Caregiver & Family Training
Practical training can make day-to-day care safer and more predictable. The Alliance can use the materials below as a structured learning path for families while connecting caregivers to evidence-based local programs.
Suggested Family Learning Path
- Understand the disease: learn how memory, judgment, communication, behavior, and daily function can change over time.
- Practice communication: use calm tone, eye contact, simple choices, extra response time, and fewer competing distractions.
- Learn personal-care strategies: simplify bathing, dressing, grooming, meals, and medication routines while preserving dignity and independence as long as possible.
- Prepare for behavior changes: identify triggers, rule out medical causes, use redirection, and know when agitation or confusion needs clinical evaluation.
- Build a safety plan: review falls, wandering, driving, firearms, kitchen hazards, emergency contacts, and caregiver backup plans.
- Protect the caregiver: schedule respite, support, health care, sleep, and realistic help from others.
NIA Caregiving Toolkit
Free federal articles, infographics, publications, and videos on dementia caregiving, communication, safety, behavior, and caregiver well-being.
CDC Dementia Caregiver Education
Plain-language caregiver guidance, care-plan resources, and links for people caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.
Savvy Caregiver — Southwest Florida
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida offers a free six-session, evidence-based program for family and informal caregivers of people with dementia-related illnesses. Topics include disease progression, daily-care strategies, community resources, and caregiver self-care.
Powerful Tools / TCARE
AAASWFL also offers caregiver education and individualized caregiver assessment/referral services to help families identify stressors, goals, and local resources.
Clinical caution: sudden confusion, new weakness, seizure, chest pain, shortness of breath, head injury, or an abrupt major behavior change can represent an acute medical problem rather than dementia progression. Seek urgent evaluation when appropriate.