Understand the Types and Signs of Dementia

Learn to recognize early symptoms, behavioural changes, and how different types of dementia affect individuals.

Build Confidence in Home Care Support

Gain practical skills for safe, respectful, and person-centred dementia care in home and community environments.

Earn a Recognized Microcredential

Show your commitment to quality care with a professional microcredential in dementia support.

About the course

Supporting someone with dementia can feel overwhelming; especially when you're unsure what to expect or how to respond to changes in behaviour, memory, or communication. Whether you're new to caregiving or looking to strengthen your skills, it’s easy to feel underprepared and alone in the work. Dementia Care Foundations is a practical microcredential designed for nurses, PSWs, healthcare students, and internationally trained professionals providing care in home and community settings. This course breaks down complex topics into clear, supportive lessons that help you feel more confident, capable, and compassionate in your role. You’ll learn: The most common types of dementia and how they progress Early signs and behavioural changes to look for How to adapt your care approach with safety, dignity, and respect in mind Strategies for person-centred communication, sensory-based activation, and truly connecting with those you support This course was created by a nurse and educator who understands the realities of dementia care in home environments. It’s grounded in empathy, real-world experience, and practical tools that help you engage meaningfully with each individual. You don’t need to have all the answers; you just need the right foundation. Enroll now to begin your dementia care microcredential and feel more prepared, supported, and ready to make a difference.

Joanne De Rubeis RN BScN

Hi, I’m Joanne De Rubeis, a registered nurse, educator, and longtime advocate for compassionate, person-centred care. With over 38 years of experience in home care, long-term care, and healthcare education, I’ve trained and mentored hundreds of PSWs, nurses, and caregivers across Canada. My expertise comes not only from clinical practice, but from walking alongside individuals and families as they navigate the challenges of dementia care. I understand the uncertainty and emotional weight that can come with supporting someone living with dementia, especially when working independently in a home setting. That’s why I created this course—to help caregivers feel more prepared, supported, and confident in the care they provide. My goal as an educator is to make learning practical, empowering, and grounded in respect and dignity. I’m proud to share this microcredential with you and to support the meaningful work you do every day.

Curriculum

7 Chapters · 61 Lessons

  1. 1

    Module 1: Understanding Dementia and Early Cognitive Changes

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1.0 – Welcome to Dementia Care Foundations

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1.1 – Understanding Dementia: Key Concepts and Early Indicators

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1.2 Dementia Progression: Stages, Conditions That Resemble Dementia, and What to Expect

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1.3 – Types of Dementia and Their Differences

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1.4 – Caregiving Approaches for Different Types of Dementia

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Understanding Dementia and Early Cognitive Changes

  2. 2

    Module 2: Foundations of Person-Centred Dementia Care

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2.1 – What is Person-Centred Dementia Care?

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2.2 Legal and Ethical Foundations in Dementia Care

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2.3: The Whole Person Approach in Dementia Care

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2.4: Cultural Competence and Inclusivity in Dementia Care

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2.5 – Supporting Autonomy and Dignity in Dementia Care

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz Module 2: Foundations of Person-Centred Dementia Care

  3. 3

    Module 3: Communicating with Compassion and Confidence

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3.1: Understanding Communication Changes in Dementia

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3.2 Foundations of Compassionate Communication

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3.3: Everyday Communication Strategies That Work

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3.4: Non-Verbal Communication and Connection

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3.5: Responding to Difficult Interactions with Confidence

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3.6: Supporting Communication with Diverse Populations in Dementia Care

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3.7: Partnering with Families for Better Communication

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz Module 3: Communicating with Compassion and Confidence

  4. 4

    Module 4: Observation and Awareness in Dementia Care

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4.1: The Caregiver's Role as an Observer

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4.2: Whole-Person Observation – Systems-Based Monitoring and Professional Reporting

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4.3: Recognizing and Reporting Changes – What Every Caregiver Should Know

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4.4 – Noticing What Others Miss: Behaviour, Mood, and Non-Verbal Cues

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4.5 – Recognizing Physical Health Changes: More Than Just a “Bad Day”

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4.6 – Interpreting Behaviour Changes in Dementia

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4.7 – Recognizing Pain, Discomfort, and Distress in Nonverbal Clients

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4.8– Sensory Observation: Using Sight, Sound, Smell, and Touch to Detect Concerns

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4.9– Documenting What You See: Clear Notes that Help the Team

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz Module 4: Observation and Awareness in Dementia Care

  5. 5

    Module 5-Daily Living and Personal Care in Dementia Support

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 5.1- Following and Adapting the Care Plan

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 5.2-Starting Right – Physical and Emotional Comfort Checks

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 5.3-Safety and Risk Management in Dementia Care

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 5.4- Mobility and Safety – Moving with Confidence and Care

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 5.5-Hygiene and Grooming – The Essentials of Daily Care

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 5.6-Bathing and Incontinence Care – Calm and Safe Approaches

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 5.7-Dressing with Dignity – Encouraging Choice and Self-Expression

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 5.8 – Nutrition, Hydration, and Mealtime Support in Dementia Care

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 5.2: Household Management – Clean, Safe, and Dignified Spaces

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Module 5 Daily Living and Personal Care in Dementia Support

  6. 6

    Module 6: Creating a Joyful, Supportive Home – Activation, Environment, and Everyday Living

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 6.1: A Joyful Visit – Purpose, Connection, and Small Rituals

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 6.2– Purpose and Joy: How Meaningful Engagement Improves Well-Being

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 6.3: Supporting Routines and Personal Belongings

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 6.4: Activation, Engagement, and the Caregiver Activity Bag

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 6.5 – Music and Movement for Dementia Well-Being

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 6.6 – Sensory Stimulation, Nature, and Activation Kits

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 6.7 – Therapeutic Art, Faith, and Reflection Activities

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 6.8 – Pet-Inspired Comfort and Animal Therapy

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 6.9 – Nature and Fresh Air: The Often-Overlooked Therapy in Dementia Care

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 6.10 – Reminiscence Therapy: Story, Identity, and Connection

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz Module 6: Creating a Joyful, Supportive Home – Activation, Environment, and Everyday Living:

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      🎁 Bonus Resource: The Joyful Care Visit Activity Bag : A Simple Way to Bring Comfort, Connection, and Calm

  7. 7

    Module 7: Understanding and Responding to Challenging Behaviours in Dementia

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 7.1 – Why Behaviour Is Communication: Reframing Responsive Behaviours

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 7.2 – Common Responsive Behaviours and What They Might Mean

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 7.3 – Preventing Escalation: Environment, Routine, and Triggers

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 7.4 – Calming Strategies and Safe Responses for Caregivers

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 7.5 – What to Do When Behaviour Happens: Real-Life Responses in Dementia Care

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 7.6 – Familiarity, Labels, and Supportive Environments: Small Changes That Make a Big Difference

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      🌟 Final Lesson – You Make the Difference: Continuing the Care Journey

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Module 7 Understanding and Responding to Challenging Behaviours in Dementia

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Post-Lesson Survey – Reflection and Application

Start Your Dementia Care Certification

A practical 7-module course for PSWs, nurses, and caregivers dedicated to delivering safe, skilled, and compassionate dementia care through person-centred communication and best practices.

$49.00

Enroll now