Dementia is a growing global health and care concern, and Alzheimer’s disease is its most common cause. This course provides practical guidance for professional and family caregivers who support people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It explains the difference between them, explores how Alzheimer’s progresses, and introduces common changes in memory, thinking, communication, behaviour, and daily functioning.

Learners examine how to recognise changing needs and respond with patience, dignity, and person-centred support. The course covers communication strategies, behavioural triggers, daily care, personal hygiene, safety, home adaptations and supportive environments. It also explores medical support, treatment options, nutrition and hydration, meaningful activities, and ways to promote independence while maintaining comfort and safety.

The course also addresses the wider responsibilities that can affect the care provided to individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. These include legal, financial, and psychosocial considerations as well as caregiver stress, grief, emotional support, and planning for future care needs. The final module focuses on end-of-life care, including comfort, dignity, advance care wishes, palliative and hospice options, bereavement support, and nurturing meaning near the end of life. By the end of the course, learners will be better prepared to provide informed, compassionate, and respectful support throughout the care journey.

This course was reviewed and approved by qualified subject matter expert Élodie Bergeron, a Gerontology Intervention Specialist with a Master’s in Psychoeducation and advanced expertise in mental health and ageing. For more information about our subject-matter expert, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/elodiebgerontology/.