality caregiving.