• "I had an opportunity to take the Dementia Connection Specialist certification course and I'm so glad I did this! I learned so many things that I could start applying immediately with not only my residents and the communities I serve, but also personally with a loved one who has a dementia. This course exceeded my expectations and the many modules that were covered. It was very interactive which I really appreciated as well!"

    -Natalie Kravitz, Linked Senior

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Dementia Certification Programs.

 

Become a

Dementia Connection Specialist (DCS).

In this dementia care training, you will master an innovative cognitive-behavioral approach to care called the Dementia Connection Model©, backed by Johns Hopkins University Press, which ties together three key concepts in understanding Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. You will better understand the "who?" and  “why?” of dementia to provide a quality of life for those you care for. Then, you will exercise your brain in learning how to best implement sensory-based approaches that positively influence the emotions and memories for those living with dementia, enabling more productive behavioral expressions and a better connection.

The professional or family caregiver receives the following:

  • DCS seminar with six (6) hours of validated dementia training

  • Evidenced-based, relevant content with fun, interactive brain games to increase learning advantage

  • Six (6) Continuing Education (CE) hours, if needed

  • Immediate DCS certification valid for two (2) years

  • DCS Workbook and DCS My Toolbox (Caregiver Toolbox)

  • 10% off the DCI’s Online Dementia Classroom

Non-certification option is now available at a reduced rate.

 

“The Dementia Connection Model encompasses a variety of sensory-based tools, like using aromatherapy, doll and pet connections, music, tactile objects, visual aids, and more! The caregiver toolbox that is provided with the certification course benefits everyone on either side of the box.”

—Jessica Ryan, Biologist, Co-Owner of the Dementia Connection Institute

Become a Dementia Connection Specialist Certified Trainer (DCSCT).

Gain the benefits of becoming a DCS. Increase your credibility as a treating professional in this field, even becoming an asset to your organization. And assist in the wide-spread need to train others on this disease. With this certification, you can train other healthcare professionals and family caregivers to become DCS’s.

The professional receives the following:

  • DCSCT seminar with seven (7) hours of validated dementia training

  • Seven (7) Continuing Education (CE) hours, if needed

  • Immediate DCS & DCSCT certification valid for two (2) years

  • DCSCT Workbook and DCSCT Seminar My Toolbox

  • Digital marketing materials

  • Quarterly DCSCT Leadership Training Team meetings & support

  • 20% off the DCI’s Online Dementia Classroom

Why Become Certified?

  • Dementia Connection Specialist (DCS)

    The benefits of becoming a DCS:

    Help you understand the ‘who, what, when, and why’.

    Decrease any frustrations with the disease.

    Come to a place of acceptance.

    Propose and educate you on a new model of dementia care called the Dementia Connection Model.

    Provide you with evidenced-based, relevant information and resources to be able to teach or provide to others in order to educate or collaborate, respectively.

    Input, validate or deepen your content knowledge and best-practice skill set in one or more areas of dementia care.

    Prepare you to apply safe, practical, and effective non-pharmacological techniques with your residents or loved ones by putting clinically-trialed techniques into the decision-making process, practice, and treatment approaches.

    Generate feelings of success when providing ADL care and engagement.

    Deepen your connection with those you care for.

    Produce positive outcomes for those you care for and you.

    Providing quality of life for those you care for.

    Increase your credibility when discussing and processing the information about this disease.

    As a professional, to be in compliance with most state-governed and CMS regulations regarding dementia training in senior living.

    Demonstrate a respect for your chosen profession by gaining advanced skills.

    Prepare you for advancement in your profession as a leader or an increase in responsibilities.

    Improve your confidence in your knowledge and skills in dementia care.

    Achieve professional excellence.

    Beneficial to an organization to increase safety, satisfaction and quality of care.

  • Dementia Connection Specialist Certified Trainer (DCSCT)

    The benefits of becoming a DCSCT:

    Gain the benefits of becoming a DCS.

    Increase your credibility as a treating professional in this field.

    Assist in the wide-spread need to train others on this disease.

    Provide training to staff or family caregivers in the community that can boost their content knowledge and skill set in one or more areas of dementia care, inevitably positively affecting health outcomes for the person(s) being cared for.

    Be in compliance with most state-governed and CMS regulations regarding requiring a dementia leader in every healthcare organization in senior living.

    Be a resource to your organization.

    Improve your organization and other communities’ 5-star rating by improved training and resources.

    Give family caregivers knowledge, tools and confidence in caring and connecting with their loved ones.

    Earn extra money while teaching others.

    Be a leader in your organization and in the dementia care field.

Frequently Asked Questions