Dementia Foundations Program
Expand your knowledge of dementia. Learn at your own pace, 100% online.
Designed for non-regulated care providers such as personal support workers, healthcare aids, care companions, and others working in home, community, or long-term care settings.
Developed by experts in geriatrics, mental health, and online learning at McMaster University.
What People Are Saying:
'The ability of this program to distill vast subject matter down to a manageable amount is quite impressive. This is one of the most informative, engaging, and helpful programs I have taken to date.'
'This course was very well organized and provided excellent information. Great job on the design and interactiveness of this program. It kept me engaged and wanting to learn more.'
'I have 11 years of hands-on experience as a personal support worker and have completed various other programs. I believe this to be one of the best programs I have taken. There was an abundance of information on a multitude of subjects that directly relate to my field.'
This 4-hour self-paced online program is made up of four courses and has been shown to significantly increase dementia knowledge.
- Course 1: Foundations of Dementia
- 5 modules
- 85 minutes
- Understand what cognition is and how it is impacted by dementia; the differences between normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia; the various types of dementia; the stages of dementia; and types of treatments.
- Course 2: Responsive Behaviours and Mental Health
- 2 modules
- 65 minutes
- Understand how psychiatric issues may affect people with dementia; recognize apathy, anxiety, and depression; identify behavioural expressions of distress; and develop strategies to help manage responsive behaviours.
- Course 3: Home Supports and Safety
- 2 modules
- 45 minutes
- Learn about the safety risks of dementia; strategies to reduce harm; and the types of services available in the home and the community to support people living with dementia.
- Course 4: Promoting Brain Health and Caregiver Wellness
- 2 modules
- 45 minutes
- Understand the importance of brain health; how to make positive brain health choices; why caregiver wellness is so essential, and what can be done to support it.
All four courses in the Dementia Foundations Program must be completed to qualify as an elective.
