1. Advanced Clinical Dementia Practice
ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
The goal of this 34 CEU/CME Certificate Program is to build clinical skills in current dementia care
approaches and interventions. The program runs from September 15, 2015 until December 15, 2015.
The majority of the program is self-paced through podcasts and modules (21.5 hours), and includes 7
webinars (12.5 hours) to facilitate group work and application discussions. Please visit the program
website to learn more about the program objectives and multidisciplinary instructional team
(http://ssw.umich.edu/offices/continuing-education/certificate-courses/dementia-practice ).
Certificate Introduction
Webinar Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2015; 5:00 – 6:00 pm EST
Course 1: Aging in a Multicultural Society (4.0 hours)
Description: Understanding dementia in the context of an aging society is critical in addressing the
needs of this growing population. This course explores the demographics and health disparities of
current and projected aging in the US for major ethnic and racial groups. The application session will
include a discussion on successful aging concepts and cultural competence in relation to person-
centered care.
Webinar Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2015; 5:00 – 7:00 pm EST
Course 2: Cognition, Assessment, and Treatment Strategies (6.5 hours)
Description: When changes in memory, thinking or behavior disrupt everyday functioning, obtaining an
early clinical diagnosis is an important step in helping patients and families plan for the future. This
course provides an introduction to how the brain works and explores how aging and neurological illness
can affect brain functioning. Participants will learn about best practice approaches to a comprehensive
diagnostic evaluation, and the characteristics of different forms of dementia. Ethical and policy issues in
the use of genetic tests will also be explored. In the application session, participants will discuss
communication strategies related to diagnostic disclosure, individual and cultural reactions to a
diagnosis, and the importance of interdisciplinary teams in providing effective person-centered
treatment plans.
Webinar Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2015; 6:00 – 7:00 pm EST
Course 3: The Family Journey (8.5 hours)
Description: Working with individuals and families at the time of a diagnosis and beyond requires
specialized knowledge and clinical skills. Understanding cultural perspectives and family dynamics is
critical in providing person-centered care. This course reviews key aspects of long term care planning,
including strength-based approaches to addressing changes in functional abilities related to work,
hobbies, driving and activities of daily living. The impact of culture on the family journey will be
explored. The application session will focus on strategies to help individuals and families assess risk and
make decisions that promote dignity and safety throughout the dementia journey, as well as explore
late stage considerations to help family decision making related to end of life care options.
Webinar Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2015; 5:00 – 8:00 pm EST

2. Course 4: Mid Stage Dementia and Behavioral Interventions (7.5 hours)
Description: The middle stage of dementia, also known as moderate dementia, is characterized by
changes in cognition and functional autonomy as the person with dementia requires increasing
assistance. Behavioral symptoms such as agitation, sundowning, wandering and resistance to bathing
often become difficult to manage. This course provides an overview of the challenges faced by people
with dementia, families and health care professionals as the disease progresses to the middle
stages. Physical and psychological changes, delirium and medical illnesses are discussed, as are co-
morbid mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression. The application session describes
evidence-based problem-solving approaches to 1) identifying risk and triggers for challenging behaviors,
including communication, environment or medical issues, 2) assessment of challenging behaviors and 3)
non-pharmacological interventions to prevent or respond to the behaviors. Instructors demonstrate use
of culturally competent skills and a person-centered approach to help families address behavioral
changes.
Webinar Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2015; 5:00 – 8:00 pm EST
Course 5: Maintaining Well-Being throughout the Dementia Journey (4 hours)
Description: The effects of stress on the brain can significantly impact overall health and the coping
abilities of individuals with dementia, caregivers and healthcare professionals. There is growing
evidence that engagement in wellness practices can strengthen stress management skills and promote
well-being throughout the dementia care journey. This course reviews outcome-based research on
wellness approaches and the use of expressive arts in memory loss and dementia care. The importance
of cultural awareness in identifying person-centered wellness approaches will be addressed. The
application session will explore strategies to preserve well-being and prevent burnout and provide
healthcare professionals with effective tools to help themselves, clients and families properly adapt to
care challenges and stress.
Webinar Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2015; 5:00 – 6:00 pm EST
Course 6: Moving Forward (3.5 hours)
Description: What can we do now to change and take action on the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease
and related disorders? This course explores preventative interventions and the implications of public
policy on the growing need for quality care standards, accessible service, and research funding to help
individuals and families live well with memory loss or dementia. The application session will also focus
on developing an action plan to implement new knowledge and skills obtained throughout the
certificate program.
Webinar Date: Tuesday, December 15, 2015; 5:00 – 6:30 pm EST