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Dementia Care and Behavioral Support

Approved CE Educator Emblem
  • Open enrollment. Start anytime once access is granted and progress at their own pace once access is granted.
  • This course is approved by the NCCAP for continuing education
  • Continuing Education for the Activity Professional
  • 8-hour Continuing Education course focused on dementia care and behavioral support for Activity Professionals.
  • Covers dementia types, progression, and behavioral triggers with a person-centered, trauma-informed approach.

Details

Dementia Care & Behavioral Support Course Overview

Dementia Care & Behavioral Support is an 8-hour online continuing education course for Activity Directors and Activity Aides who support residents living with dementia or related cognitive changes. This course focuses on practical, person-centered strategies for understanding dementia, recognizing behavioral expressions as communication, and responding with dignity, safety, and compassion.

NCCAP-approved continuing education: This course is approved by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP) for continuing education. We Care Online is an approved NCCAP CE educator. Students receive a Certificate of Completion after successfully meeting course requirements.
AUDIENCE
For Activity Directors and Activity Aides
This course is designed for activity professionals working with residents living with dementia in long-term care and senior living settings.
FOCUS
Dementia care and behavioral support
Learn how dementia affects communication, behavior, emotions, and daily functioning, and how to respond using person-centered approaches.
OUTCOME
Practical tools for resident support
Build stronger skills for meaningful activities, emotional safety, de-escalation, and dignity-centered care.
Who This Course Is For
  • Activity Directors
  • Activity Aides
  • Activity Assistants
  • Long-term care activity staff who support residents living with dementia

Prerequisite: students must be an Activity Director or Activity Aide.

Course Format
  • 8 Continuing Education hours
  • Online and self-paced
  • 1-month access period from enrollment/access
  • Certificate of Completion issued after successful completion
Note: This course is not Kansas Board of Regents approved and should not be described as a state-approved program.
What Students Learn
  • Differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
  • Common dementia types and progression
  • Behavioral triggers and unmet needs
  • Validation and de-escalation strategies
  • Person-centered and trauma-informed activity approaches
  • Ways to support dignity, autonomy, and emotional safety
  • Professional boundaries and ethical responsibilities
  • Communication with the interdisciplinary care team
Upon Completion

Upon successful completion of all coursework, students receive a Certificate of Completion from We Care Online.

This course is educational in nature and is designed for continuing education purposes. It does not provide state licensure.

Continuing Education Disclosure

Acceptance of continuing education credit may vary by employer, state, or credentialing body. Students should verify CE acceptance with their facility, employer, or credentialing organization when needed.

Course Outcome

By the end of this course, students will have stronger tools for supporting residents with dementia through meaningful activities, improved communication, and behavioral support strategies that promote dignity, emotional safety, and person-centered care.

What Happens After You Enroll

Here’s a clear, step-by-step overview of what to expect after registering for your course with We Care Online.

1 Enroll & Submit Payment

Register for your course and complete your payment securely online.

Note: Some courses have eligibility or prerequisite requirements—please review these before enrolling.

2 Confirmation & Next Steps

You’ll receive a confirmation email with important details about your course, including next steps and any required actions before access is granted.

3 Access Your Course in Canvas

Our team will add you to Canvas, our online learning platform, where you’ll complete your coursework. You will be able to access your course on the course start date.

Access will only be granted after registration is processed and requirements are verified.

4 Instructor Review & Completion

Your instructor reviews completed coursework and verifies that all program requirements are met.

Some courses may include additional documentation, skills verification, or testing.

5 Certificate Issued

Once approved, your certificate is issued through our secure certificate system.

Completion records are maintained in compliance with state and employer requirements.

Program steps may vary slightly by course or state based on regulatory requirements.

Requirements

ENROLLMENT
Students must be an Activity Director or Activity Aide to enroll in this continuing education course.
COURSE ACCESS
This course is offered online and is self-paced. Students have 1 month from enrollment/access to complete the course.
TECHNOLOGY
Students need a computer, laptop, or tablet with reliable internet access. Students should also be able to access email and complete coursework through the online learning platform.
CE APPROVAL
This course is approved by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP) for continuing education. We Care Online is an approved NCCAP CE educator.
COMPLETION
CE credit is awarded after students complete all required course pages and activities, complete module content in sequence, successfully complete the final assessment, and submit any required verification forms. Partial CE credit is not awarded.
CERTIFICATE
Upon successful completion of all coursework, students receive a Certificate of Completion from We Care Online.
CLINICAL
This continuing education course does not include clinical placement requirements.
EMPLOYER POLICIES
Continuing education acceptance may vary by employer, state, or credentialing body. Students should verify CE acceptance with their facility, employer, or credentialing organization when needed.
Important: This course is educational in nature and is designed for continuing education purposes. It does not provide state licensure.

Career Info

Activity Directors and Activity Aides play an important role in supporting quality of life for residents living with dementia. This continuing education course helps activity professionals strengthen person-centered activity planning, communication, and behavioral support skills used in long-term care and senior living settings.

What Activity Professionals Do
  • Plan and support meaningful activities for residents with changing cognitive needs
  • Use person-centered approaches to encourage participation and comfort
  • Recognize behavioral expressions that may signal unmet needs, distress, or environmental triggers
  • Support communication, routine, dignity, and emotional safety during activities
  • Coordinate with the care team to support resident-centered goals and preferences
Where Activity Directors and Aides Work
  • Skilled nursing facilities
  • Assisted living communities
  • Memory care neighborhoods or dementia care units
  • Adult day programs
  • Continuing care retirement communities
  • Other senior care or long-term care settings

Job duties, staffing structure, and training expectations vary by employer and care setting.

Salary Range - United States
Related activity aide / activity coordinator roles: about $17 per hour / $35,000 per year
Related activity director / senior living activity leadership roles: about $34 per hour / $70,000 per year

Wage estimates vary by location, employer, and experience level. Actual earnings are not guaranteed.

Related Wage References
Activity Coordinator - Nursing Home Approx. $34,990/year
Resident Activity Director - Senior Living Approx. $70,641/year
Recreation Workers Median $35,380/year
These are related wage references, not guaranteed outcomes for this course or for every employer.
Career Path

Activity professionals may use continuing education to strengthen their skills in dementia care, behavioral support, and resident engagement.

  • Activity Aide or Activity Assistant
  • Activity Director
  • Memory care activity specialist or dementia program support role
  • Life enrichment or resident engagement coordinator
  • Additional NCCAP credentialing or continuing education pathways, when applicable

This course provides continuing education and a Certificate of Completion from We Care Online. It does not guarantee employment, promotion, certification, or credential approval.

Why Dementia Care Skills Matter

Dementia care is a common part of long-term care and senior living activity work. Activity professionals who understand dementia-related communication changes, behavioral expressions, and person-centered activity planning can better support resident dignity, engagement, and emotional safety.

Sources & Disclosure: Wage and outlook estimates are based on publicly available labor market data and may vary by employer, location, experience, and job title. Referenced sources include Salary.com - Activity Coordinator, Nursing Home salary, Salary.com - Resident Activity Director, Senior Living salary, and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Recreation Workers. Wage estimates vary by location, employer, and experience level. Actual earnings are not guaranteed.

Instructor

Melanie Fischer, RN
Melanie Fischer, RN
Department Director / Course Instructor

Melanie Fischer is a dedicated healthcare professional with a passion for helping others. Her journey in the healthcare industry began in 1993 when she sought a summer job during high school and landed a housekeeping position at Ellis Good Sam. While she enjoyed her role, Melanie’s desire to make a more meaningful impact on the residents she served led her to pursue a career in healthcare.

In 2003, Melanie achieved her dream of becoming a registered nurse (RN), and since 2006, she has been a valuable member of the We Care Online team. Alongside her fulfilling career, Melanie and her husband run a farm in Northwest Kansas, where they grow crops and raise cattle, and they are blessed with four beautiful children. Family time is precious to Melanie, and she relishes moments spent with her husband and kids outside of work.

Having experienced the healthcare industry for many years, Melanie shares valuable advice for those aspiring to enter this field. She emphasizes the importance of patience and treating both residents and co-workers with respect and professionalism. Her personal mantra revolves around prioritizing the needs of others above her own.

At We Care Online, Melanie holds a crucial role in ensuring students have the best online learning experience possible. Her responsibilities include supporting multiple classes and assisting with online and state-related procedures, advertising upcoming classes, and providing support to students and facilities alike.

Always approachable and eager to help, Melanie is happy to answer questions and support you throughout your course experience.

Melanie Fischer, RN
Lori Wagoner
Instructor Assistant

Lori Wagoner is a dedicated and accomplished professional who serves as an Instructor Assistant for Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Activity Director, and Social Service Designee courses at We Care Online Classes. With a passion for healthcare and education, Lori brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role.

In her position as an Instructor Assistant, Lori plays a crucial role in supporting students pursuing careers as nurse aides and medication aides. She provides guidance, instruction, and mentorship to help students develop the skills and confidence required for success.

Lori’s healthcare background includes experience as a Nurse Aide and Medication Aide. She is known for her strong commitment to patient safety, clear communication, and helping students understand real-world expectations in healthcare settings.

Lori supports students throughout the course by helping questions get answered and making sure students know what to do next.

FAQ

Quick answers about enrollment, access, continuing education, completion, and support.

1 Who can enroll in this course?

This course is designed for Activity Directors and Activity Aides who support residents living with dementia or related cognitive changes.

2 How do I enroll?

You may enroll by clicking the registration option on this page, completing the registration form, and submitting payment.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with next steps. If you do not see your confirmation email, please check your spam or junk folder.

3 When do I get access to the course?

This is an open enrollment course. Once your registration and payment are processed, you will receive instructions for accessing your online coursework.

Processing times may vary depending on administrative review requirements.

4 How long do I have to complete the course?

Students have 1 month from enrollment/access to complete this course.

5 How many continuing education hours does this course provide?

This course provides 8 Continuing Education hours.

6 Is this course approved by NCCAP?

Yes. This course is approved by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP) for continuing education.

We Care Online is an approved NCCAP CE educator.

7 Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Upon successful completion of all course requirements, students receive a Certificate of Completion from We Care Online.

8 Does this course provide certification or licensure?

No. This course provides continuing education and a Certificate of Completion from We Care Online. It does not provide state licensure, state certification, or guaranteed credential approval.

Students should verify continuing education acceptance with their employer, state, or credentialing organization when needed.

9 What payment options are available?

Payment options may include pay in full, facility-sponsored enrollment, facility invoice, or third-party payment options when available.

All payment requirements must be completed before course access is granted.

10 What is your refund policy?

Refund policies vary by course and enrollment status. Refund details are provided during registration and in your enrollment agreement.

Students are responsible for reviewing the refund policy before enrolling.

View WCO policies

11 Is a textbook required?

No required textbook has been confirmed for this course. If materials are required, they will be listed in the enrollment details or provided through the online course.

12 Does this course include clinical placement?

No. This continuing education course does not include clinical placement requirements.

13 Who do I contact if I need help?

Instructor or support contact information will be provided in the course or listed in the Instructor section of this page.

If you do not receive your confirmation email, first check your spam or junk folder. If you still do not see it, contact the We Care Online administrative office for assistance.

Is this course state-approved?

This course is educational in nature and provides a Certificate of Completion for 8 Continuing Education hours. Acceptance of CE credit may vary by state, employer, or credentialing body. Participants are encouraged to verify acceptance with their facility or regulatory authority.

How long do I have to complete the course?

You have 1 month from the date of enrollment to complete the course. You may work at your own pace within that timeframe.

Is this course self-paced?

Yes. This is a fully online, self-paced course. You may log in and out as needed and complete modules at your convenience within the enrollment period.

How many CE hours does this course provide?

This course provides 8 Continuing Education hours upon successful completion of all required modules and the final assessment.

What do I need to do to receive my certificate?

To receive your Certificate of Completion, you must:

  • Complete all modules in sequence
  • View all required course content
  • Successfully pass the final assessment
  • Submit any required verification forms

Partial credit is not awarded.

Are there any prerequisites?

There are no formal prerequisites. However, the course is intended for professionals working in long-term care or healthcare settings.

What happens if I do not complete the course within 1 month?

If the course is not completed within the enrollment period, access may expire and re-registration may be required.

Is support available if I have questions?

Yes. This course is monitored by a designated Course Monitor. Participants may contact the Course Monitor during their enrollment period for clarification regarding course content or completion requirements.

Enrollment Options:

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