Calendar

This Dementia Specialty Level 1 course is designed to meet the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) training requirements for long-term care workers who support individuals living with dementia. Delivered in person by an experienced instructor, the training provides participants with foundational knowledge, communication tools, and practical caregiving strategies specific to dementia care. 

Participants will gain essential skills to deliver person-centered care, foster safety and dignity, and support residents in a way that is responsive, respectful, and effective. Whether you’re new to caregiving or looking to deepen your understanding, this course prepares you to work more confidently and compassionately with individuals affected by dementia. 

This course is also a critical step for those who want to become a DSHS-approved Specialty Training instructor within their own organization in the future. Completion of this class — including a required test at the end of the course — partially fulfills DSHS’s eligibility requirements for trainer qualification. 

Key Topics Covered in This 8-Hour Course: 

🧠 Understanding Dementia 
Learn what dementia is, including its causes, stages, and the different types (such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia). You’ll explore how dementia affects the brain, thinking, memory, behavior, and daily functioning — laying a foundation for empathy and effective support. 

💬 Effective Communication Skills 
Discover how dementia alters communication and perception. Gain techniques for connecting with individuals whose verbal abilities are changing — including using non-verbal cues, tone, and active listening to build trust and reduce frustration. 

🪞 Person-Centered Care Approaches 
Understand the principles of person-centered care and how to apply them in daily interactions. Learn how honoring individual preferences, routines, and life stories can reduce distress and increase cooperation and comfort for those with dementia. 

⚠️ Behavior as Communication 
Challenging behaviors are often a way for people with dementia to express unmet needs. You’ll learn how to interpret and respond to behaviors like wandering, agitation, or resistance to care with calm, proactive strategies that support resident well-being. 

🛡️ Safety, Dignity, and Respect 
Explore your role in maintaining a safe, supportive environment. Understand how to promote dignity and respect in care routines, protect residents from harm or exploitation, and advocate for ethical, inclusive caregiving. 

🤝 Supporting Family and Care Teams 
Caregiving is a team effort. This training emphasizes how to support family involvement, collaborate with other care team members, and contribute to a positive, informed, and compassionate care culture. 

📝 Course Assessment & Certificate 
Participants are required to complete a brief test at the end of the training to demonstrate understanding of the course material. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a DSHS-approved certificate, which is valid for employment and required for those pursuing instructor certification. 

Course Assessment and Certification 

To meet DSHS standards, participants are required to complete a multiple-choice test at the end of the training. This assessment confirms that core competencies have been learned and understood. 

• A passing score of 80% is required in order to receive your DSHS-approved certificate of completion. 
• The test is administered in person, immediately following the training.  
• Your certificate is a recognized credential for employment in dementia care settings and also serves as one of the required steps for those who wish to become a DSHS-approved Specialty Training instructor in the future. 

🌟 Why Choose In-Person Training? 

While other providers offer virtual-only formats, our in-person Dementia Specialty 1 Training is designed to foster deeper learning, personal connection, and practical confidence. Here’s what sets us apart: 

🧍‍♀️ Hands-On, Interactive Learning 

Participants benefit from real-time demonstrations, group discussion, and situational practice — ideal for mastering dementia care skills that rely on body language, tone, and emotional presence. 

🗣️ Live Q&A and Coaching 

Ask questions, clarify concepts, and receive direct feedback from your instructor — something that just isn’t possible in pre-recorded or self-paced online courses. 

🤝 Build Peer Connections 

Engage with fellow caregivers and long-term care professionals in your community. Share experiences, challenges, and strategies in a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and networking. 

👥 Real-World Scenarios 

Practice applying what you’ve learned to realistic dementia care situations through group activities and discussions — helping you leave the training more prepared and confident in your role. 

📚 Focused, Distraction-Free Setting 

A dedicated, face-to-face learning environment minimizes distractions and enhances retention — so you can get the most out of your time and leave with actionable knowledge. 

✅ What’s Included 

• Live, in-person training session (8 hours) 
• DSHS-approved instructor and materials 
• Printed workbook and reference handouts 
• End-of-course test 
• Certificate of completion (upon passing) 

📌 Registration Details 

• Space is limited to preserve the quality of this interactive, small-group training. 
• 📱 Register Online