ADRD 2-Hour Overview: Dementia Care for Home Health and Companion Care
Presented by Kim Tate
12-Month Subscription
Unlimited access to:
- Thousands of CE Courses
- Patient Education
- Home Exercise Program
- And more
This course provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) through a person-centered lens. As the prevalence of ADRD is projected to reach nearly 13 million by 2050, healthcare professionals face the critical challenge of managing complex cognitive, communicative, and behavioral changes that interfere with daily life and independence. This course addresses these challenges by equipping home health aides, companion caregivers, and assisted living staff with practical tools to distinguish dementia from normal aging and recognize conditions that mimic ADRD. Participants will learn to interpret behavioral expressions as forms of communication and apply de-escalation strategies that prioritize emotional safety. By emphasizing the importance of preserving dignity during activities of daily living and fostering collaborative partnerships with family caregivers, the course ensures providers can deliver respectful, individualized care across all disease stages and care settings.
Learning Outcomes
- Define Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), distinguish them from normal aging, and identify conditions that mimic ADRD
- Identify common communication changes associated with ADRD and describe basic strategies that support effective interaction
- Classify common behavioral expressions seen across the stages of ADRD and interpret factors that may contribute to these behaviors
- Outline person-centered approaches for assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) in the early, middle, and late stages of ADRD
- Recognize person-centered care principles that promote dignity, safety, and independence for individuals living with ADRD
- Recall examples of caregiver techniques that reduce distress and support meaningful engagement for persons with ADRD
- Recognize the grief process and issues faced by family members and apply strategies to encourage their meaningful involvement in care
Meet your instructor
Kim Tate
Kim Tate is a registered nurse with more than three decades of healthcare experience. She is a passionate clinical leader who strives to deliver quality care and positive patient outcomes. She has a bachelor of science in nursing, with a proven track record of facilitating and leading the effectiveness of clinical programs,…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Understanding Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Through a Person-Centered Lens
This chapter defines the various types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, and distinguishes these progressive disorders from the normal aging process. It is essential for caregivers to understand these distinctions to recognize when support is needed and to establish a foundation of emotional safety and trust from the very first encounter.
2. Communicating With Purpose: Building Trust and Connection
This chapter explores how ADRD impacts both receptive and expressive communication, highlighting the need for caregivers to adapt their approach as verbal abilities decline. Learning intentional strategies like active listening and validation therapy is vital for reducing distress, preserving dignity, and fostering meaningful connections beyond words.
3. Recognizing, Understanding, and Managing Behavioral Expressions
This chapter helps the participant understand behavioral expressions as a primary form of communication when unmet physical or emotional needs are present. By applying the ABC model to identify triggers, caregivers can move from reactive responses to intentional, person-centered de-escalation strategies that promote safety without the use of restraints.
4. Assisting With ADLs With Dignity for Individuals Living With ADRD
This chapter provides stage-specific strategies for assisting with personal tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, while promoting the individual’s remaining independence. Understanding how to create predictable routines and honor lifelong habits is crucial for reducing resistance and transforming vulnerable moments of care into opportunities for building trust.
5. Developing Skills for Working With Families and Caregivers
This final chapter focuses on integrating families into the care team by acknowledging their expertise and supporting them through the ongoing grief process. Building strong, culturally responsive partnerships and maintaining clear communication during care transitions are essential steps for improving clinical outcomes and ensuring a holistic approach to dementia care.
