Overview

Care and Connection on the Dementia Journey is a self-paced, online course designed to support healthcare and community social services professionals, caregivers, and family members in delivering person-centred dementia care. Developed in collaboration with the Alzheimer Society of B.C., the course offers practical tools and strategies to help learners respond with empathy, improve communication, and support individuals living with dementia across all stages of their journey.

Whether you’re on the front lines of care, supporting a loved one, or managing a team, this six-module course offers accessible, flexible learning to build your confidence and capacity—anytime, anywhere.

Why Take Care and Connection on the Dementia Journey Course

• Build Empathy: Understand how dementia affects individuals and how to respond with compassion
• Improve Communication: Learn effective strategies for connecting with those whose language or memory is changing
• Support Behavioural Changes: Gain insight into the reasons behind behavioural expressions and how to respond constructively
• Strengthen Relationships: Work more effectively with families and other care team members
• Empower Leadership: Equip leaders with the tools to foster person-centred practices within care settings

Learning Objectives

• Understand what person-centred care means and why it helps people with dementia  
• Describe how dementia changes communication and behaviour—and how to respond with empathy and understanding 
• Understand how to build trust and work well with families 
• Explain how leaders can support staff and encourage person-centred care 

Target Audience

For healthcare professionals, social service workers, family caregivers, and organizational leaders who support individuals living with dementia.

Course Structure

This six-module course is fully self-directed and accessible online

Module 1: Introduction to Person-Centred Care

• Overview: Explore the foundational principles of person-centred care—a model that respects individual preferences, promotes dignity, and encourages collaboration.
• Objective: Understand the shift from traditional models to person-centred practices, and why this approach is more effective for individuals living with dementia.

Module 2: Introduction to Dementia

• Overview: Gain essential knowledge about dementia, including its symptoms, causes, and progression.
• Objective: Understand the differences between normal aging and dementia, recognize early signs, and learn how early detection can support better outcomes.
• Pre-requisite: Introduction to Person-Centred Care (Module 1)

Module 3: Introduction to Communication

• Overview: Learn how dementia affects a person’s ability to communicate and how to adapt communication strategies to maintain connection.
• Objective: Understand communication challenges such as aphasia and anomia, and explore person-centred techniques to enhance clarity and empathy.
• Pre-requisite: Introduction to Dementia (Module 2)

Module 4: Introduction to Behaviour

• Overview: Examine how behavioural changes can signal unmet needs or brain changes in individuals living with dementia.
• Objective: Learn the four key factors that influence behaviour and how to respond compassionately using person-centred techniques.
• Pre-requisite: Introduction to Communication (Module 3)

Module 5: Working with Families

• Overview: Strengthen your ability to build collaborative, trusting relationships with families of individuals living with dementia.
• Objective: Understand how empathy, boundaries, and mindful communication contribute to family-care team partnerships that center the needs of the person receiving care.
• Pre-requisite: Introduction to Behaviour (Module 4)

Module 6: Resources for Managers and Leaders

• Overview: Provide managers and organizational leaders with tools to champion person-centred dementia care in their teams and workplaces.
• Objective: Explore strategies for supporting frontline staff, promoting inclusive care environments, and embedding person-centred practices at the system level.
• Pre-requisite: Working with Families (Module 5)