Before a resident becomes upset, anxious, withdrawn, or resistant, there are almost always early signals — unmet needs, environmental triggers, breakdowns in communication, or staff approaches that unintentionally overwhelm. When caregivers know how to notice these clues and interpret what the person is trying to communicate, they can address the root cause long before the behavior appears.
Foundations of Dementia Care & Communication is a practical, skill-building program designed to give caregivers not only the essential knowledge about dementia and Montessori-based communication, but also the ability to identify the source of problems early, respond proactively, and create safer, calmer, more meaningful interactions. Caregivers leave with clarity, confidence, and compassionate tools they can use immediately.
Foundations of Dementia Care & Communication Workshop
Understand the Person • Speak Their Language • Prevent Distress
New date coming soon.
A 4.5-Hour Online Program
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
(30 minute lunch break.)
Online – Register – $199/Person
Online – Register 3 or More – $159/Person
We give caregivers a simple, powerful way to understand and support people living with dementia. First, caregivers learn to understand the person, seeing behavior as meaningful communication rather than resistance. Next, they are trained to speak the person’s language, using Montessori-based communication strategies that reduce confusion and create calm. Finally, they learn how to prevent distress by spotting unmet needs and early triggers before behaviors appear. This three-step method helps caregivers create smoother interactions, reduce responsive behaviors, and build genuine connection — every single day.
At the Foundations of Dementia Care & Communication Workshop…
Participants learn how memory changes shape behaviour, what remains strong and accessible, and why a modern approach to dementia care is urgently needed as Baby Boomers enter the system.
Through real-world examples and easy-to-use strategies, caregivers discover how tone, pacing, body language, and word choice can dramatically change the outcome of a conversation or care interaction.
The program also teaches how to validate emotions, redirect with empathy, avoid common communication pitfalls, and create calm through consistent routines and supportive environments. Caregivers gain insight into the unmet needs that often drive responsive behaviours — and learn how small changes in approach can prevent escalation before it starts.
Grounded in the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® philosophy, this course gives caregivers simple, effective tools they can use immediately. The result?
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- Calmer interactions
- Fewer behaviours
- Stronger relationships
- And caregivers who feel clear, confident, and capable of preventing escalation before it begins.
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Caring for people living with dementia can be deeply meaningful, but it can also be exhausting, frustrating, and emotionally heavy when caregivers don’t feel equipped with the right tools.
Foundations of Dementia Care & Communication helps change that experience.
When caregivers understand why residents respond the way they do — and when they learn communication approaches that actually work — daily care becomes smoother, calmer, and far more satisfying.
When caregivers simply react to a behavior—redirecting, correcting, or trying to stop it without understanding why it’s happening—the behavior is likely to repeat over and over, creating frustration for both the caregiver and the person with dementia.
By acting as a detective and uncovering what is triggering the behavior—whether it’s pain, hunger, overstimulation, or an unmet emotional need—caregivers can address the real issue, leading to fewer incidents, less time spent managing distress, and a more peaceful environment.
Taking the time to investigate once can prevent days, weeks, or even months of recurring struggles.
It’s the difference between putting out fires every day versus
eliminating the source of the fire altogether.
This training reduces the guesswork that leads to stress. Caregivers report feeling less overwhelmed, less rushed, and less frustrated. Why? Because they understand what’s happening beneath the surface of a behaviour. Instead of reacting to challenges, they know how to prevent them. They can:
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- redirect without confrontation
- support without struggle
- and connect without confusion
This sense of mastery has a powerful effect on job satisfaction: caregivers feel competent, confident, and genuinely valued.
When time spent with residents becomes easier and more meaningful, caregivers rediscover the joy in their work. They feel more successful on difficult days. They feel more supported by their team, and more proud of the calm, compassionate care they can provide.
This program strengthens not just knowledge, but morale, resilience, and emotional well-being. This helps caregivers thrive in a demanding role while giving residents the dignity, respect, and comfort they deserve.
Who Should Attend?
It’s ideal for anyone who supports individuals living with dementia—at any stage and in any setting.
Perfect for professionals working in:
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Long-term care homes and senior residences
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Adult day programs and community organizations
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Home care and family support services
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Health and social care leadership roles
Including (but not limited to):
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Personal Support Workers (PSWs), Orderlies
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Activity, Recreation & Life Enrichment Coordinators
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Therapists, Social Workers, Family Support Workers
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Dietitians, Community Care Workers, Home Care Aides
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Speech-Language Pathologists
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Nurse Managers, Directors of Care, Support Managers/Specialists
Also welcome: Volunteers, family members and care partners
Foundations of Dementia Care & Communication Workshop
Understand the Person • Speak Their Language • Prevent Distress
New date coming soon.
A 4.5-Hour Online Program
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
(30 minute lunch break.)
Online – Register – $199/Person
Online – Register 3 or More – $159/Person
1-Day In-Person Program – 8 AM – 4 PM Eastern
(Networking breakfast at 8 AM; 1 hour lunch break & 2 refreshment breaks;
All provided and included in registration fee.)
Networking breakfast at 8 AM
In-Person – Register $259/Person
Date and Location Coming Soon
