PROGRAMS
Dementia
Helping Dementia Caregivers Find Support
When an individual is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, their entire support system faces the implications of that complex diagnosis. The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers has developed two programs specifically tailored to support dementia caregivers and help them care for their loved ones – and care for themselves.
PROGRAMS
Dementia
Helping Dementia Caregivers Find Support
When an individual is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, their entire support system faces the implications of that complex diagnosis. The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers has developed two programs specifically tailored to support dementia caregivers and help them care for their loved ones – and care for themselves.
Find a Dementia Workshop Near You
Dealing with Dementia (DWD)
Dealing with Dementia (DWD) is a four-hour workshop, paired with the comprehensive Dealing with Dementia guide, a detailed workbook designed to help you navigate the unique challenges of caring for someone with dementia. Learn how to better understand dementia, manage problem behaviors, handle stress, and find more time for yourself.
RCI developed the DWD training, which is delivered by trainers around the country.
Our current DWD program is closed. If you are interested in becoming a trainer to facilitate our new DWD program to be piloted in Georgia this summer, sign-up here. If you have any questions, contact [email protected].
Get Help Now
Crisis TEXT Line
If you are a caregiver in need of support, you can text TOUGH to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis counseling.
Manage Your Stress
RCI has partnered with Sharecare to offer a mini course through their mental wellbeing app, Unwinding with Sharecare, which is available to all caregivers.
“I wish this [Dealing with Dementia] guide and training had been around when I was caring for my mother with vascular dementia. Following the suggestions in this guide book will make a BIG difference for the caregiver and the persons receiving care.”
– Family caregiver
Deliver RCI’s Dementia Programs in Your Community
The following RCI dementia programs were designed to be implemented by caregiver coaches and trainers in local communities.
RCI REACH
RCI REACH is a one-on-one evidence-based coaching program for any type of dementia caregiver, regardless of diagnosis. Over a series of twelve sessions, caregivers are taught stress management, problem-solving skills, and how to access information and resources to help them cope with their challenges long after the program has ended. RCI REACH is proven to positively impact caregivers’ overall well-being, including decreasing feelings of depression, burden, and frustration, while increasing confidence, satisfaction, and healthy habits.
Caregiver coaches meet caregivers in their home, at other convenient locations, or virtually over a period of six months. Together the coach and the caregiver identify the areas that the caregiver feels are most challenging or where they need help. RCI also works with organizations that are interested in delivering RCI REACH in their communities.
Each of the 12 sessions is tailored to address those areas and the specific needs of the caregiver.
These individualized sessions include topics such as:
- Information on Alzheimer’s and related dementia;
- Managing troubling behaviors of their care recipient;
- Building a social support network;
- A variety of proven strategies to manage stress;
- Addressing obstacles to regular self-care; and
- Remedies for safety concerns.
RCI works with organizations that are interested in delivering RCI REACH in their communities. For more information, please reach out to [email protected].
“It’s been wonderful. It was structured, and it was personalized. That is really something valuable. My coach, Katie, was excellent. We developed a good working relationship, and it made an excellent course that much better.”
– David Felzenberg, New Jersey
Caregiver to his wife with Alzheimer’s and RCI REACH participant
Dealing with Dementia Workshop (DWD)
Dealing with Dementia (DWD) is a four-hour interactive workshop that helps caregivers understand dementia, manage problem behaviors and take better care of themselves.
DWD Workshops give family and professional caregivers access to the powerful Dealing with Dementia Guide with information such as
- Information on the dementia caregiving experience
- Useful safety tips
- Advice on building a care team
- Problem-solving tools
- Instructions on managing dementia behaviors
- Stress management and self-care resources
Participation in the Dealing with Dementia workshop is proven to increase dementia knowledge and confidence in the caregiver’s ability to provide care.
RCI’s DWD trainer class is a one-and-a-half-day virtual training, providing participants with all the tools they need to successfully lead RCI’s Dealing with Dementia workshops.
Dealing with Dementia (DWD) is a four-hour interactive workshop that helps caregivers understand dementia, manage problem behaviors and take better care of themselves.
Need more information or have a question about one of our programs?
We can’t do this work without the support of caregiver champions like you.