Education and Training Resources for Caregivers and Care Partners

"There are only four kinds of people in this world. Those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers."

— Rosalyn Carter

Family members and friends who help older adults may not consider themselves caregivers.

You should consider yourself to be a caregiver if you provide regular assistance with:

• Household chores
• Errands
• Personal care
• Transportation
• Finances

For caregivers, particularly those providing personal care to older adults on a daily basis, education and training in aging issues is invaluable.

Our programs provide caregivers with the knowledge and insight needed to:

• Reduce stress
• Communicate more effectively with family and healthcare providers
• Deal with difficult feelings
• Make tough decisions
• Solve problems

Our educational classes and presentations also offer opportunities to network with other caregivers who can share resources and provide support. 

DementiaConnect™

DementiaConnect™ is an education program designed for family members, friends, and other informal care partners of individuals living with dementia. Sessions focus on understanding brain changes, improving communication, preventing challenges, and supporting both the person living with dementia and those who care for them.

Foundational Series

The Foundational Series (Sessions 1–6) is a progressive program. Each session builds on the one before it, helping care partners develop a strong, connected understanding of dementia. Participants gain a broad foundation in brain changes, communication, behaviors, and practical caregiving strategies.

Session 1: Normal Aging vs. Dementia

• Learn the difference between typical age related changes and changes caused by dementia. We’ll review common types of dementia and what care partners may notice over time.

Session 2: What’s Happening in the Brain

• Explore how dementia affects the brain and why daily tasks, communication, and reactions change. This session helps care partners connect brain changes to what they see day to day.

Session 3: How a Person Living with Dementia Takes in Information

• Learn how dementia changes the way a person sees, hears, and processes information. Care partners will explore simple ways to reduce confusion and support understanding.

Session 4: Connecting Through Strengths and Abilities

• Discover practical communication and care strategies that focus on what a person with dementia can still do. This session emphasizes non-verbal communication, retained abilities, and adapting your approach over time.

Session 5: Understanding and Responding to Behaviors

• Behaviors are often a form of communication. Learn how to identify unmet needs, reduce triggers, and respond using a team-based, person-centered approach.

Session 6: Caring for Yourself as a Care Partner

• Caring for someone with dementia affects the whole support system. This session focuses on resilience, communication, boundaries, and building sustainable support for yourself.

Focused Topics

Focused Topic sessions address specific areas of interest, such as elder abuse, advance care planning, home safety, and community resources. These sessions may be attended individually and independently, regardless of whether someone has completed the foundational series.

• While attendees are encouraged to take the full series, the foundational sessions are not required to attend other offerings.

Elder Abuse and Neglect

• People living with dementia are at higher risk for abuse, neglect, and self neglect. Learn how to recognize warning signs and understand when and how to seek help.

Home and Technology Safety

• Explore ways to create a safer home environment that supports independence and dignity. We’ll also discuss technology, how it can help, and what risks care partners should watch for.

Advance Directives 

• Advance directives help ensure a person’s wishes are respected. This session explains what they are, why early conversations matter, and how preferences can be revisited over time.

Navigating Community Resources

• Learn how community resources can strengthen support and help maintain independence. This session focuses on where to start and how to avoid common barriers.

FAQs