For Professionals

Dementia Alliance of North Carolina offers a variety of educational opportunities including statewide workshops and seminars, regional education conferences and professional education and outreach sessions for community and faith-based groups. 

We are approved by the NC Division of Health Service Regulation Adult Care Licensure Section to award a certain level of Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) for our professional development activities and education programs. Topic areas are within adult care home operation and management and include training in resident care skills, understanding the needs of the elderly and physical or mentally handicapped persons, management and supervisory skills and issues impacting older adult care. 

In addition, we offer dementia training to a variety of law enforcement agencies and other businesses, including those wanting to become more dementia-friendly.

So, whether you’re a family caregiver looking for resources to make an educated decision, a certified nursing assistant in need of annual continuing dementia education or a member of law enforcement participating in a community awareness program, there’s something here for you. Have your pick and start learning today!

Support Group Facilitator Training

Do you want to lead or start a Support Group? This training is intended for those who will facilitate a support group for caregivers of individuals living with dementia.

Who will benefit most?   Those who will begin support groups within 90 days, or have already assumed responsibilities of an established group. 

Led by international dementia trainer, Melanie Bunn, MS, RN, GNP and DeeDee Harris, Director of Family Services and Support for Dementia Alliance of North Carolina, information covered includes an overview of support groups and their purpose, how to start a support group, and your role as a facilitator.

Crisis Intervention Training

Throughout North Carolina, law enforcement agencies, mental health professionals, and advocates join in partnerships to establish Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT). CIT programs are programs that provide law enforcement officers the knowledge and skills they need to de-escalate persons in emergency crisis situations. CIT programs emphasize access to treatment services, rather than jail, for persons displaying signs of mental illness or dementia. Outcomes for both officers, the individuals in crisis, and their families are improved when communities work together in effective CIT programs.

North Carolina graduated its first class of CIT certified officers in Wake County in 2005 and Dementia Alliance has been involved ever since. Now almost all counties in NC have CIT officers and family caregivers can request the CIT officers when calling emergency services. 

Staff Training

Whether you work in a skilled nursing facility whose CNA’s need additional training or a bank whose tellers need more information on how to help people living with dementia, Dementia Alliance can help. We tailor training to the needs of your team and use our own speakers plus local and national experts to help you be the best of the best. 

Just a few of our topics include: 

  • Assisting People Through the Stages of Dementia
  • An Overview of Dementia or Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
  • Positive Aging: Fitness for the Brain – Healthy Lifestyle Habits
  • Coping Strategies for Caregivers
  • Choosing the Path to Better Behaviors
  • Visiting Your Loved One Living with Dementia – Having a Meaningful Visit
  • A Positive Approach to Communication with People Living with Dementia