Fully Accredited Program Certified Advanced Dementia Care Specialist (CDC™)

Every three seconds, another person develops dementia, cementing its position as a leading cause of disability among older adults. Currently, over 55 million people worldwide live with this condition—a staggering number projected to double by 2050 as populations age. With the growing prevalence of dementia, there is an urgent need for advanced training programs that equip aged care leaders with the specialized skills and knowledge required to effectively manage and support individuals with dementia.

This certified program is designed to revolutionize dementia care through a holistic, compassionate, and scientifically grounded approach. This intensive program will equip you with cutting-edge knowledge, advanced communication techniques, and innovative strategies to support individuals living with dementia, moving beyond traditional care models to embrace a person-centered, empathetic methodology. You will develop a deep understanding of dementia's complex neurological, emotional, and social dimensions, learning to provide care that preserves dignity, independence, and quality of life.

Throughout the program, you will gain critical expertise in translating behavioral communication, understanding the intricate neurological changes of dementia, and developing sophisticated strategies for holistic care. This program will cover comprehensive topics including identifying and addressing unmet needs, mastering effective communication techniques, managing challenging behaviors, and implementing therapeutic interventions. You will learn to approach dementia care as a nuanced, individualized journey, recognizing each person's unique experiences, cultural background, and personal preferences while providing compassionate, specialized support. 

You will also be trained to navigate the complex landscape of dementia care, from diagnostic insights and medication management to environmental modifications and caregiver support. Furthermore, this program will provide you with an in-depth exploration of critical areas such as pain recognition, therapeutic activities, legal and ethical considerations, and strategies for supporting both individuals with dementia and their families. By the end of the program, you will develop advanced skills in creating personalized care plans, using innovative therapies, and applying evidence-based approaches, to improve the quality of life for people with dementia.

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be attain the Certified Advanced Dementia Care Specialist (CDC™) designation that can be used in your professional credentials. This designation signifies your commitment to excellence, a deep understanding of the complexities of dementia, and the ability to deliver transformative, person-centered care. In addition, this industry-recognized certification holds lifelong validity and recognition and positions you as a leader in the dynamic and evolving field of dementia care.

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This program will entitle you:

Pricing & Registration
  • Experience 3 days of instructor-led live program on critical aspects of dementia care, including understanding dementia types, behavioral analysis, pain management, and medication management, enabling you to provide holistic, person-centered care.
  • Attain the industry-recognized Certified Advanced Care Dementia Specialist (CDC™) designation. This certification will offer a testament validating your expertise in delivering cutting-edge, evidence-based care that supports individuals, families, and healthcare teams through the intricate journey of dementia progression.
  • Learn sophisticated behavioral translation techniques that decode complex communication patterns, understand the root causes of challenging behaviors, and develop nuanced, compassionate interventions that address underlying needs and preserve individual dignity.
  • Gain expertise in analyzing and responding to behaviors, managing pain, and creating personalized care plans to enhance the quality of life for individuals with dementia.
  • For inquiries, chat with our Program Advisers at [email protected] or call us at
    • Singapore and Asia Pacific: +65 6716 9980
    • Australia and New Zealand: +61 3 9909 7310
    • UK, Europe and Middle East: +44 (020) 335 57898
    • USA: +1 888 745 8875

Accreditations

4.8 

This Certified Advanced Care Dementia Specialist (CDC™) program is a mark of distinction that signifies a specialized practitioner who possess the advanced knowledge, clinical expertise, and professional competencies required to deliver superior care and implement best practices in the complex and evolving field of dementia care. It is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Professional Certifications, which maintains the governing standards for all members. The CDC™ charter is a trademarked charter available only to professionals who have completed and passed this program. The certification is governed and maintained by Chartered Institute of Professional Certifications with over 90,000 members around the world. It is also endorsed by prominent associations and organizations worldwide.

The content of this program has been fully certified and accredited by CPD as conforming to Continuing Professional Principles.

What Can You Expect From This Certified Program

Dementia ranks as the seventh leading cause of death globally and a significant contributor to disability among older adults. In 2019, the global economic impact of dementia reached a staggering $1.3 trillion, underscoring the immense burden on families, caregivers, and healthcare systems. Addressing this growing challenge requires advanced training and expertise to provide compassionate, effective care, reduce stress for caregivers, and improve the quality of life for those living with dementia.

This certified program offers a comprehensive exploration of dementia care, addressing core topics such as understanding dementia types, recognizing cognitive and behavioral changes, and implementing person-centered care strategies. You will gain advanced insights into therapeutic modalities, communication techniques, and environmental modifications that promote safety and independence. The program also emphasizes addressing unmet needs, managing challenging behaviors, and navigating the legal and ethical complexities of dementia care.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, this program focuses on practical implementation. You will learn to interpret behaviors as communication, develop effective de-escalation strategies, and integrate therapeutic activities such as music and art into daily care routines. Modules on cultural competency and supporting diverse populations ensure you can tailor care to meet individual needs. The program also addresses caregiver resilience and family support, ensuring a well-rounded approach to dementia care.

Upon completing the program and passing the Chartered exam, you will attain the Certified Advanced Care Dementia Specialist (CDC™) designation. This credential will enhance your professional credentials positioning you as a leader in the rapidly evolving field of dementia care, and opening doors to advanced career opportunities in healthcare, geriatric services, and specialized care environments. With the CDC™ designation, you will hold a credential that validates your specialized knowledge and commitment to excellence in dementia care, which can lead to leadership positions and increased earning potential in the growing field of geriatric healthcare.

Key Skills You Will Gain

  • Advanced Dementia Care
  • Dementia Diagnosis
  • Cognitive Assessment
  • Behavioural Management Person-Centered Care
  • Medication Management
  • Behavior Management
  • Caregiver Support
  • Behavioural Analysis and Interpretation
  • De-Escalation Techniques
  • Pain Recognition and Management
  • End-of-Life Care Planning
  • Elder Abuse Management
  • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
  • Root of Resistance to Care
  • Caregiver Stress and Burnout
  • Environmental Modification Unmet Needs
  • Cognitive Communication
  • Intuitive Communication
  • Therapeutic Activities & Modalities
  • Ethical Decision-Making
  • Advanced Care Planning
  • Compassionate Care
  • Needs-Based Care
  • End-of-life Decisions
  • Caregiver Resilience
  • Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication
  • Grief and Trauma Coping Strategies
  • Dementia Patient’s Rights

Your Faculty Director

Laura Herman
Laura Herman
Distinguished Leader in Dementia Care Innovation and Education

With over 25 years of unparalleled expertise in dementia care, Laura Herman stands as a leading authority dedicated to transforming the landscape of dementia support through innovation, education, and compassionate caregiving. Her career spans a spectrum of impactful roles, including caregiver, education director, and dementia care consultant, across diverse care settings such as memory care facilities, assisted living, skilled nursing, and home care environments.

As the founder and director of the ABC Dementia Course & Community, Laura has empowered countless caregivers through comprehensive training programs and personalized support. In her capacity as Chief Learning Officer at Mentia, she co-created CarePlay, an innovative dementia care training game designed to equip professionals with practical skills through immersive learning.

A sought-after thought leader, Laura is a distinguished speaker at premier national conferences, including the National Family Caregiver Conference and National Caregiving Conference, where her insights on behavioral communication, needs-based care strategies, and stress reduction techniques have earned widespread recognition. Her expertise extends to developing acclaimed training programs, such as Memory Care Essentials and Geriatrics for Healthcare Professionals for MedCerts, reflecting her commitment to advancing excellence in dementia care.

Certified Advanced Dementia Care Specialist (CDC™) Program Agenda

Module 1 - Understanding the Strengths & Challenges of People with Dementia
Module 2 - Understanding Human Needs in Dementia Care
Module 3 - Understanding the Dementia Diagnosis
Module 4 - The Impact of Dementia on the Brain
Module 5 - Enhancing Communication: Learning the Heart-Centered Language of Dementia
Module 6 - Behavior as Communication: Understanding and Responding to Challenging Behaviors
Module 7 - Translating the Message in Behavioral Communication
Module 8 - Pain and Comfort in Dementia Care
Module 9 - Understanding Medications in Dementia Care
Module 10 - Person-Centered Care in Dementia
Module 11 - Therapeutic Activities and Modalities
Module 12 - Creating a Therapeutic Environment
Module 13 - Supporting Nutrition and Hydration
Module 14 - Legal and Ethical Considerations in Dementia Care
Module 15 - Supporting Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Module 16 - Promoting Cooperation with Care
Module 17 - Caregiver Well-Being and Resilience
Module 18 - Course Conclusion: Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Chartered Exam

At the end of the program, there will be a Chartered exam comprised of 50 multiple choice questions. Upon passing the exam, you will be accredited with Certified Advanced Dementia Care Specialist (CDC™) designation.

  • 98% of students who have taken this exam have passed the exam successfully. Almost all professionals who have taken our courses have passed this exam and attain their Certified Advanced Dementia Care Specialist (CDC™) designation
  • The exam has 50 multiple choice questions and you need to answer 25 out of 50 questions correctly to pass the exam
  • You can re-take the exam online as many times as you want, with no additional charges for retaking of exams
  • The program cost already includes the exam fees, so there are no additional charges for taking the exam

If you have challenges passing the exam, you can secure assistance from our team and faculty leader to help you pass the exam.

Certified Advanced Dementia Care Specialist (CDC™) Designation

Upon completion of the program and successfully passing the Chartered exam, you will be awarded the prestigious Certified Advanced Dementia Care Specialist (CDC™), that can be used in your resume, CV and other professional credentials. This globally recognized and respected credential serves as a testament to your expertise in the field, granting you lifelong validity.

As a CDC™ certificate holder you establish yourself as a distinguished professional with demonstrated expertise in delivering comprehensive, person-centered care for individuals living with dementia. Developed by the Chartered Institute of Professional Certifications, this industry-recognized and trademarked charter validates your commitment to implementing evidence-based, holistic care approaches that enhance quality of life for both individuals with dementia and their families, while showcasing your dedication to maintaining the highest standards of compassionate, specialized care. Additionally, the program's content has been independently accredited and certified by the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) organization, guaranteeing adherence to rigorous standards of professional development.

Pricing & Registration

Please select one of the locations:

Australia & New Zealand

Dates: 26 - 28 May 2025

Venue: Online Executive Program (via Zoom)

Time: 9:00am - 4:30pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
11:00am - 6:30pm New Zealand Standard Time (NZST)


Early Bird Packages Regular Pricing
By 21 Mar 2025 By 02 May 2025 After 02 May 2025
Australia Delegates AUD 2,595 AUD 2,795 AUD 2,895
New Zealand Delegates NZD 2,595 NZD 2,795 NZD 2,895

Group Discount: 2nd participant get 10%, or register 3 participants and 4th participant get a complimentary seat (1 discount scheme applies)

Register Now

Download Brochure

You can download our program brochure below. If you have any inquiries on this program, please contact our Program Advisor at [email protected] or call us at:

  • Singapore and Asia Pacific: +65 6716 9980
  • Australia and New Zealand: +61 3 9909 7310
  • UK, Europe and Middle East: +44 (020) 335 57898
  • USA: +1 888 745 8875

On Demand Learning

If you are unable to make it to this program due to the dates, you can also enroll into our program through our on-demand learning. Click on the link below to go to our on demand learning to discover how you can enroll into the program and earn your Charter or certificate through our on demand learning platform.

Go to Our On Demand Learning Here

Convincing Your Boss To Attend This Program

Securing approval from your boss to attend this program can be difficult if you don’t know what to say. So we’ve prepared a template for you! All you need to do is to download this template, copy and paste in email and send it to your boss!

Download the Template Here

Certified Advanced Dementia Care Specialist (CDC™)

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